Bermuda Hospitals First Quarter 2015-16 Update
Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) today updates the community on its activities to improve quality and save costs.
Chairman, Jonathan Brewin, comments: “BHB continues to work towards its vision to provide safe, high quality, people-centered, compassionate care every day. Benchmarking is essential for this process and Accreditation Canada surveyors visited BHB late in May to measure how well we meet the same standards that are used for hospitals in Canada. We were pleased to hear many BHB strengths verbally reported from the surveyors along with a general reference that they would be happy to receive care in our facilities. The surveyors’ final report will be made public later this year as has been done in previous years.
“Before I move onto other matters, I would like to note that as has been recently Gazetted, I will be standing down as Chairman at the end of June. I would like to thank my fellow Board members, the Executive Team, management and staff of BHB for their tireless commitment and hard work for the two and a half years I have held this position. It was an immensely difficult, personal decision to stand down. I have recently taken on an exciting opportunity in St George’s and have found that I don’t have the time to attend to BHB matters as is needed. Peter Everson, who has served on the Board as Chairman of the Finance Committee, will take on the Chair position from 1 July and I wish him and BHB the very best.
BHB Financial Update
“We have spoken about BHB’s financial position for some time. This is an evolving situation as hard work by BHB staff members has successfully cut costs from the organisation already. Two years ago we expected to run out of cash by the end of the 2013. By controlling costs through budget cuts, vacancy freezes, and contract reviews, we have extended that deadline well into this fiscal year. In the last fiscal year alone, 18% was saved on operational costs including for example, $1 million saved through a review of billing systems, $4 million saved on new equipment purchases, around $6 million saved through supplier contract reviews and $3 million saved in support and administration services. At the same time, revenues for inpatient and outpatient services declined. Outpatient revenue decreased 5%, due to BHB’s voluntary introduction of diagnostic clinical guidelines, and unpaid patient bills rose from $6 million to $8 million. In total, revenue dropped from $312.6 million to $299.6 million and, despite the success in reducing costs, the excess of revenue over expenses dropped $2.4 million from $15.5 million to $13.1 million. This is a small surplus for a hospital. This is not a profit, but money that is used to re-invest in care and services. Without it we cannot afford to maintain our ageing facilities and equipment, we cannot invest in new treatments, technology and equipment, and we cannot invest in staff from basic cost of living increases to ensuring safe staffing levels. The surplus we make has to cover all these costs as well as, absorb the increases in international medical costs, which run at about 6%, and put money aside to cover any unforeseen matters.
“The Modernization Project was introduced in my last update. It is a major project involving over 90 change initiatives that dig deeper into BHB operations for efficiencies and clinical improvements. A number of savings have already been successfully realised, relating to reviewed contracts and a reduction in staffing through natural turnover that has saved BHB $1.2 million in recurring costs. Over the last two years $24 million has been cut from the wages and benefits costs to BHB, this has been through some attrition, the senior management restructure, wage freezes for two years and the implementation of the physician salary review and resultant recommendations. We look forward to releasing information about other initiatives as we progress.
“Attached to this update are the unaudited financial figures for the fiscal year 2014-15. While we await audited financials for previous years from the Auditor General, we will continue to provide financial updates to the community.
“While the commencement of paying for the ACW last June has added cost to BHB, the financial issues BHB faces cannot all be directly attributed to the new acute care wing. BHB has had to absorb major losses over the last few years, due to the economic predicament of Bermuda. BHB no longer receives a full payment from the Government for the cost of running the Continuing Care Unit, so it has to subsidize from other areas. The impact of the revenue caps, which were in place from 2012 to 2014, was a loss to BHB of about $20 million. There has also been a write off of the amount Government owed BHB for Government insured patients at a cost of about $30 million. This is, quite simply, a reflection of Bermuda’s economic reality. Everyone is struggling and trying to do their best to manage with very limited resources. BHB is determined to make itself financially sustainable so that it can meet all its obligations, including those of the new ACW. This is why it has commenced with the Modernization Project, and why we remain very grateful for the support of Government as we go through a process of change that will leave no stone unturned in seeking every possible efficiency and saving, while ensuring safety and quality are never compromised.”
