Hospital Visitation Resumes
The management of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has reassessed the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, and made a decision to relax the visitation protocol that was adopted as a response to the recent spike in COVID-19 positive cases throughout the Territory.
In consideration of the decrease in cases, the BVIHSA has decided that effective February 11, 2022, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the BVIHSA will resume visitation, in a limited capacity at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
According to the BVISA, in the interest of maintaining safety during this pandemic, management has implemented new requirements for members of the public visiting the hospital.
"All visitors will be required to present a negative COVID-19 (Antigen or PCR) test from a government-approved laboratory, that is no more than three days old. All visitors must enter via the Dr. D, Orlando Smith Hospital main entrance. Upon entry, visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 through a verbal screening process. Each patient will be permitted two visitors for the duration of their hospitalization. These visitors will be placed on a Special Visitation List and will be given a visitors’ pass. Each visit will be limited to one hour maximum per person per day," the BVIHSA stated.
Further, the BVIHSA explained that each visitor must wear a face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth at all times.
"Fathers of newborns will be given special consideration for regular visits. Special consideration will also be given to extenuating circumstances, especially as it relates to the elderly, end of life or other clinical situations. Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No persons will be allowed to visit the COVID-19 Isolation Unit except for extenuating circumstances," the BVIHSA stated.
The BVIHSA added that it takes patient safety seriously and wishes to advise the public that the ongoing protocol amendments are introduced to ensure the continued safety of our staff, patients and visitors.
According to the BVISA, in the interest of maintaining safety during this pandemic, management has implemented new requirements for members of the public visiting the hospital.
"All visitors will be required to present a negative COVID-19 (Antigen or PCR) test from a government-approved laboratory, that is no more than three days old. All visitors must enter via the Dr. D, Orlando Smith Hospital main entrance. Upon entry, visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 through a verbal screening process. Each patient will be permitted two visitors for the duration of their hospitalization. These visitors will be placed on a Special Visitation List and will be given a visitors’ pass. Each visit will be limited to one hour maximum per person per day," the BVIHSA stated.
Further, the BVIHSA explained that each visitor must wear a face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth at all times.
"Fathers of newborns will be given special consideration for regular visits. Special consideration will also be given to extenuating circumstances, especially as it relates to the elderly, end of life or other clinical situations. Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No persons will be allowed to visit the COVID-19 Isolation Unit except for extenuating circumstances," the BVIHSA stated.
The BVIHSA added that it takes patient safety seriously and wishes to advise the public that the ongoing protocol amendments are introduced to ensure the continued safety of our staff, patients and visitors.
