The main public healthcare organization -- the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and the Territory’s main tertiary entity the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College signed a historical Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 14 December to formally enter into a healthcare/education development partnership.
Both organizations are celebrating the MOU which now provides a structured approach to BVIHSA and HLSCC’s efforts to advance the standards of allied health education. This agreement aims to promote excellence in healthcare practices and nurture a robust framework for continuous collaboration and growth.
Under this new agreement HLSCC promises to: Collaborate with international certifying bodies to facilitate certification exams and training; provide Nursing Education (Assistant Nursing Training; facilitate BVIHSA staff enrolment in existing College programmes and offerings; support BVIHSA’s staff in acquiring relevant post graduate credentials at other institution; and enable access to HLSCC resources especially for the purpose of facilitating E-Learning from HLSCC’s facilities.
On the other hand, the BVIHSA agrees to: Provide opportunities for externships and internships, enable remote and actual medical coverage and assistance to HLSCC Campus Nurse, in emergency medical situations; include and incorporate HLSCC Campus Health Services in established and strategic Health Promotion Programmes; implement regular health and safety checks of the campuses; and enable access to BVIHSA staff as adjunct faculty.
During the brief signing ceremony Dean of Workforce Training, Marva Wheatley-Dawson pointed out that the College and the Health Services Authority have been working in close partnership for years. She also noted that a number of programs are already on stream as a testimony of the collaborative efforts of the two entities. However, the Dean noted that this MOU is a means to strengthen the ties already shared, “The relationship is not new, it has continued for many years, and we want to thank everyone for coming together to make this possible,” Mrs. Wheatley-Dawson noted.
President of HLSCC, Dr. Richard Georges explained that the MOU is a great start to proposed expansion of the joint services that will be offered. While giving a hint of some of the services that will be facilitated by the MOU, Dr. Georges mentioned, “We want to offer some of the professional development needs of the Health Services Authority both at the staff and administrative, and at the Board level even. We feel that we are well placed to fulfill this duty across the various centers of HLSCC and we pledge through this Memorandum of Understanding to work together. The College also wishes to request of BVIHSA in the area of supporting our campus health services and general health promotions.”
While noting that this partnership is most logical, Dr. Georges announced, “At the College we believe intently on creating opportunities for Virgin Islanders to access training, professional development and higher education. Therefore, it only makes sense that when there is a need for human resources requirement at the Health Services Authority that the College steps up to support them in filling that gap. “
The President of the College also pointed out that the HLSCC through its collaboration with the BVIHSA has had many cohorts of successful Patient Care Technician (PCT) and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). “I believe now is the time for us to sort of expand our offerings particularly in the area of nursing education.”
Chaiman of the BVI Health Services Authority, Ron Potter said that the BVIHSA is excited about the prospects of the formalized partnership with the HLSCC. He noted,
“The College represents learning education in the Virgin Islands at its highest level, the BVIHSA represents health in the Virgin Islands at the highest level; and if you look at it the two things that underpins any society, any community, or any economy is actually health and education. Therefore, it is very appropriate that we are here at this particular time, at this particular moment, in this particular place signing a Memorandum of Understanding effectively between health and education.”
Potter further added, “this partnership we essentially strengthen each other, and we actually strengthen the Virgin Islands in doing so."