SSB plugs $1.4M for Imaging Unit of Peebles Hospital
The greater portion of $2.5 million for the equipment, $1.4 million, was contributed by the territory’s Social Security Board (SSB) and the balance by the Government of the [British] Virgin Islands.
Chief Executive Officer of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Ms Paula M. Chester-Cumberbatch told those gathered at the high-energy commissioning ceremony that the new Imaging Unit has the potential to scan approximately or in excess of 100 patients per day. Those include MRI, CT, general X-ray, mammography among others. And according to the CEO, the Imaging Unit staff is qualified to provide the best service possible.
“Our highly qualified and skilled staff includes a board-certified radiologist, a licensed medical imaging technologist or radiographers trained to operate our CT, MRI, mammogram, and general X-ray equipment. We have stenographers as well, and specialist nursing care. So, at the BVI Health Services Authority, we are proud to state that we employ persons who are highly trained and experienced in their specialties,” she said.
According to the CEO, the hospital performs more than 11,000 procedures every year.
Early diagnosis
Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority Bishop John I. Cline said one of the things the Imaging Unit will do is to help with early diagnosis of conditions.
“We want to take care of people’s health, and not just their sickness and diseases. It is exciting; we are truly happy to see this day. It is not in the time-frame that the Minister [of Health] would have liked, but it’s here,” said Cline.
Minister of Health and Social Development Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), on the other hand, expressed his disapproval of the delay in having the Unit completed, noting that he does not like wasting time.
“I like to see things done and done quickly. This facility, I wish it was done a year ago. But I understand some of the difficulties, not that I accept them. Make sure the services that we deliver out of here are without question. I know that we can do it – we have proven that we can do it. So, all of us who are working in this facility need to do what they need to do,” said Hon Skelton.
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