The Virgin Islands has become the second United Kingdom overseas territory to introduce a UK-supported initiative designed to boost healthcare standards by training non-regulated medical staff.
The Care Certificate Programme, which has also been implemented in Montserrat, was launched Monday at Government House by the Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority and the UK Health Security Agency, according to the BVIHSA.
At the launch, Governor Daniel Pruce welcomed attendees, who included healthcare professionals, policymakers and other community stakeholders.
“This is such a critically important sector,” Mr. Pruce said. “I know you are working in a variety of settings, but this programme offers a pathway to long-term careers in the clinical context. It underlines the importance of the training you will undertake through this course.”
Inaugural cohort
The programme’s inaugural cohort of 20 participants includes geriatric aides, home care aides, patient care assistants, orderlies and other attendants from the hospital, primary care facilities, the Rainbow Children’s Home, and the senior homes on Tortola and Virgin Gorda. Starting Monday, they will undertake a 16-week course developed in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency’s Overseas Territories Public Health Strengthening Programme.
The training, which has been adapted to meet the territory’s specific needs, combines online and in-person learning with practical demonstrations, “self-reflection,” and direct observation by trained assessors, according to the BVIHSA.
Successful participants will receive a certificate of achievement and a badge.
National standards
Laura Kontos, workforce development lead for the UK Health Security Agency, introduced the programme and outlined its purpose during the Monday ceremony.
“It’s a set of nationally recognised standards originally developed by Health Education England for the healthcare and social care support workforce,” Ms. Kontos told attendees. “It’s designed for the non-regulated workforce — those individuals who play crucial roles in assisting healthcare professionals. The overall goal is to ensure that everyone entering health and social care has the same knowledge, skills and behaviours to provide high-quality, safe and compassionate care.”
HSD Minister Vincent Wheatley emphasised the programme’s importance for the territory.
“This initiative represents our commitment to enhancing the quality of care in the Virgin Islands,” he said.
“It marks a significant step forward in strengthening the foundation of compassionate and skilled caregiving within our territory.”
Also among the speakers was Naomi Foster, a nurse educator from Montserrat, who encouraged participants to embrace the initiative.
“See this programme as an enhancement to your work, because you are vital members of the healthcare system,” she advised.
Looking ahead
Chief Nursing Officer Jacinth Hannibal described the BVIHSA’s long-term vision for the effort.
“This programme is planned to be an annual initiative until all current non-regulated healthcare workers are trained,” she said. “We’re also exploring other modalities, such as online and hybrid formats, to ensure accessibility for individuals in areas like Jost Van Dyke and Anegada. For now, sessions will be streamed on Webex to accommodate participants from Virgin Gorda, reducing the need for travel to Tortola.”
Dr. June Samuel, acting CEO of the BVIHSA, said the programme will eventually be a mandatory part of orientation for all non-regulated staff.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronald Georges closed the event.
“The Care Certificate Programme is more than just training,” he said. “It’s a commitmentto elevating healthcare standardsand building a resilient healthcare system.”