Clinical Improvements
“I would like to note that BHB has now hired a second oncologist, Dr Christopher Fosker, as we seek to strengthen cancer services on the island. The importance of Dr Fosker’s appointment relates to BHB’s ability to provide a consistent and continuous service. His experience in radiation oncology will also support Bermuda Cancer and Health’s radiation therapy plans so that more people can stay at home for their cancer treatments.
“I also want to congratulate Continuing Care Unit (CCU) staff for the safe transfer of their residents to the fourth floor of the General Wing of KEMH in the Cooper and Perry Wards. Residents have settled in well. Plans are now underway to demolish part of the CCU building. I would stress the chapel, Heddington Gym, the Day Hospital and Lymphodaema services are not in the parts of the building to be demolished and will continue where they are.
Quality Performance
“The Board is committed to providing information that allows people to judge the quality of care at BHB. It is with some pride that staff at BHB met all the quality benchmarks set by the Board in the last fiscal year. This was despite the major move of services, the damage caused by hurricanes, and the organisation’s focus on reducing costs, which it has done successfully over the last three years.
“We will be releasing BHB’s quality metrics in our first ever Hospital Week, during the first week in July. We will then continue with regular release of quality and patient satisfaction data so that people have updated information about the performance of Bermuda’s only hospitals. This will be a big step forward in transparency and openness in Bermuda. We believe it will also help people better understand how hospitals operate and manage quality.”
Attachment 1: 2015 Financials.pdf
Archives
- 18 August - Baby Sarai born in the eye of Ernesto
- 29 July - BHB awards $190,000 in scholarships
- 18 July - No through traffic at KEMH on 20 July
- 20 June - No through traffic at KEMH on 21 June
- 10 June - No through traffic at KEMH on 12 June
- 30 May - BHB MRI service up and running
- 22 May - BHB’s MRI temporarily down
- 12 March - BHB celebrates World Kidney Day
- 29 February - Generous donation after life-saving cardiac care
- 3 January - Bermuda’s first baby of 2024 is born
- 25 December - Two babies born on Christmas Day
- 18 December - Scott Pearman appointed as BHB CEO from January 2024
- 15 December - Only visit your loved ones in hospital if you feel well
- 29 November - Green is good for your mental wellness
- 22 November - Donation brings new treatment for enlarged prostate
- 17 November - BHB resumes pre-COVID visiting hours
- 10 November - BHB histopathology tests and post-mortem reports
- 29 September - BHB turns on pink lights
- 18 September - BHB to host free Falls Prevention Mini Expo
- 13 July - Blood donor raffle winners announced
- 24 May - Free CPR training could save a life
- 27 February - Faster and more efficient laundry now in operation
- 6 January - KEMH welcomes first babies of 2023
- 3 January - BHB looks forward to PEARL benefits
- 28 December - BHB COVID update
- 25 December - Three babies born on Christmas Day
- 22 December - BHB jobs fair attracts over 300
- 21 December - Community initiative for old St. James’ Church rectory
- 5 December - BHB updates COVID guidelines
- 1 December - O positive blood donors urgently needed
- 30 November - BHB shines green light for mental health awareness
- 17 November - BHB Traffic Advisory for Monday 21 November 2022
- 13 November - PEARL Implementation Update
- 9 November - O positive blood donors needed
- 3 November - Local newborn makes BHB history
- 29 October - PEARL Go-Live Milestone Celebrated
- 27 October - BHB prepares for PEARL’s implementation
- 19 October - Urgent call for blood donations
- 12 October - HAB donates biomedical van
- 10 October - Residents rate their mental health
- 30 September - Pink lights at KEMH for breast cancer awareness
- 27 September - BHB welcomes new chief hospital information officer
- 23 September - KEMH welcomes baby during hurricane force winds
- 20 September - BHB’s electronic medical record to go live in October
- 20 September - BHB Public Advisory: the hyperbaric chamber has reopened
