About Cathy Stovell

Bermuda Hospitals Board to host Mental Health Awareness Fair

 Sunday 6 October: Bermuda Hospitals Board will host a mental health awareness fair on Thursday 10 October to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The free public event will take place on the grounds of City Hall in Hamilton. Health Minister Kim Wilson will lead the opening ceremony at 11:45am.

The theme for mental health awareness this year is Movement: Moving more for our mental health.

Fair attendees will enjoy fun activities many based on the movement theme. They will also be able to access mental health information from our Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute team members and from community agencies.

“We are pleased to see that the emphasis is growing in our community of the importance in caring for our mental wellness just as we care for our physical bodies,” said BHB Acting Chief of Staff and Chief of Psychiatry Dr Anna Neilson Williams.

“Our teams both at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and in the community are dedicated to assisting those with mental illness and those with mental health challenges, to live as independently as they can, through various treatment therapies and support.

“Everyone of us has mental health and should do all they can to safeguard it,” she said. “We are working hard to rid our community of any stigma about mental illness. This will pave the way for all of us to be comfortable sharing how we feel with friends and family and to have no apprehension when we need to seek professional assistance.

‘We invite the entire community to increase their knowledge about mental health and mental illnesses, and our fair provides an easy way to do this,” she said.

The free BHB Mental Health Awareness Fair will be open from noon to 4pm.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 -public events schedule (website)

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6 October 2024 Home Page, News

Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre open Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August

Wednesday 31 July 2024: The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre (UCC) will be open its regular weekend hours i.e. 9am-9pm on Saturday 3 August and Sunday 4 August 2024.

The UCC will not be open on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 August.

The management and staff of Bermuda Hospitals Board wishes the public a safe and happy Cup Match holiday weekend. We remind you not to drink and drive, advise you to adhere to the rules of the road, and implore you to manage any disagreement in a non-violent manner.

Clinicians at both the UCC and the KEMH Emergency Department attend to people based on the severity of their condition.

31 July 2024 News

BHB awards $190,000 in scholarships

Monday 29 July 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board is pleased to announce it has awarded a total of $190,000 in scholarships to 12 local students.

In a ceremony on Tuesday 16 July, the students were presented certificates of their awards in front of their families and BHB leaders.

Ryan Topple, a medical student, received the top award – the GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship of $20,000 for two years.

The other 11 students each received a BHB general scholarship in their speciality area, valued up to $15,000 for one year. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution approved by a relevant licensing council and maintain at least a 3.0 or equivalent grade point average.

Six of the general scholarship recipients are medical students and received BHB Medicine Scholarships. Nia Dailey, Storm Gibbons, Keesha Roberts and Veronica-Swan-DeGraff were each awarded $15,000, while Jahmir Celestine and J’hordon Emery received $10,000 each.

Studying physiotherapy, Tre Outerbridge received the 2024 BHB Allied Health Scholarship of $15,000. Kyra Butterfield was awarded a $15,000 BHB Psychology Scholarship.

BHB Nursing Scholarships of $15,000 were awarded to Alaiyah Hayward and Izeya Wainwright, while nursing student Sarae Botelho received $10,000.

“We had outstanding submissions from each of our 12 recipients in their applications for these scholarships,” said BHB Vice President of People Angela Fraser-Pitcher. “As the head of human resources, I urge our students to learn all they can and return to BHB to share their expertise. We wish them well.”

BHB CEO & President Scott Pearman said: “BHB is proud to assist these 12 deserving students. The health sector represents tremendous opportunity for immediate and future job growth, and we are pleased to support the current cohort of scholarship recipients in realising their dream of becoming healthcare professionals.

“BHB can offer immediate employment and guarantee employment over the next five years to newly qualified registered nurses with demonstrated competencies. Few employers and professions can provide such guarantees.

“Fuelled by an aging population and high rates of chronic disease, the demand for a broad cross section of healthcare professionals ensures that compassionate and highly capable students can secure a career in health.

“Health sector employment is open to traditional students matriculating from high school to college and mature students seeking a second career. Anchored by programmes offered locally at the Bermuda College, there are great educational options for those that cannot relocate overseas.

“For students who pursue their education overseas, we look forward to them eventually returning home to fulfil their commitment to our community.

