Tawanna Wedderburn Appointed BHeC CEO

The Bermuda Health Council announces the appointment of Mrs. Tawanna Wedderburn as its Chief Executive Officer.

Mrs. Wedderburn began working at the Health Council in 2007 as Project Manager and was appointed to the Director of Health Regulation in 2011. She served as Acting CEO since July 2015 and CEO as of 13th January 2016.

Mrs. Wedderburn completed graduate studies at the University of Toronto and University of Guelph. After obtaining certifications from the World Bank and Schulich School of Business, she also completed health leadership training at Harvard University’s School of Public Health.

Mrs. Wedderburn has 20 years of clinical experience in mental health. With the team from Child and Adolescent Services, she helped to develop the island’s first treatment team for eating disorders, and psychiatric inpatient unit and day hospital for children. With colleagues, she also developed and taught the Royal College of Nursing [London] cross training program at Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Since joining the Health Council in 2007, Mrs. Wedderburn has been involved in health policy development leading on the regulation of health professionals, improving health facilities, the entry of health technology, and making changes to health insurance coverage; all towards improving access to care and the quality of patient experiences.

As CEO, Mrs. Wedderburn oversees reporting of health expenditures and financing, feasibility of drug formularies, licensing of health insurers, monitoring employers’ compliance with the Health Insurance Act, and coordinating health system reforms.

Mrs. Wedderburn has four children and is committed to the education of Bermuda’s children. She has served on the Ministry of Education’s Gifted and Talented Education Steering Committee and she sits on The Berkeley Institute Board of Governors. Mrs. Wedderburn also served as an active member of the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Ethics Committee for 10 years.

Chairman of the Board, Simone Barton stated: Mrs. Wedderburn’s commitment to the improvement of healthcare in Bermuda is rivalled only by her passion for the community to which she serves. The Bermuda Health Council are the watch dogs for the health system and as such we need a strong leader that isn’t afraid to tackle the hard issues.

“I have watched Mrs. Wedderburn over the years and have always been impressed with her ability to take on the hard challenges and fight diligently for amicable solutions. With a wealth of knowledge in both local and overseas healthcare matters I am confident the Mrs. Tawanna Wedderburn will be a trailblazer.

The Minister of Health, Seniors and Environment, Jeanne Atherden said: “The Bermuda Health Council has an important role to play in supporting the Ministry’s stewardship of the Island’s health system to improve quality and reduce health costs.

“The Chief Executive Officer post is significant to this role and Mrs Wedderburn’s prior knowledge will ensure seamless continuity as we bring forward important reforms. I wish Mrs Wedderburn every success in her new role.”

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