A team of officials from the Department of Health spent the day in meetings at the Morris F. De Castro Clinic in Cruz Bay on Wednesday. The clinic, which provides maternal health, immunizations, and mental health services among others, was declared closed on Tuesday because of staffing shortages.
Visitors to the clinic were greeted by a posted security guard and a sign that read, “Sorry for the inconvenience. The Morris F. De Castro Clinic will be closed until further notice.”
It was a message that appeared to diverge from the Tuesday statement issued by Health that said the clinic would be closed until Friday. In that statement, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion acknowledged the importance of making services accessible to a community where the only other option involved lengthy commutes to St. Thomas for treatment and compliance with department rules.
“We sincerely apologize to the residents of St. John for this temporary disruption in services,” said Encarnacion. “We understand the importance of accessible healthcare and appreciate the community’s patience as we work to resolve this matter.”
About eight individuals wearing crew shirts with the Health Department’s logo left the building shortly before 3 p.m. and made their way to the Loredon Boynes Ferry Dock. An unidentified person who remained behind was heard telling those workers they would resume their duties when they came back on Thursday. The same person spoke briefly to a reporter, but declined comment and referred inquiries to Health Department Spokesperson Christine Lett.
Lett made brief contact by phone around 3 p.m. Wednesday, saying she had just wrapped up a meeting and would respond to questions about the De Castro Clinic later that day.
A second attempt to reach the agency’s public relations officer was unsuccessful. St. John residents and businesspeople were directed to the Maternal and Child Health Center near Nisky Center, the Community Health clinics, and the Office of Environmental Health at Schneider Regional Medical Center in Sugar Estate.
Those in need of mental health and behavioral health care were advised to visit the St. Thomas service center at Barbel Plaza.
The status of emergency medical services that also operate at De Castro Clinic was not immediately clear. Attempts to reach VI Fire and Emergency Medical Services Assistant Director Clarence Stevenson were unsuccessful.
Officials at Health say efforts to address the staffing shortage and the temporary clinic closure are being addressed. Normal operations will resume as quickly as possible, the Tuesday statement said.