- 6 September - BHB awards $100,000 in scholarships to eight students
- 9 August - Donate blood and win a ride on a Whip
- 24 July - BHB laundry gets $6.6 million upgrade
- 3 February - BHB CT scan service has resumed
- 27 January - BHB and Brown Darrell collaborate on CT service
- 9 December - BHB COVID-19 Remembrance Tree
- 30 November - BHB turns on green light for mental health awareness
- 2 November - BHB to ease visiting restrictions starting Wednesday
- 22 October - BHB moves to Disaster Alert Level 3
- 18 October - Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre resumes normal hours
- 28 September - BHB morgue service impacted by the pandemic
- 17 September - BHB Moves to Highest Alert Level
- 7 September - BHB visitor restrictions reintroduced due to delta surge
- 27 July - HSBC brings Cup Match magic to BHB
- 22 July - BHB cautiously opens up to more visitors
- 21 July - BHB announces breast ultrasound service
- 9 July - Blood donor winners announced
- 13 May - BHB releases BE KIND logo
- 30 March - BHB update in response to COVID-19 surge
- 24 February - BHB Food Services team completes nutrition course
- 2 February - UCC returns to longer weekday hours
- 1 February - Preston Swan takes on acting COO role
- 26 January - More visitors allowed from 27 January
- 18 January - Mental Health Act Code of Practice now available
- 18 January - Bermuda Hospitals Board COVID-19 vaccination update
- 15 January - BHB pilots thermal detectors at its entrances
- 8 January - Why I will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine
- 6 January - New year’s baby makes a late appearance
- 29 December - Update on BHB Long Term Care COVID-19 Cases
- 24 December - BHB Confirms Two Patient Cases in Long Term Care Area
- 23 December - Call for new blood donors to help over the holidays
- 17 December - Dr Wesley Miller appointed as BHB chief of staff
- 14 December - Lamb Foggo UCC Winter Weekday Hours
- 13 December - BHB gives mental health the green light
- 27 November - BHB response to 27 November Royal Gazette article
- 27 October - BHB celebrates Stroke Awareness Week
- 5 August - Agape House maintenance In August
- 24 July - Road closure at KEMH on 27 July
- 21 July - Dr Michael Richmond appointed as BHB CEO
- 2 June - BHB moves to limited visitation
- 19 May - A COVID-19 birthday story
- 29 April - Please wear a mask to the hospital
- 15 April - Police, Fire and Regiment salute KEMH staff
- 13 April - KEMH creates more isolation rooms
- 8 April - Ace Barber Unit converted for pandemic
- 20 March - Only essential visiting now allowed at BHB
- 18 February - BHB releases internal management accounts data
- 18 February - BHB road traffic accident statistics for January 2020
- 31 January - Winter hours at Lamb Foggo UCC extended to February
- 6 January - BHB seeks students for 2020 summer programme
- 1 January - BHB welcomes first babies of 2020
- 2 December - BHB awarded top level of accreditation
- 26 September - World Heart Day: BHB offers free CPR training
- 19 September - BHB welcomes Storm
- 16 September - Hurricane Emergency Kit Guide for Diabetes Patients
- 10 September - 2019 Scholarship Winners Announced
- 4 September - BHB CEO Notifies of Early Retirement in 2020
- 14 August - Improved diabetes management for inpatients
- 16 April - BHB celebrates occupational health nurses
- 25 March - BHB implements hand hygiene audit
- 11 March - Public Advisory: KEMH through road closure
- 22 February - KEMH asphalt resurfacing works
- 6 February - Public Advisory: KEMH roof sealing works
- 5 February - Red Cross Donates Scooter to Gordon Ward Residents
- 22 January - BHB Public Advisory on the Flu
- 5 December - Bermuda Blood Donor Centre thanks polo shirt donors
- 23 October - Walk-in Mammography Day on Thursday
- 12 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board offers free hands-only CPR training
- 26 February - Bermuda Hospitals Board now offers Cardiac CT Scanning
- 14 February - A Valentine’s gift for regular blood donors
- 25 December - Bermuda Hospitals Board welcomes Christmas baby 2017
- 24 November - Public Advisory: Lamb Foggo UCC closed this weekend
- 18 October - KEMH Mammography Department puts breast health first
- 16 October - Bermuda Hospitals Board Traffic Advisory
