The Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital has received high praises for its processes and level of care from the St. Lucian Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Honourable Moses Jn. Baptiste.

Honourable Jn. Baptiste was on an official visit to the Virgin Islands where he attended the OECS Council of Health Ministers meeting.

On a visit to the hospital, Honourable Jn, Baptiste said he was very pleased with the processes and level of care, and that he has learned a lot from the Virgin Islands. He emphasised that the hospital visit also highlighted the reason for the regional meeting on health as it provided an opportunity for comradery. 

Honourable Jn. Baptiste said, “It provided an opportunity for strengthening the bonds of friendship to ensure the people of the sub-region can benefit from our shared experiences.”

In relation to the best-practices and processes observed at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, the St. Lucian Health Minister said he was very impressed with the efforts to make physiotherapy prominent and also the importance placed on a quality mental health facility.

“I like the isolation of the rooms and the equipment which clearly indicate a focus on ensuring that you have quality care when it comes to physiotherapy,” Honourable Jn. Baptiste said.

The Minister added, “I also believe that based on what I saw and in the discussions held, that there is a focus on mental wellness, and it is very clear that you have a programme here in the hospital settings that deals with that.”

Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, commended the team at the BVI Health Services Authority for its tireless efforts in ensuring the functionality of the hospital to the people of the Territory.

Honourable Wheatley said, “I am so proud, and I must commend the team headed by Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. June Samuel for the tour of the facility. It was an eye opener and we saw firsthand what is actually being offered and what the future plan is for healthcare in the Virgin Islands.”

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to improving the health and social wellbeing of the people of the Virgin Islands.