Eight clinics reopen territory-wide

At least eight community clinics across the British Virgin Islands have reopened and will be providing residents with a number of primary care services, including prescription drop-offs and pickups.

This is according to a recent media release from the Ministry of Health which advised residents wishing to utilise medical services from the community clinics to call ahead and make appointments.

The clinical facilities which are open include the Theresa Smith Blyden Clinic in Cappoon’s Bay, the Road Town Health Centre, and the Rosalind Penn and Iris Penn Smith clinics located in the East End/Long Look communities.

On the sister islands, the clinics which have opened include the Jost Van Dyke Clinic, the Nurse Romalia Smith Clinic on Anegada, and the Nurse Iris O’Neal and North Sound clinics on Virgin Gorda.

Service to be provided

Director of Primary Health Care at the BVI Health Services Authority, Dr Natasha Frett said services which will be provided by the listed facilities include antenatal and postnatal care, wound care, child health, immunisation, home visits, chronic diseases, family planning, telemedicine and postnatal care and prescription drop-off and pick-up services.

Prescriptions

According to Dr Frett, the Ministry of Health has made the collection of prescriptions for residents less stressful, with pharmacies now filling and returning all prescriptions to clinics for dispatch.

“We are trying to make things easier and accessible for our clients while remaining safe from COVID-19,” Dr Frett said.

“I want to encourage persons who will be using this service not to wait until their medication is finished to fill their prescriptions.  Prescription should be filled at least five days prior to completion to ensure continuity,” she added.

Telemedicine service

The director also gave a strong review of the newly-implemented telemedicine service which was instituted for chronic care patients.

“This was something we put in place during the lockdown and it has been working well…We are able to keep in touch with our patients and directly engage them in the management of their disease.  This service will continue,” she stated.

Immunisations

Meanwhile, Dr Frett also said appointments for immunisation at clinics have increased, following its disruption which was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Children will be scheduled for appointments with priority being given to persons requiring measles vaccine,” she stated.

Persons visiting any of the clinics are asked to adhere to government’s socials distancing measures and are required to wear a mask to receive service.