- 19 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board launches island-wide asthma campaign
- 14 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board has two certified dementia trainers
- 14 September - Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre closed this weekend
- 23 March - CEO Venetta Symonds on bed capacity at KEMH
- 17 March - Corporate Blood Drive competition heats up
- 22 February - Lamb Foggo UCC to reopen 1 March
- 1 February - Ms Patrice Dill leaves BHB
- 24 January - BHB introduces Patient-Centred Medical Home
- 20 January - Community invited to open up about BHB services
- 2 January - BHB welcomes New Year’s baby
- 26 December - BHB welcomes Christmas baby
- 22 December - Notice: Holiday hours at UCC and Emergency Department
- 3 December - King’s College urologist joins BHB
- 6 November - BHB focuses on ethics and youth
- 10 October - Being Alive
- 28 September - General Wing Lobby Doors Closed on Thursday 29 September
- 27 September - END OF FISCAL YEAR (2015/16) UPDATE
- 16 September - Urgent Care Centre Closure this Weekend
- 7 September - BHB Update on the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre
- 1 September - Outpatient clinics at KEMH have moved
- 5 August - New hours at Craig Appin House reception
- 25 July - Call for O Negative Blood Donations
- 24 July - Agape House has reopened
- 21 July - BHB Releases CEO Salary Data
- 15 July - BHB Releases 2012 Annual Report
- 16 May - BHB releases salary data
- 4 May - Teen suicide public debate
- 27 April - Dr Keith Chiappa Appointed as Chief of Staff
- 22 February - Agape House 25th anniversary
- 10 February - Update on Genito-Urinary Cancer Care
- 8 February - Blood Donor Centre request to recent donors
- 3 February - BHB Rehabilitation Day Hospital temporarily moved
- 3 February - MRI service at BHB has resumed
- 2 February - Agape House now in Curtis Ward
- 12 January - Kiwanis Clubs Donate $21,000 To Maternity
- 6 January - MRI service interruption
- 5 January - BHB to demolish two buildings on KEMH campus
- 30 December - BHB Posts Hospital-Wide Accreditation Report to Website
- 5 October - Hurricane Joaquin babies at KEMH
- 28 September - MWI sewage treatment plant completed
- 14 September - Acute Care Wing first anniversary – shorter hospital stays
- 18 June - Second Oncologist Joins BHB
- 21 May - BHB Spring Talent Showcase
- 15 April - CCU patients have a new home in KEMH
- 16 February - BHB to dispose of condemned items
- 12 February - Bermuda Hospitals 2014 Update
- 5 February - Operating Rooms now in the Maternity Ward
- 14 September - Emergency Department opens in new Acute Care Wing
- 4 September - Acute Care Wing opens next week
- 29 August - Letter to the Editor of The Royal Gazette
- 12 August - Acute Care Wing opens next month
- 22 July - Tour D´oeuvres and Public Tours
- 15 July - Chance to win a tour of the new wing
- 4 July - Consultant Geriatrician Appointed
- 19 June - BHB mount exhibition
- 9 June - Retiring Blood Donors Honoured
- 15 May - The Back-up generators
- 28 April - We´re connected!
- 21 April - Acute Care Wing: – new features on the face
- 16 April - Atrium- Bringing light to the interior
- 10 April - The New Emergency Department
- 13 February - BHB introduces Eddie the Elephant
- 30 January - Road Works on Point Finger Road this weekend
- 27 January - BHB announce revised opening date
- 16 January - Craneiom comes down
- 7 January - New Chief of Pathology Appointed
- 29 November - Urgent Care Centre Hours Confirmed
- 28 November - Dr Sam Mir Appointed Director of Cardiology
- 14 November - Chairman, CEO speak at Sandys Rotary
- 1 November - BHB Goes Back to Ethics Basics
- 31 October - Quarterly BHB Update – October 2013
- 15 October - New Acute Care Wing Construction Update
- 10 September - CEO and Chairman Speak at Hamilton Rotary
- 6 September - Planned Power Outage at MWI this Weekend
- 26 August - New temporary pedestrian entrance to KEMH
- 24 July - BHB Board Update – 24 July 2013
- 30 April - New Chief of Staff Appointed
- 5 February - Auditor General Informs BHB of Review
- 1 November - BHB Tackles Healthcare Ethics in the Digital Age
- 8 October - Mental Health Awareness Week Tackles Depression
- 2 October - Clinical & Corporate Governance Review Update
