Community nurses assigned to the islands of Jost Van Dyke and Tortola failed to report to work on Thursday, March 12th, prompting speculation about possible industrial action.
284 Media received reports that nurses had taken strike action linked to issues related to pay and funding.
The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), however, said it had not received formal notice of any strike or organised protest.
“The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is aware that a number of community health staff members reported sick today. At this time, the Authority has not received any formal notification of industrial action or organized protest,” the authority said in a statement.
The BVIHSA said the reduced staffing levels had affected services at some community clinics.
“As a result of the reduced staffing levels, services at some community clinics have been impacted or significantly reduced. Currently, services remain available at the clinics on Anegada and Virgin Gorda, while the Authority works to address staffing at other locations,” the statement said.
The authority said management was assessing the situation and taking steps to minimise disruption to patient care while it sought to determine the circumstances surrounding the staff absences.
“Management is actively assessing the situation and implementing measures to minimize disruption to patient care. We are also engaging internally to better understand the circumstances surrounding the reported absences and will address any concerns through the appropriate channels,” it added.
The BVIHSA advised residents in affected communities to seek emergency care at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital if necessary.
The reported absences come as the Jost Van Dyke clinic was scheduled to undergo an accreditation process on Thursday, though it was not immediately clear what impact the nurses’ absence could have on that review.