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BVIHSA gets 2 new ambulances; 1 for VG

- VI Gov’t funded one & other was funded by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS)
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has introduced two new ambulances into its fleet, which it says has set a new benchmark for emergency response capabilities across the [British] Virgin Islands. Photo: BVIHSA
Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) extended appreciation to YCCS for funding the ambulance for Virgin Gorda. Photo: BVIHSA
Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) extended appreciation to YCCS for funding the ambulance for Virgin Gorda. Photo: BVIHSA
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has introduced two new ambulances into its fleet, which it says has set a new benchmark for emergency response capabilities across the [British] Virgin Islands.

One of the ambulances was funded by the Ministry of Health and the other was provided by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS), specifically designated for use on Virgin Gorda.

“These newly acquired ambulances not only expand the existing fleet but also signify a significant leap forward in optimizing the BVIHSA’s emergency response capabilities. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and manned by highly skilled healthcare professionals, these ambulances stand ready to traverse the length and breadth of the territory at a moment's notice, drastically reducing response times and maximizing the chances of positive outcomes for patients,” the BVIHSA stated in a press release today, April 2, 2024.

The handing over ceremony featured remarks from the Acting CEO of BVIHSA Dr June M. Samuel and the Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9). Both emphasised the positive impact that the delivery of these ambulances will have on the healthcare landscape of the Territory, underscoring the collaborative spirit and shared commitment towards safeguarding the well-being of the community.

'Not merely an upgrade'- Hon Wheatley

The Minister of Health noted that the new ambulances are not merely an upgrade but a testament to the overall commitment to enhancing emergency medical services. He stated, “These ambulances will play a crucial role in improving our capacity to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively, ultimately saving lives and ensuring the well-being of our community.”

Hon Wheatley also extended appreciation to YCCS for funding the ambulance for Virgin Gorda. “Their commitment to supporting healthcare is truly commendable and greatly valued. This donation is a shining example of what can be achieved when public and private sectors collaborate for the good of the community.”

Dr Samuel stated, “this is a part of our overall development of the emergency response services.” The Acting CEO celebrated the fact that one of the ambulances will be stationed on Virgin Gorda. She noted that an ambulance is already stationed at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic, but noted that this new ambulance allows for redundancy in the response system on that island.

9 Responses to “BVIHSA gets 2 new ambulances; 1 for VG”

  • Well saw. (02/04/2024, 14:23) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was excited. Thoight they Got the AC the Hospital sought out...
  • Use some of the music fest or travelfunds (02/04/2024, 14:32) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    VIP we need the A/C in the hospital fixed ASAP
  • herbs power (02/04/2024, 14:45) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    I was surprised over the weekend to learn that VG has way better roads than Tortola
  • Wellsah (02/04/2024, 16:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    big up to YCCS for filling the void of government services, because you know investing in music fests are more important than emergency services.
  • HNR Block (02/04/2024, 20:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is great news, especially for VG! Now if we can figure out a way to keep one in the Valley and one over North side! Come on VIP we’re trusting you can figure this out along with getting those YCCS permits approved in a timely manner, we need that place up and running again asap!!
  • ................................. (03/04/2024, 05:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    With the new ambulances helping hands are needed....
  • Patient (03/04/2024, 10:25) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Besides Ac peebles is one of the lowest in the caribbean hospital field and i saying that and i havent seen others down too staff some of them awesome no lie but the rest disrespectfull n out of place dont care bout nothing getting paid
  • Stealth (03/04/2024, 19:24) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Healthcare should be the #1 priority in the VI ( British ) as note and exemplified by others bloggers. Further, in emergency, seconds matter, so it is that residents in distress get ambulance support services as quickly as possible. And ambulance services must be much more than a pick and ride to the hospital. The ambulance’s should be staffed we trained personnel, and stock with supplies to provide services/attention to patients while on the way to the hospital. Moreover, one’s address should not go maximum extent possible and practical not be a determinant on how quickly people in distress receive ambulance services. Ambulance centers should be deployed across the territory so that for the most part residents are located equidistantly from ambulance responses. All ambulances should not be located in Road Town. Providing this level of ambulance services will come at an increased cost. But residents should be assessed a fee to supplement ambulance services.
    • @Stealth (04/04/2024, 11:15) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      To Stealthy, I endorsed the idealism but I’m not confident about realism in the short/term, though it should be in our long-term planning.


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