Patients of the Hemodialysis Programme at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital who reside on the sister islands will continue to endure the inconvenience of mandatory travel to Tortola to receive this care for the foreseeable future.
That is according to Minister for Health and Social Development the Honourable Vincent Wheatley, who reported to the House of Assembly this week that the establishment of a satellite unit of this programme on Virgin Gorda faces significant challenges.
According to figures presented by the Minister, between 2017 and 2023 a total of 130 patients accessed dialysis services at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital.
Of these patients, 18 resided in Virgin Gorda.
As it currently stands 49 patients are enrolled in the Hemodialysis Programme, 10 of which reside in Virgin Gorda.
The Minister explained that previous reviews and studies conducted on the possibility of establishing a satellite programme in Virgin Gorda raised concerns surrounding the cost, long-term sustainability and quality of care possible through the smaller unit.
He went on to laud the quality of care currently delivered at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, adding that care at that site offers patients access to a better range of care.
Wheatley said that in the interim the Ministry for Health will continue to monitor and review the arrangements in place for the transport of renal patients, and determine where improvements can be made.
He also, at this time, relayed the ministry’s concerns surrounding trends in diabetes and renal failure in Virgin Gorda.