Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
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BVI Chief Minister says new hospital designed to meet current and future demands
01-19-2007

ROAD TOWN, BVI: In his Weekly Update to the Territory on Tuesday, the Chief Minister, Dr Orlando Smith, said in developing the new hospital plans his Government insisted on a facility that is able to meet the British Virgin Islands' current needs and accommodate its future growth.

When completed, the Chief Minister noted, the new hospital must have sufficient beds to allow for increased demand in the event of an unforeseen emergency, strong infrastructure including secure supplies of water and electricity, sufficient parking and transportation access, and adequate amenities for visitors.

“The plan that we will submit before the people meets all of these needs and more. I and the members of my Government will have a great deal more to say about this project in the coming days and weeks,” he added.

The Chief Minister encouraged the public to learn more about the project, which will impact the lives of everyone in the Territory.

“We look forward to engaging in robust dialogue with the entire community about the choices we have made and why we believe this is the right design for our Territory. It is important that we all take part in this process,” the Chief Minister said.

According to the Chief Minister, Government took its time in developing the plans for the new hospital to ensure it had the right plans and the right team for the job. “We are confident that we have met that goal and anticipate that this project will proceed swiftly and responsibly,” said the Chief Minister.

Government is to sign a contract for the construction of the new hospital on Monday, January 22 with three local and overseas firms that have teamed up for this project. In late December Executive Council decided to award the contract to Mirsand-Carimex-Quantum at an approximate sum of US$63.9 million.

The new 150,000 square foot, six-storey facility is to be built on the excavated property directly behind the existing hospital. The new designs, which were completed by the Dallas architectural firm PageSoutherlandPage (PSP), include all the amenities of the designs proposed originally but with more floor space and more parking.

Government revisited the original designs for the previously planned hospital with a view to reducing operational cost while increasing its function and practicality.

The facility will include 128 beds, three standard-sized operating theatres, at least two nursing stations to support each of the major hospital wards, three labour and delivery rooms, a physiotherapy wing, new pharmacy and medical records unit, psychiatric in-patient unit, a chapel, cafeteria and gift shop.