BVIHSA addresses public concerns over staffing and medical supplies

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has reassured the public of its commitment to delivering quality healthcare following concerns about staffing shortages and medical supply availability at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.

In a press release on Tuesday, March 11, the BVIHSA emphasised that efforts are underway to resolve the ongoing issue.

“Like many healthcare institutions worldwide, we continue to face staffing challenges,” the release stated. “To address this, we are actively recruiting clinicians and have initiated the process of engaging a consultant to review our compensation packages, ensuring we remain competitive.”

Regarding concerns over a shortage of medical supplies, the BVIHSA suggested that these reports might be due to the timing of restocking or delays in reporting low supplies.

“As part of our efforts to optimise supply management and reduce waste, a recent policy adjustment placed certain supplies under the oversight of the charge nurse on duty, ensuring they are distributed as needed and properly accounted for,” the authority explained. “In light of the concerns raised, we are now reviewing this process to ensure it remains both efficient and responsive to patient care needs.”

The BVIHSA also addressed claims that a patient was at risk of “bleeding out,” stating that such a scenario is unlikely unless there is a pre-existing condition.

“We also take this opportunity to clarify that Hep-locks are not required in all cases. A Hep-lock (heparin lock) is a small IV device used to provide intermittent access for medication or fluids without the need for repeated needle sticks. However, not every patient requires one, as many medications can be administered orally, by injection, or through alternative IV setups when necessary,” the BVIHSA clarified, noting that their use is determined by medical discretion.

Additionally, the authority dismissed reports of an abandoned hospital ward, explaining that the relocation of the third-floor Medical Unit to the fifth floor was a strategic move to establish an isolation unit near the Emergency Room.

“While staffing challenges have required us to streamline resources in some areas, the adjustments made to the third and fifth floors were not due to staffing shortages but rather a deliberate effort to enhance pandemic preparedness while continuing to provide high-quality patient care,” the BVIHSA stated.

Financial constraints

The authority acknowledged that financial constraints contribute to these challenges but maintained that steps are being taken to address them.

“We are exploring strategies to enhance staff retention by improving working conditions, expanding career development opportunities, and advocating for increased funding during our Standing Finance Committee appearances, particularly in light of rising healthcare costs,” the release noted.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley recently commented on the hospital’s financial situation, highlighting significant increases in funding.

“In a short matter of years, we went from $15 million annually to $42 million,” Dr. Wheatley stated. “So it’s not that you’re not putting money into the hospital, it means that you could continue pumping money into the hospital and barely even scratch the surface.”

He also mentioned plans to restructure how the National Health Insurance (NHI) compensates the BVIHSA for services. Currently, the authority receives a fixed global payment regardless of service volume. The proposed model would ensure payments reflect the actual cost of services provided.

Health Minister Vincent Wheatley further announced plans to bring in a financial expert to help the BVIHSA better manage its resources. He noted that maintaining the new hospital facilities had significantly increased government expenditure, doubling previous budgets.

The BVIHSA remains committed to addressing the concerns raised and ensuring that the healthcare system continues to meet the needs of the population.