Hospital Er Experiencing Patient Surge
The Emergency Room at Dr D. Orlando Smith Hospital is experiencing a surge in patient volume, prompting longer than usual wait times. BVIHSA says life‑threatening and urgent cases will be prioritised and asks those with non‑emergency needs to use the Road Town Clinic in the Major Peebles Wing.
Orlando Smith Hospital is currently experiencing a surge in patient volume, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) said in a press release on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. As a result, patients may face longer than usual wait times while staff work to assess and treat everyone safely.
In its statement, BVIHSA stressed that medical teams are prioritising those with life‑threatening or urgent conditions. "Patients with life‑threatening or urgent conditions will be prioritised," the authority said, adding that its clinicians are working diligently to manage the increased demand.
BVIHSA urged members of the public with non‑emergency concerns to seek care at the Road Town Clinic located in the Major Peebles Wing. The authority also asked for patience and understanding from residents during this period as staff attend to higher patient volumes. For BVI residents, the priority is recognising what constitutes an emergency and using appropriate care pathways.
If you are experiencing severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, heavy bleeding, or other signs of a life‑threatening condition, seek immediate emergency care. Those with minor illnesses, prescription refills, routine checks, or minor injuries may find faster service at community clinics, private physicians, or the Road Town Clinic named by BVIHSA.
To help speed care for everyone, consider calling ahead to clinics if possible, bringing any relevant medical information (prescription lists, allergies, ID), and using telehealth or pharmacy services for minor ailments where appropriate. If you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency, err on the side of caution and seek prompt medical attention.
BVIHSA did not specify the cause of the surge in its brief release. The authority and hospital staff are continuing to manage patient flow and will provide updates as needed. Residents are asked to follow public guidance and to avoid presenting at the Emergency Room for non‑urgent matters while the surge continues.
This bulletin was issued by BVIHSA and reported by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). The health authority thanked the public for their cooperation and the hospital teams for their ongoing efforts to care for patients during the busy period.
Primary source: VINO