All BVIHSA patients & staff to be COVID-19 tested
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is taking a two-pronged approach to the current uptick in COVID-19 cases and noted that since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, the Health Services Authority has implemented multiple protocols to address various pandemic-related scenarios.
According to a July 2, 2021, press release, the authority said in consideration of the current strides to return the Territory to normalcy and the multiple cases recently discovered, the Incident Command Team of the BVIHSA met on 1 July 2021 and decided to upgrade the organization’s safeguarding strategy.
It was decided that the first of the two-prong approach will be focused on internal protection. In this regard, management decided that all BVIHSA staff and patients will be tested to ensure their wellbeing. These tests will be carried out by the Employee Health Unit.
In the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19, even if they have no symptoms, their supervisor will be notified and the employee will be asked to stay home and follow the Ministry of Health’s Covid protocols. Affected employees will also be provided with guidelines on when to report back to work.
In tandem with the tests, the BVIHSA will implement various safeguarding and social distance protocols to minimize COVID 19 exposure within the organization.
The second prong approach is external in nature and will see the organization monitoring and implementing among other things new changes to its visitation policy. This second prong is in keeping with the BVIHSA’s commitment to patient safety.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith explained that this two-pronged safeguarding initiative will be monitored over the coming weeks. The head of the BVIHSA also explained that this approach was necessary at this time. “We are committed to the health and wellness of our patients, hardworking and dedicated workforce; as well as the community we serve and we are taking the necessary precautions in this bold, proactive step; to ensure their protection and safety.”
Mrs. Malone added, “We will ensure every single employee is tested so they can know their status and take the necessary precautions to continue to stay safe.”
The new visitation policy has altered the hours of public access. As such visitation has been reduced to 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and only one visitor is allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, please note that special considerations will be given for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ICU, Pediatrics and patients with special circumstances.
It was decided that elective surgeries be scheduled with special guidelines; and Outpatient Clinics be opened from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for priority and high-risk cases that are by appointment only.
The Pharmacy will be open for drop off and pickups from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 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.
Outpatient imaging and Laboratory services are available to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please note that Sister Island clinics will be open to provide emergency care 24 hours a day seven days a week.
During this phase, the White Cedar Cafe will be closed to the public until further notice.
The BVI Health Services Authority is also reminding the public that vaccination is the best protection against COVID 19 and is encouraging all to do their part to protect their loved ones by getting vaccinated.
It was decided that the first of the two-prong approach will be focused on internal protection. In this regard, management decided that all BVIHSA staff and patients will be tested to ensure their wellbeing. These tests will be carried out by the Employee Health Unit.
In the event an employee tests positive for COVID-19, even if they have no symptoms, their supervisor will be notified and the employee will be asked to stay home and follow the Ministry of Health’s Covid protocols. Affected employees will also be provided with guidelines on when to report back to work.
In tandem with the tests, the BVIHSA will implement various safeguarding and social distance protocols to minimize COVID 19 exposure within the organization.
The second prong approach is external in nature and will see the organization monitoring and implementing among other things new changes to its visitation policy. This second prong is in keeping with the BVIHSA’s commitment to patient safety.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith explained that this two-pronged safeguarding initiative will be monitored over the coming weeks. The head of the BVIHSA also explained that this approach was necessary at this time. “We are committed to the health and wellness of our patients, hardworking and dedicated workforce; as well as the community we serve and we are taking the necessary precautions in this bold, proactive step; to ensure their protection and safety.”
Mrs. Malone added, “We will ensure every single employee is tested so they can know their status and take the necessary precautions to continue to stay safe.”
The new visitation policy has altered the hours of public access. As such visitation has been reduced to 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and only one visitor is allowed at a time for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, please note that special considerations will be given for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ICU, Pediatrics and patients with special circumstances.
It was decided that elective surgeries be scheduled with special guidelines; and Outpatient Clinics be opened from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for priority and high-risk cases that are by appointment only.
The Pharmacy will be open for drop off and pickups from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 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.
Outpatient imaging and Laboratory services are available to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please note that Sister Island clinics will be open to provide emergency care 24 hours a day seven days a week.
During this phase, the White Cedar Cafe will be closed to the public until further notice.
The BVI Health Services Authority is also reminding the public that vaccination is the best protection against COVID 19 and is encouraging all to do their part to protect their loved ones by getting vaccinated.
