​The Victoria Hospital has responded to reports emanating from both social and mainstream media claiming that clients are denied care due to their inability to pay.

Executive Director of the Victoria Hospital (VH), Jeanette Hughes, has denied the claims and highlighted the expressed policy of the hospital.

"Victoria Hospital has two main policies: to deliver quality care to everyone who comes requesting care, and to give that care with or without the ability to pay,” she said. “So we never turn down anybody at Victoria Hospital regardless of their ability to pay."

Hughes explained that persons who access care at VH are normally asked to present their medical exemption card or insurance form, or they are asked to pay out of pocket.

"It means, therefore, that someone who is not able to pay and is exempted by the state, would be given care and would not have to pay or be asked to pay anything because that person would be exempted.”

She continued: “Persons who have medical insurance would be required to present their insurance documents. However, there may be persons who do not have medical insurance and may be required to pay out of pocket."

Hughes said that the policy at the hospital has not changed. A business office was recently established to work with persons and to provide financial counseling on how they can settle their medical expenses.

"We have had instances where persons have brought in goods for sale and we would buy their produce to offset their bills. We have had instances where persons are unemployed and we have a need for temporary employment and we would actually employ persons on a temporary basis and they would contribute towards their bills. So Victoria Hospital is definitely about giving service and to work with the clients we serve. And I will categorically deny this: we do not turn away anyone at Victoria Hospital because they are unable to pay.”

The Executive Director indicated that anyone who has encountered a situation where they have been denied care, should contact her at 758.456.8201 or email victoria.hospital@govt.lc, or visit her office to schedule an appointment.

She also appealed to aggrieved clients to first dialogue with hospital administration to find a solution to the situation.