Bedding at Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital has worn so thin that it is transparent, Opposition member Shereen Flax-Charles revealed this week during remarks on the National Democratic Party's radio programme.
Flax-Charles reported observing threadbare sheets and blankets during a recent facility visit. "You can actually, like, see through it," she said of the linens.
At Large Representative Ronnie Skelton used the same broadcast to press for systemic change across government agencies. He contended that the BVI Health Services Authority and similar statutory bodies have been created to function independently but continue to rely entirely on government money without genuine effort to generate their own revenue.
"We put these statutory boards out there to be self-sustaining, but they're not self-sustaining, they're not even attempting to try to be self-sustained. That needs to be fixed," Skelton said.
Skelton pointed out that these organisations possess legal authority to pursue responsible funding sources. He explained that once government requirements are satisfied, lawmakers could pass a resolution enabling revenue-producing activities that would support themselves without ongoing state subsidy.
Flax-Charles advocated for the health authority to tap resources beyond the government budget. "I think that we can work with persons throughout the community and internationally for support, for things like that," she said.
She acknowledged recent repairs to the hospital's main entrance after extended neglect, and commended security workers who manually operated the doors during the breakdown. She voiced alarm, however, that routine upkeep has lapsed and that shortages of supplies are compromising patient care standards.
During a separate inspection of St. Mary's Hall, Flax-Charles observed staff morale concerns and noted poor communication regarding institutional direction. She urged the government to align spending with priorities and ensure visible improvements in service delivery.
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