Hospital to get big boost with new oxygen system

The Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital is set to receive a major boost in its operations as the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) takes steps to build an Oxygen Generator System at the institution.

The BVIHSA said it awarded a contract valued at $182,260.93 to Connect Enterprises Ltd. to construct a special building to house the Oxygen Generator System.

The new facility will be purpose-built to house bulk oxygen tanks and associated equipment in accordance with international safety and health standards for medical gas systems. It will enhance the territory’s capacity to deliver consistent, high-quality patient care by reducing reliance on external oxygen supplies and strengthening the hospital’s emergency response infrastructure.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Vincent Wheatley said: “I am happy to witness the first of a series of contracts aimed at upgrading and increasing the resilience of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. This is an important investment in the infrastructure that supports the health and well-being of our people.”

The project will be managed by the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA). Construction is expected to span approximately 75 days from the start of works.

Despite the challenges faced by the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital, the institution has been granted full accreditation from the esteemed accrediting body DNV-GL (Det Norske Veritas and Germanischer Lloyd).

This accreditation makes it the first Caribbean institution to be recognised by DNV-GL, which boasts an accreditation list that includes over 635 US hospitals and 15 others spanning Brazil, China, Iceland, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Thailand.