HMC Burnaby Urgent Care Granted SHB Approval
HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging has been granted Standard Health Benefit [SHB] approval by the Bermuda Health Council.
HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging Statement
A spokesperson said, “HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging today announces that it has been granted Standard Health Benefit [SHB] approval by the Bermuda Health Council, which was acting upon the recommendation of its Standard Health Benefit Committee.
“Bermuda Health Council convened an international committee in May to review the SHB full-year application submitted by HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging in June 2020. Following a robust and extensive presentation by the HMC legal team, which included an interview with Medical Director Dr JJ Soares, the committee shared its recommendations with the Bermuda Health Council. The results were considered by the Bermuda Health Council’s Board and, on August 9, SHB approval was granted to HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging.
“SHB approval allows HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging to offer its diagnostic imaging services to all patients, including those insured by HIP and FutureCare.”
Dr JJ Soares, Medical Director of HMC-Burnaby Urgent Care & Medical Imaging, says: “I’m delighted to have received SHB approval for the centre. I have always believed that everyone should have equal access to our state-of-the-art medical facility. Studies have repeatedly shown that newer scanning equipment is safer and produces higher quality images.
“I would like to thank the international committee for objectively considering our application and for agreeing with our perspective, which contrasted with most all prior recommendations from the Bermuda Health Council. Now that SHB approval has been awarded, HIP and Future Care patients [in addition to the privately insured] can have access to our more up to date imaging equipment at no out of pocket charge, as has been the case for most all other imaging centers on island.”
“I would also like to thank the thousands of Bermudians and locals who have supported this campaign for access. It has been a five-year struggle to communicate the benefits of using newer diagnostic imaging equipment, so I am relieved that this is now over. It is unfortunate that it has had to take this long.”
The spokesperson said, “HMC took its case to the Supreme Court and was awarded SHB by them. However, the Bermuda Health Council, with funding provided by the government, took the case to the Court of Appeal to try and overturn that decision. The Judge ruled that the Bermuda Health Council must formally review HMC’s full-year application for SHB approval which was submitted in June 2020.”
Bermuda Health Council Statement
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Health Council acknowledges the approval of Standard Health Benefit [SHB] status for Hamilton Medical Center. We extend our appreciation to the international volunteers who served on our Standard Health Benefit review committee.
“The Council is committed to addressing the challenges of our healthcare system with a proactive approach. We recognize the areas in which the SHB program may need improvements and will take measures to address these issues in conjunction with our ongoing Universal Health Coverage consultation.”
Abou time. So will the PLP government gift BUC a few million dollars for loss of revenue the same way they did with their former leader?
Excellent news, well done to keep fighting for what’s right. BHC should issue an apology for their shameful role in blocking the approval.
What does this mean for patients going into the medical center ?
Hi Phillip, All patients, inc those insured with HIP and FutureCare, are now covered under their insurance policy.