Health
BVI Health Services Authority Responds to Tragic Incident at Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic
The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Revovion “Bucky” Sprauve, who arrived at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic on August 31 seeking medical care outside of the clinic’s adjusted hours. Tragically, Mr. Sprauve passed away before he could receive treatment.
In a statement issued after the incident, the BVIHSA extended its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Sprauve’s family and loved ones, acknowledging the immense difficulty of this time and pledging full support. The Authority announced that it is currently gathering information to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is consulting with the Ninth District community to ensure all concerns are thoroughly addressed.
The Board and Executive Management emphasized their commitment to patient safety and accessibility, noting that the clinic’s reduced hours had been previously communicated. However, this tragic incident has prompted a review of protocols and procedures to maintain the highest standards of care. In response, the clinic has now resumed 24-hour operations.
The BVIHSA is also evaluating clinic hours, emergency response procedures, and communication strategies to better serve the community. They request privacy for Mr. Sprauve’s family and assure the public that they are addressing the situation with the utmost seriousness. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available, with a commitment to full transparency.
However, before the BVIHSA released its statement, Mr. Sprauve’s niece, Maricia Sprauve, posted a scathing message on Facebook, criticizing the lack of timely medical attention and accusing both the health authorities and government officials of negligence. “At a time when demand for proper healthcare in the Virgin Islands, especially Virgin Gorda, has never been higher, the BVI Health Services Authority and so-called elected officials continue to play Russian roulette with the lives of our people,” she wrote.
Describing the circumstances of her uncle’s death, Maricia Sprauve stated, “My uncle rushed to the new fancy, most bragged about public clinic/mini hospital in Virgin Gorda to have to meet an empty facility and to have to wait more than an hour. No doctor, no nurse, just the gentle breeze and mosquitoes! NO HELP WHATSOEVER from the people we trust with our very lives.”
She further expressed her frustration, saying, “We trust leaders, healthcare professionals to do all they can to ensure timely, high-quality healthcare for patients!!!! This should be their number one priority, but as usual, their so-called ‘efforts’ could never be backed with any sort of action. KEEP YOUR SORRY! KEEP YOUR EXCUSES!”
Her post conveyed a family’s deep anguish and called for urgent government action: “My uncle’s sudden death has brought layers of shock, distress, devastation and disbelief to a bereavement. The reality of what has happened may be very difficult to accept… Government of the Virgin Islands, please act now to prioritize this ongoing issue and protect us from this continuous negligence.”
The BVIHSA has reiterated its commitment to learning from this incident and improving healthcare services to prevent future tragedies, stressing that it remains focused on providing high-quality, safe, and compassionate care to all its patients.
Health
Services to Resume at Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic After Completion of AC Works and Deep Cleaning
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has confirmed the completion of air-conditioning installation works and a comprehensive cleaning process at the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic, clearing the way for healthcare services to return to the facility this week.
The announcement follows a January update in which BVIHSA disclosed that technical challenges had delayed the air-conditioning project beyond its original timeline. At the time, the Authority indicated that once installation was complete, the facility would undergo deep cleaning and an initial air-quality assessment before services could safely resume.
According to Tuesday’s release, those phases have now been successfully finalized.
The Authority said that after completing the installation, the clinic underwent a thorough deep cleaning along with the required air-quality testing to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. With those measures complete, the transition back to the permanent facility will begin on Wednesday, February 18, and is expected to be finalized within three days.
Residents are being advised that there may be brief service interruptions during the relocation process. Pharmacy services in particular could experience temporary delays as equipment and supplies are repositioned and systems are fully restored.
BVIHSA also previously noted that a one-month follow-up air-quality assessment will be conducted after services resume, though this will not impact the reopening or ongoing operations of the clinic.
The reopening marks another step toward stabilizing operations at the Virgin Gorda healthcare facility, which has experienced multiple service disruptions and temporary relocations in recent years due to infrastructure challenges involving air-conditioning and electrical systems. In 2024, services were moved to a temporary location to ensure continuity of care while repairs and assessments were undertaken.
The clinic, officially opened in February 2020 at a cost of approximately $7 million, serves as Virgin Gorda’s primary public healthcare facility and was designed to deliver modern, climate-controlled medical services to residents.
BVIHSA has apologized for any inconvenience caused during the transition period and expressed appreciation to the Virgin Gorda community for its continued patience and cooperation. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to providing a safe, comfortable, and fully operational healthcare environment for residents and visitors alike.
The family of Letisha Romney, 31, is appealing for public support to help cover the cost of a liver transplant after she was diagnosed with liver failure in August and transferred to Puerto Rico for advanced medical care.
Romney, a mother of a 6-year-old son, Jevonni, was first admitted to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on Aug. 22, before being airlifted to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where doctors said a transplant is her only chance of survival.
Her family said the estimated cost of surgery and post-operative care could range from $80,000 to $100,000, including three months of hospital recovery and aftercare in Puerto Rico, frequent follow-up visits there over the next three years, and medication to prevent organ rejection.
“We are rallying around Letisha with love, prayers and support, but the financial burden far exceeds what we can carry alone,” the family said in a public appeal.
They are asking for donations of any amount to help pay for the transplant, travel and accommodation for medical follow-ups, and ongoing treatment. The family also urged the public to share her story to increase awareness and support.
Romney’s relatives said she is a devoted mother and a family-oriented young woman who enjoys cooking, caring for children and spending time with her son. “With your support, we can give her the chance to recover, to watch her son grow and thrive, and to live the life she deserves,” the family said.
Donations will go directly toward Romney’s medical expenses and post-operative care, according to her relatives.
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Recaudación de fondos de Lisa Romney: Help Letisha Receive a Life-Saving Liver Transplant
The BVI Health Services Authority announced that the Outpatient Pharmacy at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital will be closed on Sept. 19 to facilitate a comprehensive stock count.
The closure will last one business day, with normal operations scheduled to resume on Sept. 22, according to Damion Grange, marketing and communications manager at BVIHSA.
BVIHSA officials said the temporary measure is intended to ensure accurate inventory management, which they described as critical to forecasting and maintaining a reliable supply of medications.
“We encourage patients with ongoing or urgent medication needs to plan accordingly and make necessary arrangements in advance,” BVIHSA said in a statement.
The authority apologised for any inconvenience caused by the closure and directed patients seeking additional information to contact the pharmacy team at 284-852-7556/7659 or by WhatsApp at 284-440-1726.
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