ELECTIVE SURGERIES HALTED – ACCESS TO CLINICS LIMITED

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) in fulfillment of its COVID 19 prevention mandate will be halting its visitation access and elective surgery services with immediate effect.

In light of the further uptick of COVID 19 cases, the BVIHSA management team decided that general visitation to the hospital should be suspended temporarily. This is being done to protect patients and staff from further exposure to the coronavirus.

While most of the guidelines will remain in effect; persons are advised that there will be no visitation except for cases of special circumstances. The BVIHSA is also halting elective surgeries, laboratory, imaging services and specialty clinics will be available for telemedicine only.

It was decided that the pharmacy will be open for drop off and pickups from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m; as such persons are encouraged to WhatsApp prescriptions to (284) 440 – 1726 or call-in prescriptions at (284) 852 – 7556 or 7659 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on weekdays only.

Acting CEO Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith stated that exceptions will be made for pediatric and hospice patients; as well as other special circumstances which will be determined by the clinical care team.

 “We request the understanding of the community, as we all make sacrifices and do things necessary to protect each other from COVID-19. Our policy is not set in stone; it will change as our risks and the situation changes. We will amend our guidelines as necessary and keep you updated on any changes,” the Acting CEO added.

As the BVIHSA proceeds with efforts to minimize COVID 19 case numbers, we advise approved visitors to be mindful of possible exposure. Therefore, we strongly recommend that if you are sick, have a fever (a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19), or might have been exposed to the virus that you do not visit or accompany a patient.

At this time no general visitation will be allowed. Persons who utilize the community clinics are being informed that telemedicine services are being offered during this period. This means that medical staff will do consultation by phone and appointments will be given if necessary.

In order to access the clinics at this time persons are asked to call: Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic and North Sound Clinic 852-7730, 440-1661, 345-2613; Jost Van Dyke 852-7795, 852-7796, 346-1709; Romalia Smith Clinic (Anegada) 852-7787, 440-1627, 346-9801; Theresa Smith Blyden Clinic (Capoon’s Bay) 852-6950, 440-1641, 440-1728; and the Iris Penn Smith Clinic (East End) 852-7750, 440-1631, 440-1636.

The BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client-centered healthcare across the Territory.