Service resumes at Nurse Iris O’Neal clinic

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has announced that services will resume at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic on Virgin Gorda following completion of air-conditioning installation and a comprehensive cleaning process.

The BVIHSA stated in a press release that an air quality assessment was also done to ensure the building meets safety and environmental standards.

With the works completed, the Authority confirmed that healthcare services will return to the clinic. The relocation process began on Wednesday, February 18, and is expected to be completed within three days, as staff and equipment are moved back into the facility.

Officials cautioned that there may be brief interruptions to some services during the transition period. Pharmacy services, in particular, could face temporary delays as equipment and supplies are repositioned and systems are fully restored.

The clinic had been impacted by the need for infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to its air-conditioning system and cleaning to meet operational standards. Previous updates from health officials indicated that the closure was linked to facility conditions that required remedial works before normal operations could safely continue, a matter that also drew public concern on Virgin Gorda and prompted calls for the timely restoration of services.

Health Minister Vincent Wheatley had earlier acknowledged the disruption to residents as he provided an update on the repair work at the clinic, explaining that a temporary field hospital had been erected to maintain services while the facility’s air-conditioning issues were addressed. He emphasised that the unit was a purpose-built medical structure deployed due to the air-conditioning failure at the clinic.

The BVIHSA apologised for any inconvenience caused during the transition and thanked the Virgin Gorda community for its patience and cooperation, while reiterating its commitment to maintaining a safe, comfortable, and fully operational healthcare environment for residents and visitors.