Smart Hospitals - Putting Smart to the Test

The New Peebles Hospital in the British Virgin Islands offers compelling evidence of the value of the Smart Hospitals approach. Inaugurated in 2014 and ranked “A” under the Hospital Safety Index—the highest level of resilience—the facility successfully withstood the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, maintaining full operational capacity throughout the emergencies.

Beyond ensuring uninterrupted health services, the hospital became a critical hub during the crisis, hosting the National Emergency Operations Center, Cabinet meetings, and Ministry of Health offices when other government buildings were damaged or destroyed. The experience reinforced national commitment to the Smart Hospitals concept, guiding the post-hurricane reconstruction of elderly care facilities and strengthening community resilience through sustainable, locally driven recovery efforts.

As climate-related threats intensify across the Caribbean, Smart Hospitals demonstrate how resilient, energy-efficient, and climate-adaptive health facilities can protect lives, safeguard investments, and support health systems during and after disasters.