Long-Term Care Maintenance Services Proposed

April 2, 2026 | 0 Comments

The Citizens Reform Group and the Long-Term Care Committee have submitted a proposal to reintroduce on-site maintenance care services for long-term care residents in Bermuda’s hospital system.

A spokesperson said, “The Citizens Reform Group, a movement of the Bermuda Reform Coalition, together with the Long-Term Care Committee, has formally submitted a proposal calling for the immediate reintroduction of structured maintenance care services for long-term care residents within Bermuda’s hospital system.

“The proposal responds to sustained feedback from families and caregivers highlighting a long-standing gap in routine maintenance care — including dental, vision, hearing, podiatry, and ENT services — which has persisted for approximately eight years.

“The proposed Long-Term Care Maintenance Clinic [LTC-MC] model would deliver services on-site using mobile clinical equipment and sessional specialists, ensuring residents do not need to leave the hospital setting to receive essential care.

“Key features of the proposal include on-site delivery of dental, vision, hearing, foot care, and ENT triage services; no new construction or permanent clinic space required; use of existing hospital rooms and mobile equipment; and rapid implementation within weeks of approval.

“The financial model estimates an annual operating cost of approximately $77,500, with a one-time capital equipment investment of approximately $66,300 — equating to an operating cost of approximately $587 per resident per year.

“The Long-Term Care Committee and Citizens Reform Group have jointly noted that the absence of routine maintenance care has contributed to avoidable pain, reduced mobility, preventable complications, and increased reliance on emergency and acute services.

“Further details are outlined in the accompanying White and Green Papers prepared jointly by the Long-Term Care Committee and the Citizens Reform Group.

“The proposal has been submitted to King Edwards hospital administration for consideration.”