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Construction of Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on VG resumes

Construction on the new Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda has resumed. Photo: Provided
Construction work on the facility had halted for an extended period. Photo: Provided
Construction work on the facility had halted for an extended period. Photo: Provided
After telling the people of Virgin Gorda, as one of their campaign promises, that they were going to build a new hospital on the sister island, the National Democratic Party (NDP) government is instead going ahead with the construction of a facility that will be known as the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. Photo: GIS/File
After telling the people of Virgin Gorda, as one of their campaign promises, that they were going to build a new hospital on the sister island, the National Democratic Party (NDP) government is instead going ahead with the construction of a facility that will be known as the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. Photo: GIS/File
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- The construction of the new Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda has resumed after a brief hiatus caused by difficulties encountered in the obtaining of steel frames for the design specifications.

According to reports reaching this news site, the steel frames have since arrived and work resumed well over a week ago.

Both Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Mrs Petrona N. Davies and Project Manager Ms Shaina M. Smith confirmed that the project had resumed.

“I know that we are in the process of erecting the steel frames for construction,” Davies told Virgin Islands News Online today Wednesday November 23, 2016.

Smith said the first phase of the project, includes the construction of the building and the “fit-out” of the first floor is scheduled to be completed in August 2017.

Upon completion, the first floor will house departments for urgent care, pharmacy, x-ray and laboratory services, while the second floor will include dentistry and physical therapy services, consultation and examination rooms.

Contract sum increased by $116,690.50

The Ground Breaking and Contracting Signing Ceremony for the facility were held on March 30, 2015. The original contract sum of $5,969,687.39 was increased by $116,690.50 when the scope of works was varied to include additional earthworks and other necessary modifications, bringing the total construction cost to $6,086,377.89.

The contract was awarded to James Todman Construction Ltd.  

Back in 2015, the Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton noted that the ceremony to kick start the project marks a significant milestone for the people of Virgin Gorda.

“The construction of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre has been long overdue and this event signifies that plans are in motion to ensure that the residents of Virgin Gorda have access to the highest standard of healthcare available.”

Many Virgin Gorda residents, however, had expressed disappointment that the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government had stepped away from their campaign promise of a hospital and was instead delivering a smaller facility.

12 Responses to “Construction of Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on VG resumes”

  • lmao (23/11/2016, 15:57) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Isn't it still a Hospital? So what if it's called medical center or clinic? WTF?

    "Upon completion, the first floor will house departments for urgent care, pharmacy, x-ray and laboratory services, while the second floor will include dentistry and physical therapy services, consultation and examination rooms."
    • Yes (23/11/2016, 22:19) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      So they can barely staff and run those services on Tortola. Lets see how this works out for Ronnie and his merry band of misfits.
  • Hopeful (23/11/2016, 18:01) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Im hoping to get a job there
    • wize up (24/11/2016, 03:45) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      @ hopeful: keep hope alive because if you are a belonger you are not capable of getting the job done)
      • Watch and see. (24/11/2016, 06:05) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
        Ok. We know the game. Start stop, start stop and finish 3 to 6 months before election then brac about it during the next election campaign.. We will watch and see..
  • :) (23/11/2016, 20:26) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    CHINESE CONNECTIONS AT PLAY????
  • wize up (23/11/2016, 21:57) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    Fraser gone VG to beat up on Oneal(NDP) while his(VIP) affiliate had the golden opportunity to improve the health care system in VG: however did no-thing for many many years(prove me wrong)......prove me wrong!!!!
  • street reporter. (24/11/2016, 06:00) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Base on what I'm reading there is no space, beds and facilities for those who are so sick where sending them home is very risky and need to stay over night for medical attention and observations...if that service not included it's a 6 million dollars waste.
  • Just observing (24/11/2016, 09:12) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Full time and anyway it seems as lives have to be lost for this to be resumed. Govt always find money for many other things and no the most important ones. There are many advisors to govt but most only give advice for their own personal interest and not that will benefit the country on a whole
  • de silent one (24/11/2016, 14:12) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    At lease Virgin Gordians can give thanks to the NDP for promise made and promise kept. Look at the structure in compare to what is was before. Give credit where credit are due, it's a start in the right direction with improvement over the years they can be a fully equip and staff facility.
    • wize up (24/11/2016, 21:16) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ de silent one...within 2 years on the job:some couldn't get it done in over 30 plus years(talk that).....
  • W*F (25/11/2016, 10:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    This will just be a building just like Peebles Hospital, where we can't get efficient medical care. NDP thinks that building structures and calling them Medical Clinics or Hospital, that's the end of it. These building exercises are just to give building contracts to their cronies. NDP so f***g crooked.


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