The BVI is the second UK Overseas Territory to launch a Care Certificate programme in an effort to improve and standardize healthcare services among unregulated healthcare professionals.

The conversation to implement the programme began two years ago out of the need to ensure that all persons interacting with patients and clients have the same compassion, competence and caring skills and that the same standard of care is offered by all health and care services professionals. 

The Care Certificate is authorized by the UK Health Security Agency and is held to the same standards of the National Health Service and adopted to reflect the BVI context.

Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Jascinth Hannibal said that the first cohort is comprised of 20 persons who currently work in the BVIHSA and social services sector. They will receive information on 15 critical standards that they would need to elevate the level of care.

“We are seeking to establish this benchmark that all unregulated health and care professionals working in the sector will be required to complete prior to working in the field.

The standards that will be imparted during the certificate course range from duty of care, understanding your role, safeguarding children and adults, awareness of mental health and disabilities, to infection prevention and control. The standards are based on the 6 Cs of Care which are Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment.

The programme will be delivered within a four month period using a number of modalities which will include face to face learning, which will be supported by WebEx along with follow up reading and on the job training and evaluation.  “The participants are expected to practice their newly acquired skill on the job where their managers also known as assessors will be able to observe as they implement the care standards weekly.  Participants will also be evaluated against an assessor worksheet,” Ms. Hannibal explained.

“I hope that with this cohort and future cohorts, we will have a cohesive standard of care that is delivered to persons in the community or in the hospital.  The compassion, care and communication will have a similar consistency and quality throughout the service.  We just want persons to improve and give best care to the people of theTerritory,” Ms. Hannibal concluded.

The BVI Care certificate course will begin face to face sessions on Monday January 27. 

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