Limited visitation at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital has been re-instated effective immediately as the BVI Health Services Authority continues to institute measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19.

Chief Operations Officer, Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith said the authority is aware that family plays a vital role in the health and wellbeing of patients and visitation for two hours a day has been re-instated to accommodate patients and their loved ones.

Visitation starts at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. Patients will be allowed a maximum of two visitors per day for a maximum of 45 minutes per visitor.  Visitors would be asked to present a form of identification and children under the age of 13 will not be permitted.

Mrs. Malone-Smith said, “Visitors will gain access through the main lobby of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where they will be screened.  Visitors must sanitise their hands and wear a mask at all times and only visit their approved patient.”  Persons who meet the visitation criteria will be given a visitor’s badge and escorted to their destination.

The Chief Operations Officer added that special considerations will be given for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatrics and patients with special circumstances.  She also noted that visitors for persons in the ICU will be given a maximum of 15 minutes visitation because of the nature of ICU and the vulnerability of those patients.

These parameters and guidelines according to Mrs. Malone-Smith are for the safety and protection of visitors, patients and the staff.

Persons visiting the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital are urged to comply with all safety rules and requirements.

The BVI Health Services Authority is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, client-centered healthcare across the Territory.