Residents can now access primary care services at the BVIHSA community clinics around the Territory including prescription drop offs and pickups.
The Primary healthcare facilities were closed following the institution of curfews by the Government in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Director of Primary Health Care, Dr. Natasha Frett said the clinics are providing services ranging from wound care, child health, immunisation, family planning, chronic diseases, home visits, tele-medicine, antenatal and postnatal care and prescription drop off and pick-up services.”
Dr. Frett added that the BVI Health Services Authority is quite pleased with the telemedicine service currently being provided to chronic care patients. “This was something we put in place during the lock down and it has been working well.” She explained, adding “We are able to keep in touch with our patients and directly engage them in the management of their disease. This will service will continue.” The Theresa Smith Blyden, Road Town Health Centre, Rosalind Penn, Iris Penn Smith, Jost Van Dyke, Nurse Iris O’Neal, North Sound, and Romalia Smith clinics have resumed regular services.
Persons wishing to access services are encouraged to call and make appointments and ensure that they wear a mask, ensure their hands are sanitised and comply with the social distancing instructions in place at each facility. “The clinic schedules have been reviewed and revised to ensure that all community needs are met in a safe manner in this the “new regular”, Dr. Frett said.
Dr. Frett also announced that prescriptions will be filled by the pharmacy and returned to clinics for dispatch. Persons will be able to collect the prescriptions and pay at the clinic for their convenience.
“We are trying to make things easier and accessible for our clients while remaining safe from Covid-19. I want to encourage persons who will be using this service not to wait until their medication is finished to fill their prescriptions. Prescription should be filled at least five days prior to completion to ensure continuity”, Dr. Frett advised.
According to the director, immunisation activities were also affected during the pandemic lock down and immunisation clinic appointments have been increased at all health facilities to facilitate missed vaccinations. “Children will be scheduled for appointments with priority being given to persons requiring measles vaccine”, Dr. Frett stated.
The community is encouraged to access the services at the various clinics as much as possible and ensure that face masks are worn, proper hand hygiene, and social distancing are practiced when accessing services.