The Ministry of Health is in discussion with the Finance Minister over the possibility of extra funding to help those in need following Hurricane Fabian.

Health Minister Patrice Minors said people were expected to lose their jobs as a result of the destruction caused by the hurricane last week, particularly in the hotel and service industry, which could leave people in financial straits.

"We are anticipating that the temporary closure of some hotels might result in more first time applicants for financial assistance," said Mrs. Minors.

"Therefore, we are developing contingency plans to meet the needs of those individuals, who, normally, would not require assistance but might present themselves for income support until they return to employment."

And she said financial assistance workers were also increasing the number of home visits, particularly to seniors and single parents, to determine whether there was any significant change in their circumstances.

The Minister added: "We are in discussion with the Ministry of Finance and that's an area where the Premier is quite keen for us to make some provision for."

At the press conference at Cabinet yesterday, Mrs. Minors said a new Fabian Relief Helpline set up on Thursday to enable residents to obtain advice and information had taken 12 calls during the first day.

She said she wanted to encourage people to use the helpline between 8.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. for assistance relating to home essentials, such as electricity, housing, ice, water and waste disposal; employment and loans; and access to contractors and help agencies.

The Health Minister gave advice about not drinking water that had been stagnant for long, and about not eating food that had been out of a freezer or refrigerator for some time, and she said health inspectors were visiting grocery stores and other food outlets, such as supermarkets and stores, to ensure they were operating safely.

But she said in the main there had been little evidence of any businesses putting customers in danger as most were well prepared beforehand.

And Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Cann said despite Hurricane Fabian badly affecting a number of doctors' surgeries this week, no one had been in danger or at risk.

A number of patients with appointments at surgeries on Point Finger Road have had to reschedule their appointments next week after the hurricane left scores of doctors without power for most of this week.

Some surgeries did have power restored late on Thursday night, but some were believed to still be without yesterday.

Gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr. Ian Fulton, who works out of Point Finger Road, said he had continued with his obstetric work, but had been forced to cancel all gynaecology appointments.

He said he was fortunate enough to have power restored on Thursday night.

"The phones have not been working and it's been really difficult to see patients when we didn't have any light," said Dr. Fulton.

"I have seen obstetric patients, but no gynaecology. We have had to reschedule those. From Monday next week we will be getting back to normal."

But yesterday at the press conference, Dr. Cann said while it had been unfortunate for surgeries to suffer problems at the hands of Hurricane Fabian, no one on the Island had been in danger.

He said: "Belco has addressed this fully. I would remind people that there has to be a methodical approach to restoring power and that Belco has to do it in a certain way."Emergency services are available. No one is at risk of not having adequate health care because of this situation."

For more information and advice, people can call the Fabian Relief Helpline on 232-6388.