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.