In a dyer plea, The BVI Health Services Authority is urgently inviting trained and experienced health care workers; as well as retired clinicians to join its COVID-19 Clinical Locum Bank. This initiative is aimed at quickly acquiring critically needed medical human resources to better respond to the current COVID 19 outbreak.
The recent upsurge of COVID 19 cases in the Territory has also affected the staff complement of the Health Services Authority leaving the organization, which is the leading medical service provider in the BVI to operate under additional strain. This unfavorable situation has resulted in significant hardship for the employees of the BVIHSA who have been working under enormous pressure since the pandemic began in March of 2020.
In response to the immense strain on an already pressured and overworked staff that is reduced in numbers, Acting CEO Cedorene P Malone-Smith requested that a COVID-19 Clinical Locum Bank be established immediately. This formation is aimed at sustaining the BVI Health Services Authority’s ability to continue to respond effectively to the current COVID 19 outbreak.
While commenting on the urgent need for the COVID-19 Locum Bank Mrs. Malone-Smith said, “As an organization we are constantly being tested and this unfortunate public health crisis is yet another hurdle we must overcome. Nonetheless, we remain committed to our motto that only “excellence counts” even as we work through the significant challenges this situation has caused. This Locum Bank is critical right now; not only to provide urgently needed staff support, but to ensure that the BVI community receives the best medical care possible.”
The Locum bank is open to all trained, qualified and registered healthcare workers in the Territory. This also includes senior and retired clinicians. The role will be on an as-is-needed basis and paid. Since COVID is a fluid situation a definite duration is difficult to state at this time.
Additionally, the BVI Health Services Authority is seeking external support to augment its current response capability.
Interested persons are asked to email the BVI Health Services Authority at tpenn@bvihsa.vg to request a registration form.