Advocacy Group’s BHB Report Concerns
The Bermuda Healthcare Advocacy Group [BHAG] said they feel the recent Hospitals Board report released by Health Minister Zane DeSilva is “nothing but a smoke screen riddled with sounding brass and tingling symbols.”
The BHAG was formed in March of this year with a stated aim of improving healthcare in Bermuda beginning at KEMH. The group was founded by a small group of people including Mark Selley and Allan DeSilva, with other members joining after a meeting was held where people were able to voice their concerns about healthcare in Bermuda.
The statement from the BHAG said: “It is unconceivable that the Bermuda Hospital’s Board [BHB] would gloat and attempt to advocate that they have made huge adjustments in their business practice in the face of a pending review. Apparently, they are very confused and imploding under their own double standards.
“BHAG receives on a regular basis countless letters of complaints from persons and families who have experienced less than desirable medical care and attention.
“BHAG contends that you can fool the people sometimes, but you can’t fool the people all the time…there must come a time when enough is enough and someone needs to be held accountable for the deplorable state of affairs at BHB.
“For BHB to claim they have saved 4 million dollars in consultant fees does not address the millions of dollars wasted over the past five years…” the organization said.
“Maybe if the hospital was more transparent with their financial affairs than public speculation would be held to a minim. Moreover, BHB annually receives funding from government, but do not possess the business integrity in sharing with the public their salaries and bonuses.
“The Bermuda Healthcare Advocacy Group would like to encourage the public to sign onto [this website link] and express their concerns by signing their petition. We feel this is the only way that Bermudians can truly have a voice into the affairs of healthcare and help to influence the kind of change we deserve.
“The petition clearly lays out our objective and request for a commission of inquiry and the resignation of the Minister of Health Mr. Zane Desilva and other key contributors to our failing healthcare system. Every vote counts for a Bermuda in desperate need of a healthcare institution that is honest, reliable, accountable and transparent,” said the BHAG.
A BHB spokesperson responded saying: “BHB’s 2011 Financial Statements have been fully audited by the Auditor General and as a requirement of the Hospitals Act 1970 we are required to publish an account of how we invested surplus funds for this year.
“The opening reference from BHAG’s statement indicates they are not aware that we are required to issue the report in this way by law. While the 2011 Report looked at the fiscal year ending 31 March 2011, BHB is looking forward to working with the Ombudsman of Bermuda on our upcoming Clinical and Corporate Review.
“We will also continue to update the community on our actions to continuously improve our quality of care, whilst cutting costs in order to deliver our services at the best value possible as mandated by the National Health Plan.
“In the absence of any supporting facts or formal letters of complaint that we can address from BHAG, BHB staff will continue their hard work to transform services, with a focus on quality and cost control.
“Our hope is that BHAG will understand the important role they could play as true advocates engaged in this process rather than using unsubstantiated and defamatory statements to petition for an inquiry.”
Is this a joke. Any no-name organisation can be created (likely by the OBA) and start attacking people and get press on Bernews. Ridiculous.
Facts are hospital has gotten better. Deal with it!
Perhaps if you showed up for one of BHAG’s meetings and heard about a few episodes, saw a few pictures (Mr. DeSilva’s come to mind), listened to what staff from KEMH (including Bermudian doctors), you might realise that this is way beyond party politics – it is about basic, human care.
Thank you so much Randal, the truth is coming out thanks to you gus.
You should think before you voice your comments about BHAG. They have put alot of time and effort into what they are trying to achieve which is better healthcare for all. They are not politically driven. All you have to do is listen to the stories. When I was at Lahey earlier this year, we heard of many – misdiagnoses etc. Think!!
I hope the hell you sir, do not have to endure your stay at this so called hospital,on the other hand maybe you should, you say the hospital has gotten better !!!!when was your last stay there ?
They should have spent that $4 million on cleaning. Next time you go into the hospital, take a good look at the base boards and corners of the floors. They are filthy. I have seen first hand how some of them clean. It is pathetic. I hope they do not intend to put these cleaners over at the new hospital.
I totally agree! Our hospital is disgusting. I have been in the hospital twice this year and the level of service and cleanthiness is appaling. I blame management, the staff only does what the management allows. Poor managers equals poor staff. Same thing with government worker, poor management. We can build new facilities, but if they are managed poorly, it will be a waist of time and money because the word would spread very fast.
It is unfortunate that the report for March 31, 2011 has finally been released in August 2012, when the report for March 31, 2012 is already past due.
When will we be able to review last year’s performance? 2014?
Oh Boy Oh Boy…..if only you knew how the Medical CORPORATION worked.