Nurses Association Demands Transparency on Government's Plan Post-Pafford Departure

A letter from the Virgin Islands State Nurses Association is calling for more transparency when it comes to the government’s plans to cover the gaps left by the departure of Pafford Medical Services from the territory. ‌“Although we are unaware of any immediate negative impact on nurse staffing,” the letter admitted, “nurses are members of the health care institutions and share in the delivery of quality medical and health services to the community.”‌ Signed by VISNA President Evet Rivera, the letter argues that Pafford’s departure, in the midst of a hurricane season forecasters expect to be very active, “could not have come at a worse time.” Last week, VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services Director Antonio Stevens told lawmakers that the agency will lose two ambulances on St. Thomas/St. John, and eight paramedics territory-wide. Now, Ms. Rivera worries about whether local EMS/Fire Services are left with the requisite “manpower, ambulances and emergency vehicles needed to cover th...