UPDATE: VG residents satisfied with designs for new clinic
This was revealed last evening May 7, 2013 at a community meeting at the Catholic Community Centre in Virgin Gorda. The meeting was called by Government in conjunction with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) to discuss plans for the development of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Centre. Contractor Avaline Potter of A.R. Potter and Associates presented the conceptual designs, which have been given the nod of approval from residents.
A second design for the new facility was presented to residents since, according to Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development Ms Petrona Davies, the first design was rejected by the community.
“As the Minister for Health, as your Minister I would assure you that this new facility will be fully equipped to handle most medical situations that will arise here in Virgin Gorda,” said Hon. Skelton. He assured that the facility will be fully equipped with the necessaries to stabilise patients for transportation to Tortola.
Hon. Skelton also assured that the facility would be opened on a 24 hour basis and that the medical staff would be on call to handle emergency situations.
The $334,370 contract for the design of the new facility was signed on November 30, 2012 by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE, and contractor Avaline Potter of A.R. Potter and Associates; witnessed by Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton and Jeremiah Frett, respectively.
“This new facility would be a phased development project which is estimated to take, from tonight once we get the green light, it’s gonna be completed within 18 – 24 months.” Hon Skelton also said the service of the new Iris O’Neal Clinic will be expanded to meet the health services needs of the community as they go forward in time.
“Monies have already been allocated in the 2013 budget for the finalized construction drawings and to start moving forward with preliminary works once we agree on what is being presented here tonight.”
Hon Skelton assured residents of Virgin Gorda that improving their health service starts with building new hospitals, medical centres and clinics.
Residents had previously claimed that the design was too elaborate, they did not want a miniature version of that of the New Peebles Hospital, and that they did not want a facility that would have been too costly to build and operate.
According to the chairperson of last night’s public meeting, Permanent Secretary Ms Petrona Davies, residents had indicated that what they wanted was a facility that would have sufficient capacity to stabilize and monitor patients, coupled with a reliable transportation system for medevacs.
“You wanted a facility that was more accessible in terms of opening hours and the range of services available on the island. You will see from tonight’s presentation that we have taken all those comments on board and created a design concept that is practical, efficient, affordable, aesthetically pleasing and amenable to feature expansion as the need arises,” said Ms Davies.
Given the opportunity to ask questions and make comment, residents didn’t ask too many questions about the facility. They instead sought clarification about the availability of back-up electrical power, lunch room for nurses and doctors, doctors being available on a 24 hour basis, the smooth transferring of patients from Virgin Gorda to Peebles on Tortola, the incorporation of a wellness programme and the speedy execution of the programme.
Some persons said they wanted no political squabbles when it comes to the execution of the project. One resident was very stern when he said, “We hope that this don’t turn into a political thing and the next two years down the line nothing happens.” Another said, “We hope that we see the grader come and do little thing and then something go up and a couple mornings after we see it pull down because everything these day does be political.” This was echoed by another resident who also said, “We don’t need to see this as a political issue two years down the line and then we back to square one.”
Resident were left to determine if they want the name to remain as ‘Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic’ a decision that they are expected to communicate with the ministry at another occasion.
Leader of the Opposition and Ninth District Representative Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal OBE was present at the meet and gave his blessings to the project. He said he was very optimistic that the project would go forward much to the benefit of the community.
The Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic operates under the management of the BVI Health Services Authority. Its mission is to deliver excellent, compassionate, client-centered healthcare.
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42 Responses to “UPDATE: VG residents satisfied with designs for new clinic”
we asked for a hospital we getting a half bake clinic
you have been drinking sewerage.
also the NDP has been giving you the 'pipe' and keeping the gold mine.
that is why you have a mask of 'pipe' on your face.