March 25, 2020

JFL Opens State of the Art Intensive Care Unit with Additional Beds,

Support for COVID 19 Response and Restricts Traffic On Campus

ST. CROIX- To support the territory’s COVID-19 response, the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center (“JFL”) team has been working around the clock to secure an effective and state-of-the-art space for the management of patients requiring a higher level of care, including any potential COVID-19 patients requiring treatment.

According to Acting Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) Dyma Williams, “JFL remains committed to raising the bar in meeting the healthcare needs of the St. Croix community. We are pleased to announce the opening of JFL’s newly refurbished Intensive Care Unit, which adds another 12 rooms to the facility’s bed capacity which can, in the event of an influx of patients, be turned into an isolation ward. Two additional anterooms are able to transition quickly into negative pressure rooms for isolation, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Also, new to the ICU is the installation of Lumalier ultraviolet and disinfectant light systems that target and eliminate the spread of airborne pathogens – including mold, bacteria, and viruses.”

In speaking about how this state-of-the-art system will help the territory’s overall response, JFL  Critical Care Physician Dr. Carol Shores states that it will assist tremendously.

“The unit is closed off from the rest of the hospital, operates with its own supply room,  and provides much better traffic flow. We are excited about adding this extra layer of protection that will help to keep our patients and staff safer,” Dr. Shores said.

Williams expressed appreciation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Navigation Construction, the JFL Project Team, and the JFL staff who have worked diligently to restore the unit, which was shuttered after being affected by water intrusion after Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

JFL also advises the community that persons entering the premises will be greeted by members of the  JFL Security Team at the front gate. Each person entering the facility will find a tent, with a  table, and a uniformed Security Guard and/or Law Enforcement Officer. The public is urged to fully cooperate with the screening at the gate as the process has been implemented for the safety of the public and JFL patients and staff.

In addition, for the safety of the community and JFL staff, clients with billing concerns may call 340-778-6311 and ask for billing; clients requesting Medical Records should ask for extension 2883 or e-mail [email protected]. It is highly recommended that clients call or e-mail prior to coming into JFL as most requests can be handled over the phone or by e-mail. If a visit is necessary, with pre-notification and confirmation of a scheduled visit by phone or email, staff will work to ensure that the in-person visit is efficient.

Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center, is also hiring qualified healthcare professionals to supplement capacity on a temporary or permanent basis.  Hazardous pay incentives are available for persons providing direct patient care to potential  COVID-19 patients. Health care professionals interested in joining the team can visit the hospital job announcements page at www.jflusvi.org or contact JFL Human Resources at (340)778-6311,  ext. 2818.

ACEO Williams and the JFL Team thank the many individuals and organizations who have come forward to assist in the COVID-19 response effort.

Anyone who wants to contribute to JFL’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to support patients and frontline healthcare workers may contact [email protected] using the word DONATION in the subject line. JFL is asking our community to donate much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) items and supplies, including N-95  masks, Procedure masks, Procedure masks with visors, Hand sanitizer (70% alcohol sanitizer), and Full-face shields with foam. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Due to the nature of COVID-19, we are unable to accept donations of handmade PPEs (including masks and gowns) and food/drink from non-restaurants for hospital staff.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the V.I. Department of Health’s website, doh.vi.gov or text COVID19USVI to 888777.