BVIHSA and RDA sign agreement for major hospital renovations

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and the Recovery & Development Agency (RDA) have signed a multi-agreement contract for the renovation of Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, focusing on the Annex and the major Peebles wing.

RDA CEO Anthony McMaster and Minister for Health Vincent Wheatley emphasized that these upgrades are critical to maintaining the hospital’s accreditation status and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare.

“These improvements include roof repairs, renovations to the clinic lobby, generator connections for three facilities, and upgrades to the Information Technology, Human Resources, dialysis, and laundry areas,” McMaster explained.

Health Minister Wheatley described the initiative as the largest infrastructural investment in healthcare to date, underscoring its role in enhancing medical service delivery.

“Quality healthcare can only be realized through the provision of quality health facilities,” he stated. “These improvements will provide our medical professionals with the necessary infrastructure to enhance service delivery.”

Interim BVIHSA CEO Dr. June Samuels indicated that Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who also serves as Minister of Finance, has committed to providing additional funding if necessary.

“I think the Premier is aware of all the infrastructural work we want to undertake, and I have been reassured that once we demonstrate efficient use of these funds, additional funding will be made available,” she said.

Dr. Samuels also confirmed that the renovations will be implemented in phases to minimize disruption to hospital operations while maintaining high standards of care.

The renovations will be carried out over the next two years, with $4 million allocated from the government’s newly acquired $100 million loan facility.

As part of the government’s National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP), the first national goal—Health and Wellness—lists the hospital’s improvement plan as a key project.