Old Timer coming back...

[Junoa]

I'll be staying a month in Lucea with my in-laws then coming to relax in Negril for a few weeks after. This will be my first trip back to Negril in many years and the first with my very food allergic son so I'll be cooking everything. I have a few questions and hope you can help. I'll be bringing a lot of stuff but I'll need some staples, is the Hi-Lo open 7 days? I guess if I reach on a Sunday I can always shop in Lucea and carry stuff down. I remember another little market in Red Ground, is that still there? My most important question is if anyone can refer a good local physician, I need to have contact available 24/7 in case of an emergency, I'll have our family car so transport is not an issue. Many thanks xo

[Bnewb]

Welcome Junoa...
The HiLo, Value Master & Quality Traders are open 7 days a week here in Negril. If you need a really extensive selection of groceries, you may choose to shop in Montego Bay at Mega Mart on your way to Lucea/Negril. Depending on what allergies you son has...they are much more accommodating now, also.

Below are three different medical offices...Dr. Grant who is located near the HiLo is very responsive and well-liked.
Negril Health Centre (Govt): 957-4926 - Doctor's Medical Clinic (near HiLo): 957-3770 - Omega Medical Clinic (near Roundabout): 957 - 9307

[suzengrace]

make sure you have med evac trip insurance -in case you need to get to a real,1st world style hospital (closest in Miami) You DO NOT want to find yourself staying for anything serious(or not serious IMHO) at sav or cornwall or any hospital... Dr Grant is great-but she comes form Mandeville and not available 24/7...in fact i'd call the above numbers to confirm if there is a Dr available 24/7....many times there not.....Just do a little research,as you are, ahead of time-and go with a peace of mind-Your going have a great time..

also-even though there is a public ambulance in Negril-theres alwasy a possibility it is on another call or out-of-service and ,etc..you should ALWAYS have the number of a private ambulance ..yes, it will cost (negil to Mobay $500) and they probably dont take credit cards...but just have it along with the other numbers in case....DO not depend solely on the public ambulance as a transport for a medical emergency...

[Bnewb]

SG...not sure where that info came from...but...Dr Grant does NOT drive in from Mandeville everyday...she lives nearby Negril!

Junoa...I have friends here with severe allergies & personally deal with this everyday!
If you can give us a bit more info we can help you out further, either here or in a private message...and...I'm also not sure where you are from...but going to Miami may not be your best bet if you're not American.

[Rob]

Junoa,

I have extreme allergies myself, and have been living here for the past 20 years nearly every single day - so an epi-pen and Benedryl are common things I carry.

Allergies are treated quickly and responsibly here as they are in most places - Royal Medical would be probably the first place I would head if I was having a serious reaction - it is in Sav -about a 22 minute drive. Call the doctors at each of the local clinics as listed in Bnewb's post and ask to have their cell phone number handy in case of an emergency.

And from personal experience, if you are near a pharmacy - checking with the pharmacist can often be the quickest way to solve some of the worst problems you might have. Feel free to call us if you have questions when you get here - 423-5479.

[Junoa]

THank you SO much!! I really appreciate this great information.

[Junoa]

Thank you! We live in Miami, but believe me he is severe, thats why it took me 7 years to be brave enough to come back with his condition. I'll have a car so transport is not an issue. Much appreciated.

[Junoa]

Junoa,

I have extreme allergies myself, and have been living here for the past 20 years nearly every single day - so an epi-pen and Benedryl are common things I carry.

Allergies are treated quickly and responsibly here as they are in most places - Royal Medical would be probably the first place I would head if I was having a serious reaction - it is in Sav -about a 22 minute drive. Call the doctors at each of the local clinics as listed in Bnewb's post and ask to have their cell phone number handy in case of an emergency.

And from personal experience, if you are near a pharmacy - checking with the pharmacist can often be the quickest way to solve some of the worst problems you might have. Feel free to call us if you have questions when you get here - 423-5479.

Oh thats so kind... I'm saving your number. Good to know that people are aware - my mother-in-law has never dealt with this, her shop is loaded with peanuts, all the kids are vegetarian and have peanut porridge a lot for breakfast...so much chance for cross-contamination my head spins!! Never mind the peenie wallie's I've given up LOL... I'll pack extra epi's, benadryl singles and a steroid. Thank you again!!

[Junoa]

SG...not sure where that info came from...but...Dr Grant does NOT drive in from Mandeville everyday...she lives nearby Negril!

Junoa...I have friends here with severe allergies & personally deal with this everyday!
If you can give us a bit more info we can help you out further, either here or in a private message...and...I'm also not sure where you are from...but going to Miami may not be your best bet if you're not American.

Thank you! We live in Miami so are able to get home quickly, but as you know reactions cant wait that long. Just trying to be well prepared, I appreciate all the help!

[Bnewb]

Thank you! We live in Miami so are able to get home quickly, but as you know reactions cant wait that long. Just trying to be well prepared, I appreciate all the help!

Ahhh...thanks for putting up your location, Junoa.
And, yes...I totally understand that time is of the essence with allergies...
Have a fabulous time here...I know you will!