Health

JFL Promised 12 Medical Personnel Following Consortium Report; Hospital Says it Has Been Sending Patients Off Island Because ICU at Capacity

The Juan F. Luis Hospital said late Monday afternoon that it has been sending patients in need of emergency care off island because of severe staffing issues at its intensive-care unit. The hospital further stated that while the ICU remains operational, it was under pressure and at capacity. JFL said it has suffered staffing challenges and has been using Pafford Medical Services to augment its critical staffing needs. "Due to the current staffing shortage, when a patient count exceeds safe standards, JFL evaluates and transfers care to an accepting hospital," JFL said. The hospital further stated, "At this moment, JFL is currently at capacity within the ICU due to a staffing shortage. Hospital staff and administration are actively working with the Virgin Islands Department of Health and Pafford Medical Services to provide additional nursing support. "During our update [Monday] morning, JFL was promised 6 Registered Nurses and 6 paramedics to arrive, shortly, through the Pafford Medi...