“I thank the scholarship recipients for investing in themselves to serve the future needs of our community by taking care of Bermuda.”

 

Student biographies

Ryan Topple

College/University: University of Warwick, UK

“Having graduated with my honours degree in medical sciences from Dalhousie University, I will be pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Warwick in the UK in September,” says Ryan.

He works as an advanced EMT at BHB during his university breaks and says he is thankful for the support of his mentors and colleagues in the Emergency Department.

“Over the next few years, I plan on exploring different medical and surgical specialties,” he adds. “I look forward to eventually returning to Bermuda as a doctor at KEMH.”

 

Nia Daley

College/University: Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, UK

“I am interested in pursuing a career in dermatology or general surgery,” says Nia. “I hope to make meaningful contributions towards equitable health by utilising public health in my career.

“My passion for community involvement and representation drives my goals of working with underserved populations both locally and globally.”

 

Storm Gibbons

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

“As a future physician with a profound interest in psychiatry, it is my goal to provide well-rounded care to patients, with a focus on addressing their mental health needs comprehensively,” says Storm.

“I look forward to staying informed on the latest advancements in medicine, continually honing my skills to offer the highest standard of treatment.

“I aspire to be a doctor who not only excels in clinical practice but advocates for accessible and intersectional treatment within our community.”

 

 

Keesha Roberts

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Keesha says: “I want to become a world-renowned physician who is going to shift the paradigm of how health is managed and afforded, firstly in my society and then the world around it.

“I have seen how the rising costs of healthcare have had a massively negative impact on our community and I cannot wait to be a part of a system that wants to change this. If education is a right, why is equal access to healthcare a privilege? A question I want to work towards abolishing.”

 

 

Veronica Swan-DeGraff

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Veronica says: I have a passion for public health and advocating for young people through my work in the community as a student clinical coordinator for the Daily Male Health Clinic and through my organisation Bermuda Youth Connect.

“As a first-year medical student, I am very keen on specialising in emergency medicine, however, I am open to exploring what other specialties have to offer.”

 

 

Jahmir Celestine

ge/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

Jahmir says: “My career aspirations are deeply rooted in earning the ‘Doctor’ title and making a meaningful impact on my community. Becoming a doctor is very meaningful to me because it allows me to come back to Bermuda to help my community with the shortage of medical professionals.

“I am committed to providing quality healthcare to all Bermudians, including those that cannot afford healthcare. I am grateful that BHB has awarded me this scholarship as it will help bring me closer to achieving these goals.”

 

J’hordan Emery

College/University: St George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada

J’hordan says: My career aspiration to become a surgeon is driven by my profound love for anatomy. This passion was further strengthened during a transformative trip to Kenya, where I had the opportunity to assist surgeons in the operating theatre. The hands-on experience and exposure to different surgical procedures deepened my commitment to this field.

“I am excited to combine my enthusiasm for anatomy with the dynamic and impactful field of surgery.”

 

Alaiyah Hayward

College/University: University of Manchester, UK

“After graduating from the University of Manchester with my Bachelor of Nursing (honours) in 2025, I am looking to pursue further education and obtain my Bachelor of Medicine (MB ChB) within a discipline in women’s health,” says Alaiyah.

She says her motivation to work in this area came after reading a paper on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health in the UK.

“My passion was reinforced while volunteering abroad as part of my nursing programme in Busua, Ghana, where I spent time in the NICU, maternity and labour ward,” she says.

“I look forward to utilising my knowledge and skills to provide the best patient care possible to the residents of Bermuda.”

 

Izeyah Wainwright

College/University: Kingston University, UK

Izeyah says:My career aspirations are centred around constant growth and skill enhancement. Since childhood, I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse. Not only is it my career aspiration, but it is my passion to help provide holistic care to my patients and be a bright component to their dark times.”

 

 

 

 

 

Sarae Botelho

College/University: University of Central Florida, USA

Sarae says: “I have always wanted to pursue a career where I can make an impact by helping others, which is why I have an interest in healthcare. My career aspirations are to complete my Bachelor of Science in nursing and then pursue a master’s degree focusing on neonatal health/women’s health.

