UPDATE: Building Issue Forces Relocation Of VG Clinic Services

A building issue that has compromised air quality at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic has forced the temporary relocation and adjustment of healthcare services on Virgin Gorda (VG).

In an updated statement today, September 3, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) described the building issue as minor and said its maintenance team is working to address it.

A deep cleaning of the facility is also scheduled to ensure that it is safe for staff and patients.

The update follows an earlier advisory from BVIHSA that the clinic was temporarily limited to emergency cases because of an issue affecting staff availability.

Under the revised arrangements, 24-hour emergency services will be available at St. Mary’s Anglican Hall beginning this evening.

The North Sound Clinic will provide wound dressing services on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while vaccinations will also be administered at that location. Home visits will continue as normal.

The North Sound Clinic will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Inquiries can be made by calling 440-1661.

Prescriptions must be phoned in on 284-440-6105 before 11 a.m. Filled prescriptions can be collected at St. Mary’s Anglican Hall at 2 p.m.

Members of the public should call 911 in the event of an emergency.

BVIHSA thanked patients and the wider community for their patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided once normal operations at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic can resume.

Previous Article-Staffing Issue Limits VG Clinic To Emergency Cases

The Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic on Virgin Gorda (VG) is temporarily treating emergency cases only due to an issue affecting staff availability, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) announced today, September 3.

The Authority did not disclose the nature of the issue or indicate how long the restriction is expected to remain in place.

BVIHSA said it is actively assessing the situation and will provide information on alternative options for patients as soon as possible.

The latest disruption comes two days after a staffing shortage, compounded by illness among employees, forced the temporary suspension of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) coverage from the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on September 1.

Later that day, BVIHSA announced that EMS had become available again and that evening and night shifts would resume from the hospital.

As a temporary measure, the Road Town Fire Department was also assigned to assist EMS personnel in responding to emergency calls to maintain coverage.

The Authority apologised for any inconvenience caused by the restrictions at the Virgin Gorda clinic and thanked the public for its patience and understanding.