Iris Penn Smith Clinic closure due to staff shortage

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has revealed that the temporary closure of the Iris Penn Smith Clinic in East End is due to a staff shortage.

Marketing & Public Relations Manager at the BVIHSA, Damion Grange, confirmed the staffing issue while speaking on ZBVI Radio on Tuesday, January 14, describing it as one of the factors contributing to the clinic’s closure.

Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn also voiced his concerns during the radio broadcast.

“I have raised the point that the agency is not properly resourced. They haven’t had a board meeting in months because they lack enough board members,” Penn said.

He emphasised the need for better funding for the BVIHSA, pointing out the financial challenges the agency is facing.

“Every time there is a resourcing issue, they have to close the East End clinic,” Penn lamented. “This is not the first time they’ve had this issue. I expressed my concern to the minister yesterday, and I’ll continue to raise it with the BVIHSA.”

“I don’t accept that my people always have to suffer when there’s a resourcing issue,” Penn added.

The BVIHSA had announced the temporary closure of the clinic on Monday, January 13, attributing it to efforts to reallocate resources and streamline operations to improve healthcare delivery in the East End area. During the closure, all services offered at the Iris Penn Smith Clinic are being redirected to the Rosalind Penn Clinic in Long Look. Patients in need of medical care are advised to visit the Long Look clinic.

This development comes shortly after Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced plans to write off nearly $20 million in debt owed by the BVIHSA to the government, as part of efforts to support the authority’s financial stability.