“Bermuda’s future is in our hands, and I want to be one of the skilled individuals who makes a difference on the island. Knowing that Bermuda has a shortage of local nurses, and as a young woman who is proud of her heritage, I want to be a part of ensuring that skilful, qualified healthcare talent is something that can be continued and at the same time, give back to my community.”

 

 

Tre Outerbridge

College/University: University of East London, UK

Tre says: “As I continue my educational journey at the University of East London, I aim to gain further experience and understanding of the various facets of clinical and sports-related physiotherapy. By gaining experience globally I strive to take the knowledge gained and apply it to benefit the local community of Bermuda.

“My goal is to provide Bermuda with a robust and modern approach to care and rehabilitation, and to help improve Bermuda’s overall health literacy.”

 

 

Kyra Butterfield

College/University: Stevenson University, USA

Kyra says: “My career aspirations are centred around becoming a clinical psychologist specialising in children, adolescents and their families. I am passionate about contributing to Bermuda’s mental health landscape by conducting research that advances our understanding of mental health, improves treatment options, and addresses current gaps in mental healthcare.

“My goal is to offer psychological service, focusing on supporting, nurturing the wellbeing and resilience of young people within Bermuda’s community.”

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29 July 2024 Home Page, News

2022 Emancipation Exhibition on show at KEMH

Tuesday 23 July 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board is celebrating Emancipation Day this year by exhibiting the panels from the Department of Culture’s 2022 exhibition, ‘Pioneers Who Persevered: Black Nurses in Segregated Bermuda.’

“We’re so pleased the Department of Culture has collaborated with us to show this exhibition again,” said BHB CEO & President Scott Pearman. “The exhibition highlights the significant role Black nurses played in healthcare on the Island. It is of particular interest to our staff, and we are delighted to have all eleven panels on exhibit in the lobby of our Acute Care Wing. BHB is a diverse organisation within a multicultural community, and we are proud to share an important foundational note in BHB and Bermuda’s history.”

“We applaud the efforts of all who created the original exhibition,” said BHB Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson, “and in particular veteran journalist and principal researcher of the work, Meredith Ebbin, who is also a nurse. All our nurses, irrespective of their ethnicity, appreciate the historical importance of the exhibit.”

“Culture does evolve but recognising our roots and paying tribute to the contributions of those who sacrificed and made it easier for us to access, pursue and achieve our interests in the healthcare field today, is timeless and always worth celebrating,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Owen Darrell. “It is wonderful that Bermuda Hospitals Board is providing another opportunity for their staff and the general public to visit this exhibit again.”

Visitors to the hospital and members of the public can visit the exhibition, use the QR code on the panels for the stories, and sign the guest book with their thoughts about the exhibit. The show is open now and runs until Friday 9 August 2024.

Those who want to know more about the era of segregated nursing in Bermuda can view the exhibition’s companion film, ‘Healthcare Heroines: Black Bermudian Nurses and the Struggle for Equality,’ at https://youtu.be/B06grQA29B8 and visit www.emancipationbermuda.com.

23 July 2024 Home Page, News

No through traffic at KEMH from 24-26 July

Monday 22 July 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board advises the public that there will be no pedestrian or vehicular through traffic on the campus of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road for three days starting on Wednesday 24 July.  This is to facilitate resurfacing of the through road.

The road will reopen on Saturday 27 July.

People will be able to access the Emergency Department, the main Acute Care Wing (ACW) entrance and the ACW visitor parking lot from Point Finger Road.

Access from Berry Hill Road will stop at the Botanical Gardens’ gate to KEMH.

To ensure safety, please adhere to all signage, barricades and directions of personnel at the site.

22 July 2024 Home Page, News

No through traffic at KEMH on 21 June

Thursday 20 June 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board advises the public that there will be no through traffic on the campus of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road from 7am-noon on Friday 21 June 2024.

The closure is necessary to facilitate a crane lift of construction materials.

People will be able to access the Emergency Department, the main ACW entrance and the ACW visitor parking lot from Point Finger Road.

Access from Berry Hill Road will stop at the Botanical Gardens gate to KEMH.

 

20 June 2024 News

No through traffic at KEMH on 12 June

Monday 10 June 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board advises the public that there will be no through traffic on the campus of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road from 7am to 12pm on Wednesday 12 June.

