Staff at Lautoka Hospital are continuing their efforts to maintain services - MOH

The Health Ministry has confirmed that staff at Lautoka Hospital are continuing their efforts to maintain services following yesterday's fire.

The Ministry has revealed in a statement that the team from the Head Office has been working alongside local management to ensure that there are adequate supplies of essential items.

It says that additional oxygen cylinders and associated equipment have been transferred from Suva to replace the piped supply which is currently unavailable and negotiations are underway to arrange access to alternative, local X‑ray services while repairs are carried out at Lautoka Hospital.

The Ministry of Health says it is expected that specialist outpatient services will begin operating again tomorrow for patients with appointments and general outpatient services remain suspended until further notice and patients should continue to use nearby Health Centres which will remain open until 10pm.

It adds that a special 24‑hour telephone helpline has been set up and patients or other members of the public who require information on the availability of services at Lautoka Hospital can call 623 0700.