Since the transitioning of the Victoria Hospital to the Owen King EU Hospital on March 27, work has been ongoing to transform the former hospital facility into a respiratory medical centre.

Converting the former hospital has come at significant unforeseen costs. Nevertheless, the Minister for Health, Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac, said the government is committed to completing the respiratory centre as it plays a major role in the island’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

With the onset of COVID-19, plans by the Ministry of Health to utilize the former hospital as a polyclinic following the opening of the Owen King Hospital have been paused. The minister estimates that the respiratory centre will be fully functional by the end of September.

Five respiratory clinics have also been set up at the Gros-Islet Polyclinic, La Clery Wellness Centre, Dennery Hospital, Vieux-Fort Wellness Centre and the Soufriere Hospital. The services at the Dennery and Soufriere Hospitals and the La Clery and Vieux-Fort Wellness Centres are available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services at the Gros-Islet Polyclinic are available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The St Jude Hospital can also be accessed by persons with flu-like symptoms.