Health Minister Seeks Answers on Nurse Absences
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley says officials are investigating reports that nurses failed to report to several clinics during an ongoing hospital accreditation review. The acting BVIHSA CEO told the minister no formal notice or demands have been received and a meeting is planned to determine whether absences were coordinated industrial action or legitimate sick leave.
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley has expressed concern and called for an urgent inquiry after reports that nurses were absent from several clinics across the British Virgin Islands while an external accreditation team was visiting the territory’s main hospital and facilities. Wheatley said he first learned of the situation while attending a sitting of the House of Assembly and has not yet received formal confirmation of what happened. "It was brought to my attention earlier today.
As you know, we are in a House so I haven't been really in and out like that," he told reporters. The minister added that he was informed the Rotan Clinic experienced a "no show" and that he had heard nurses were out sick, but he had not verified those reports. The absences were reported when the accreditation team — conducting routine examinations of the Dr D.
Orlando Smith Hospital and associated clinics — visited Rotan Clinic, Long Look, Capoons Bay and Jost Van Dyke. Wheatley reminded residents that the Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital is the only accredited medical facility in the territory, making the accreditation process particularly important.
Wheatley said he immediately contacted the acting chief executive officer of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA). The acting CEO told him she had been informed of staff absences but had received no written notice, no formal demands and no indication of an organised industrial action. "She said, yes, she was informed, but she has received nothing in writing about it, no special demands or anything, just that persons are absent," Wheatley said.
Officials are now trying to determine whether the pattern of absences amounts to a coordinated strike, a so-called "sick out," or a series of unconnected leave events. An internal meeting has been scheduled to investigate and to establish why staff did not report for duty. Wheatley said he is prepared to meet with staff if they request discussions.
The minister emphasised his concern about public access to health services if clinics close or run with reduced staff. "People must have a right to healthcare. You can't have clinics closed and persons needing to go to the clinic. They don't have access to clinical services," he said.
As the situation remains fluid, residents are advised to check with local clinics or the BVIHSA for updates on service availability. Authorities say they will announce findings from the planned meeting and any further steps once the investigation is complete.
Primary source: BVI News