Chief Operations Officer at the BVI Health Services Authority’s Mrs. Cedorene Malone-Smith has said that more amendments have been made to their visitation policy which will allow for more visitors and longer visitation periods to warded patients.

Mrs. Malone-Smith said that the visitation times are being amended to allow patients more opportunities to have multiple visitors over a longer period of time.  She said visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and a patient will be allowed two visitors at the same time for 30 minutes.

Mrs. Malone-Smith said the public’s continued patience and cooperation is needed as the visitation policy can still be changed to adapt to the changing COVID-19 situation.

“We know that when our loved ones are in the hospital visitation conveys strong messages of love, care, healing and well-wishes which are very important to the patient and their family.  That is why we continue to make concessions where and when we can,” the Chief Operations Officer explained.

Visitors will be required to present a form of identification and will gain access through the main lobby of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where they will be screened. Visitors are also required to sanitise their hands, wear masks 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. Children under the age of 13 will not be permitted.

Mrs. Malone-Smith added that special considerations will still be given for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatrics and patients with special circumstances. 

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.