The closure is necessary to facilitate a crane lift of an air conditioning unit.

People will be able to access the Emergency Department, the main ACW entrance and the ACW visitor parking lot from Point Finger Road.

Access from Berry Hill Road will stop at the Botanical Gardens gate to KEMH.

10 June 2024 News

Acute Care Wing power restored – BHB moves down to Alert Level 1

Monday 10 June 2024 – 3:15am: All power has been restored in the ACW and all systems are running normally. Departments that provide outpatient services will be contacting  patients and clients who had appointments booked today to advise them when to come in. If you have an appointment for today, please contact the department directly before attending the hospital.

The hospital is now at Alert Level 1 and has reopened fully to the public.

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Acute Care Wing electrical equipment failure – BHB at Alert Level 3

Monday 10 June 2024 – 12:30am: Partial power has been restored to the ACW. The systems are slowly being brought back up.

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Acute Care Wing electrical equipment failure – BHB at Alert Level 3

Sunday 9 June 2024 – 10:42pm: There has been an internal electrical equipment failure in the Acute Care Wing of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH). The emergency generators are not currently running. Paget Health Services building managers are on site working on the problem which has also impacted operations in the General Wing.

All patient appointments for all KEMH departments are cancelled until further notice.

Due to the situation KEMH is at Alert Level 3. At this level we ask that the public not attend the hospital except in emergencies.

At the moment steam, running water and a/c have been impacted. The Emergency Department is working. No surgeries were underway.

BHB is working with our community partners to assist in the provision of services. People with hospital appointments will be contacted and advised of any changes.

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9 June 2024 News

New generator will help secure hospital power supply

Wednesday 5 June 2024: An additional generator will be installed at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital this year. There will be temporary changes to visitor and staff parking during the construction phase of the project.

“The new generator will provide added security of our electrical supply,” said Preston Swan, acting chief operating officer at Bermuda Hospitals Board. “It will work with the two existing generators to provide redundancy and ensure we have enough power to back up all essential systems, including air conditioning and ventilation, during a BELCO power outage.

“Paget Health Services, our partner in building and maintaining the Acute Care Wing, is managing and delivering the project as part of their obligations under the public private partnership contract.”

Paget Health Services General Manager Nicole Caines said: “We will be constructing housing for the new generator on top of a building currently in the main visitor car park at the ACW. Once this work has been completed, we will proceed with the installation.

“The construction portion of the project is scheduled to take 16 weeks to complete, and unfortunately there will be some disruption to parking at the hospital while this work is underway.”

Mr Swan said: “Starting on Monday 10 June, parking in the main ACW visitor car park will be reduced. Additional parking has been set aside further along Point Finger Road in our Springfield staff parking lot.”

Ms Caines added: “Signage will be posted and security staff will be stationed in both lots to assist hospital visitors in securing parking.”

The entire generator project will take 30 weeks to complete. BHB will not incur any costs related to the project.

5 June 2024 Home Page, News

BHB offers Heartsaver CPR AED training to the public

Wednesday 22 May 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is celebrating CPR & AED Awareness Week this year with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses for the public. BHB is an American Heart Association (AHA) International Training Center. All CPR courses follow AHA guidelines and standards.

A cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and the victim could be someone you know and love. BHB is pleased to support the American Heart Association and its mission to increase survival from cardiac arrest. The organisation is asking all Bermuda residents who are able, to learn the lifesaving skills of Hands-Only CPR.

BHB will offer the Heartsaver CPR AED course for $20. Training takes approximately two hours and is done to music. People are more likely to remember the correct rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song.

Registering for the courses

Please note that neither course is appropriate for clinicians.

Heartsaver CPR AED ($20 fee) will be offered on Saturday 1 June and Sunday 2 June from 8:30am to 6pm. Four sessions will be offered each day.

Day Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Saturday 8:30am-10:30am 11am-1pm 1:30pm-3:30pm 4pm-6pm
Sunday 8:30am -10:30am 11am-1pm 1:30pm-3:30pm 4pm-6pm

 

Call 239-1821 to register or email coursereg@bhb.bm. Please include the time and date you would like to attend.

Click here for the flyer. 

 

 

 

22 May 2024 Home Page, News