- 27 September - Voices Against Stigma: MindFrame PhotoVoice 2012 Launches
- 19 September - BHB´s 2011 Annual Report Released
- 7 August - Chief of Human Resources Appointed
- 16 February - BHB Sees Patient Satisfaction with Services Rise
- 16 February - New CT Scanner Provides Faster and More Accurate Results
- 10 February - Road Works Planned for South Shore
- 31 January - Hospital Marks Healthy Heart Month
- 22 November - Bermuda Hospitals Board Achieves Full Accreditation
- 7 November - Hospital Celebrates Advances in Diagnostic Imaging
- 27 October - Ethics Week 2011 Offers Food For Thought
- 12 August - Venetta Symonds To Be BHB CEO from 7 April 2012
- 6 April - Construction Begins
- 23 November - MindFrame PhotoVoice Exhibition Winners Announced
- 28 October - MWI Host Mental Health Forum for Community
- 28 October - Ethics Week Keeps it Confidential
- 13 October - Premier Visits Site of New Hospital Facility
- 10 September - BHB evaluates three bids
- 4 June - Parking Lot Takes Shape
- 4 May - KEMH Hosts Asthma Day Open House
- 26 March - Site preparation work begins
- 18 March - New Online Applications Process for BHB Jobs
- 23 December - Specifications for New Facilities Complete
- 23 December - BHB Releases Request for Proposal to Shortlisted Bidders
- 28 October - BHB Approves Shortlist of Qualified Bid Teams
- 27 October - New Chief of Nursing, Quality & Risk Appointed
- 14 October - Specifications Take Shape
- 10 September - New Director of Facilities Appointed
- 3 September - New Ambulance Fleet Unveiled
- 1 September - Pembroke Rotary Helps MWI Clients Snap into Action
- 25 August - Hospital Appoints Psychiatrists at MWI
- 29 July - Advisory Teams Evaluate KEMH Site
- 24 June - Robot Enhances Patient Care
- 11 June - World Blood Donor Day- June 14
- 8 May - Market Briefing Presentation
- 30 April - KEMH Hosts World Asthma Day Fair
- 16 March - Redevelopment Update
- 3 February - Presentation To Contractors
- 3 February - Presentation To Architects & Engineers
- 2 February - Hospital Opens New Pilot Patient Rooms
- 12 November - Johns Hopkins Phase II Report Released
- 20 October - Hospital Launches Infection Prevention Week
- 16 October - Mind Frame Art Exhibit Opens at City Hall
- 14 October - BHB Invests to Strengthen Nursing
- 29 July - Mother Support: Going for the Gold
- 27 March - Hospital Improves Laundry Service
- 23 January - Hospital Switchboard Undergoes 2-Hour Upgrade
- 20 December - New Director of Human Resources Appointed
- 27 November - Opening the Doors to Wound Care
- 11 October - Mind Frame Art Exhibit Opens at City Hall
- 6 September - Emergency Department Staff Receive Specialized Training
- 21 August - Dr Donald Thomas Appointed as Chief of Staff
- 15 February - Single Largest Donor Funds Improvements at Hospitals
- 1 February - Have You the Heart to Find Out Your Risk?
- 22 November - Day Hospital Provides Rehabilitative Services
- 17 October - Bermuda Hospitals Board Update on Estate Master Plan
- 16 October - Infection Control Week – It’s In Your Hands
- 9 October - Mental Health Awareness Week 2006
- 26 September - Deputy CEO Comments on Bermuda Hospitals Board Next Steps
- 21 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Changes First Public Meeting Venue
- 20 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Public Meetings
- 18 September - Safer and Faster X-ray Service Now Available to Patients
- 7 September - Community Open Houses to be Held at KEMH
- 10 July - BHB and BPSU Reach Three Year Agreement
- 21 February - Bermuda Hospitals Board Appoints Acting CEO
- 30 December - BHB Chairman Steps Down
- 12 September - Community Newsletter Available to Island Residents
- 6 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Awarded Three-Year Accreditation
- 30 August - BHB Chairman Addresses Hamilton Rotary Club
- 7 April - Hospitals Launch New Web Site
- 1 November - November is Hospice Awareness Month in Bermuda
- 8 October - DEPRESSION
- 8 October - Schizophrenia
- 8 October - Substance Use
- 8 October - ANXIETY
- 7 October - Learning Disability
- 6 October - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH
- 6 October - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
- 5 October - Bermuda’s Mental Health Awareness Week
- 4 October - STIGMA AND MENTAL HEALTH