Minister Vincent Wheatley
Health Minister Vincent Wheatley has expressed concern and uncertainty over what some have described as strike action by staff at the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), saying the matter has caught officials by surprise and remains under investigation.
In an interview on Thursday, Wheatley said he first learned of the situation while attending a sitting of the House of Assembly and had not yet received confirmation of what had occurred at several clinics across the territory.
“It was brought to my attention earlier today. As you know, we are in a House so I haven’t been really in and out like that,” Wheatley said.
The minister explained that the situation emerged during an important accreditation review involving the territory’s main hospital and its associated facilities.
“The Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital is the only accredited medical facility in the British Virgin Islands. As such, we go through regular examinations by external persons,” Wheatley said.
He noted that the accreditation team had been visiting several health facilities during the week when reports surfaced that nurses were absent from some clinics.
“From what I was told when they went to the Road Town Clinic yesterday, the nurses were on no show. Somebody later said to me that they heard they were all out sick. I haven’t gotten verification of that as yet,” Wheatley stated.
According to Wheatley, similar situations were reported when the accreditation team visited clinics in Long Look, Capoons Bay and Jost Van Dyke.
The minister said he immediately contacted the acting Chief Executive Officer of the BVIHSA but was informed that no written notice or formal demands had been submitted by staff.
“She said, yes, she was informed, but she has received nothing in writing about it, no special demands or anything, just that persons are absent,” Wheatley said.
Officials are now attempting to determine whether the absences represent coordinated industrial action. “Some persons call it a strike, some call it a sick out. We have no confirmation that that is indeed the case,” Wheatley said.
Investigation underway
The health minister said an investigation is underway and a meeting has been scheduled to determine why staff members failed to report for duty.
“I know there’s a meeting planned, I think, for tomorrow to find out what is really going on and why persons didn’t show up to work today,” he explained.
Wheatley said he remains deeply concerned about the possible impact on public access to healthcare services.
“Or people must have a right to healthcare. You can’t have clinics closed and persons needing to go to the clinic. They don’t have access to clinical services,” Wheatley said.
He added that he is prepared to meet with staff members if concerns are raised.
“I’m available to meet with them anytime once they call and say, listen, let’s have a meeting,” Wheatley said.
The situation remains fluid as health authorities continue to investigate the reported absences.
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