The BVIHSA confirmed they received the devices and the masks on Monday January 4.

Vice President and Commercial Relationship and Credit Manager at Banco Popular Darren Vanterpool said the portable ventilators will be of use not only in the mainland of Tortola, but also on the sister islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

This is due to the ventilators being lightweight and having the capacity to provide up to 11 hours of service on the internal battery power.

“We see this as most beneficial while transporting emergency patients, particularly from the outlying sister islands, to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. These devices are regulatory approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use and Medtronics will provide training and offer technical support through its regional representative in Puerto Rico,” Vanterpool stated.

Enough equipment to operate on 200 patients

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA Mrs Cedorene Malone-Smith said the ability to do extra with the portable ventilators cannot be overstated.

“If something happens on the sister islands, we now have the capacity to move more efficiently with a ventilator, which we didn’t have in the past. Not only did they donate the ventilators, they gave us enough of the accessories and consumables for 200 patients! So they come ready to go and that is greatly appreciated,” she stated.

Minister pleased with donation

Meanwhile, Health Minister Carvin Malone said he was pleased with the bank’s display of corporate responsibility, and encouraged other corporate organisations to partner with the BVIHSA or government to assist with further enhancing the territory’s resistance against the pandemic.

“I would like to thank Banco Popular for their generosity, as they have spared no expense and I look forward to working with them in the future,” he stated.