ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, May 16th, 2012 – In an effort to assess and improve the healthcare and social services provided to the communities on the sister islands, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton and a team of health officials visited Anegada and Jost Van Dyke as part of a ministerial tour of the sister islands health facilities.
In Anegada, repair work on the Nurses’ living quarters of the Anegada Clinic began following a site visit yesterday. While the Anegada Clinic is fully operational, the Nurses’ living quarters received extensive damage from a fire which occurred last Thursday. In evaluating the damage as he toured the facility, Minister Skelton told the Department of Information and Public Relations that the apartment would be renovated to include an emergency exit and a smoke detection system which would help to ensure the safety of health personnel stationed there.
The Project Office in the Ministry of Health and Social Development will oversee the repair work and renovations which are anticipated to be completed within three months.
During his site visit Minister Skelton also toured the Emile Dunlop Community Centre, the public cemetery and the dumpsite.
He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mrs. Petrona Davies, Finance and Planning Officer in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Mr. Anthony McMaster and Acting Chief Executive Officer in the BVI Health Services Authority, Dr. Ronald Georges.
Last Friday, the health minister, accompanied by Territorial At Large Member, Honourable Archibald Christian, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Davies and former Director of Civil Aviation, Mr. Milton Creque, visited Jost Van Dyke.
During that visit, the delegation discussed the construction of a helipad to provide medical evacuation services and improve the delivery of health services on the island. They also met with Nurse Derek Sweeney of the Jost Van Dyke Community Clinic and Burial Grounds Manager for Jost Van Dyke, Mr. Alfredo Chinnery and visited the dumpsite.
Plans are underway for Minister Skelton to also meet with the Virgin Gorda health and social services staff.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavours to provide leadership that promotes health, social well-being and a safe environment.
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