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BHB Media Release: Free transport for the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute Expo

Wednesday 22 October 2025: Attending the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) Expo on Saturday 25 October will now be easier than ever as a free round-trip bus ride from the Hamilton bus terminal will be laid on.

The bus will leave the Hamilton terminal at 9am. It will be clearly marked as going to the MWI Expo. Attendees can also seek direction to the vehicle from the dispatcher at the terminal. The bus will take passengers directly to the Expo which will be located in the MWI Social Centre.

Attendees can also board the bus at the MWI Social Centre at 12:30 for a ride back to the Hamilton bus station.

Join the fun and learn about all the services MWI offers at the MWI Expo from 10am-noon on Saturday 25 October.

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22 October 2025 Home Page, News

BHB Joint Media Release: World Stroke Day – Free public health checks and stroke information

Monday 13 October 2025: Bermuda Hospitals Board, Evolution Healing Centre (Evolution) and the Bermuda Diabetes Association will give free health information in two events on World Stroke Day, Wednesday 29 October. In the morning, free health screenings for the public will be offered in the main lobby at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) from 10am-2pm. Please join us to learn your blood pressure, blood sugar levels, stroke-risk score and falls-risk score.

Health Minister Kim Wilson will open the day’s activities with a World Stroke Day message in the KEMH lobby at 9:30am.

Join us in the evening for a free public talk- a Stroke of Genius: featuring a panel event including healthcare professionals addressing stroke and rehabilitation questions, along with survivor stories. This event will be held at The Waterfront at Pitts Bay from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on World Stroke Day. Come support those on their journey, with light refreshments available.

The registration link is: https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/WorldStrokeDayBermuda2025

If you can’t make either of the events on World Stroke Day, BHB and Evolution will be teaming up with Bermuda is Love, Function Junction and Island Nutrition on Friday 31 October for an informal Stroke Awareness Pop-Up event in Queen Elisabeth II Park (formerly Par la Ville Park). The Stroke awareness volunteers will include a registered dietitian, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and lay people. You can speak one-on-one with them for advice on stroke and how to recognize the symptoms.

“We also encourage stroke survivors to take part in our Stroke Survey where we are gathering data to help improve on-island stroke services,” says Dr Kimberley Watkins of Evolution Healing Centre. “You can get more information at our events or by clicking on the QR code in this article.”

Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJX3ZHZ

“We always stress the importance of knowing stroke symptoms,” says Srinath Meadipudi, director of the BHB Primary Stroke Centre. “BE FAST is the acronym that helps you remember as per the diagram in this article. Join us on World Stroke Day to learn even more.”

Download the flyer: World Stroke Day – Free Health Screenings- FLYEROCT2025

13 October 2025 Home Page, News

Celebrating World Mental Health Day: Prioritising mental health in the workplace

Friday 10 October 2025: Bermuda joins citizens around the globe in marking World Mental Health Day today. Minister of Health Kim Wilson encourages island residents to take full advantage of Government and other community resources to safeguard and build mental health resilience. Although she is not on the island today, Minister Wilson has issued this video message:

 

Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute is the lead provider of mental health services locally.

BHB Chief of Psychiatry and Chief of Staff Anna Neilson-Williams commented: “Thanks to a Government grant, our services for both children and adults are provided at no cost to the client.”

BHB’s mental health services include:

  • inpatient psychiatric and psychological care
  • outpatient psychiatric and psychological support
  • community-based psychiatric and psychological support
  • community-based support for those with intellectual disabilities
  • drug treatment programmes
  • public education

“The public is invited to learn more about our services at our free Mental Health Expo on Saturday 25 October,” said Dr Neilson-Williams. “It will take place in the Social Centre at MWI from 10am-12pm.

“The theme for World Mental Health Day this year is ‘It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.’ We provide mental health first aid courses regularly at MWI in Devonshire, and we are happy to provide them elsewhere in the community, including where you work.”

BHB’s interactive mental health first aid course allows participants to learn a little about specific mental health conditions and gives them a better understanding of how to recognise and interact with those who may have these conditions.

“The more people who take the course in a workplace, the more likely that work environment will be supportive of employee mental health and wellbeing,” Dr Neilson-Williams added.

Karen Grant-Simmons, clinical director of mental health services, said: “We at BHB join the Health Minister’s call for employers to provide training for their managers and staff in mental wellness and in identifying the early signs of mental distress.

“Email us today at mhfa@bhb.bm about providing mental health first aid education at your job or community group. Courses take place every month, and the next one is 14-15 October from 9:30am-5pm at MWI. To register, visit our website at bermudahospitals.bm/mhfa.”

Director of Allied Health Services Angela Gilbert said: “We’re also encouraging the public to attend the current MindFrame PhotoVoice Exhibition at Bermuda Society of Arts, with submissions from our clients. The exhibit ends on Monday 13 October, so if you haven’t seen it yet, today is a great day to stop in and celebrate mental health.”

Bermuda Society of Arts is located on the top floor of City Hall. Opening hours are 10am-4pm Monday to Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturdays. Entry is free and much of the artwork is available for purchase.

10 October 2025 Home Page, News

BHB welcomes two babies during hurricane lockdown

Thursday 2 October 2025: Bermuda Hospitals Board is happy to announce the birth of baby Gosai Pritmani, baby GP for short, during storm conditions at 7:47pm on Wednesday 1 October.

Baby GP, a boy, is the first born of parents Niraj Pritmani and his wife Sonam Gosai Pritmani.

“We had a visit with our gynaecologist, Dr Reese yesterday morning,” said Ms Gosai Pritmani, “because yesterday was actually the due date.”

“At around 11am we were not sure if Sonam was just having cramps of if they were contractions,” said Mr Pritmani. “But they went from manageable to intense, so we decided to come to the hospital at around 2pm,” he added.

Soon the contractions were coming faster, and the pain was increasing and by 4pm Ms Gosai Pritmani was in labour.

“I was so lucky that it went that quickly,” said Mr Pritmani. “Because she was deemed to be in active labour, I was allowed to stay with her and was here for the birth,” he added. “Had she not been in active labour, I would have had to go home and then request a Police escort to come back to the hospital after 4pm.”

The couple said they had considered leaving the island for the birth as they were always concerned that a hurricane might happen when they needed to go to the hospital.

“It was our number one fear, but many we talked to convinced us that the odds of that happening were extremely low, so we stayed and it turned out to be perfect,” said the new mom.

GP is just a holding name for the 7pound 2-ounce Hindu baby who will be named, in accordance with Hindu tradition, 11 days from his birth. His time of birth and other birth date details have been sent to a Hindu pundit to work out the name he should have.

“It will be based on sound but is unlikely to be Humerto or Imelda,” his dad said.

Bermuda Hospitals Board also welcomed, Franklin Roy Mayor during the storm. Franklin was born at 6:40am on Thursday 2 October to Lucy and Stephen Mayor. He is their first child and weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces.

Franklin was due on 30 September and his parents although given the option to check-in to Maternity for the storm, decided to stay with relatives close by on Laurel Lane. Father Stephen Mayor said when his wife Lucy was having contractions 4 minutes apart, they decided it best “to roll down the road to the Maternity Unit.” It was 2:45am.

“Lucy went straight into delivery when we got here,” he said. “The hospital staff and the Maternity team were absolutely amazing from the time we arrived at the front door. They could not have done more for us,” he added. “Dr Reese and our nurse Lilia, a midwife, were absolutely incredible. We thank the entire Maternity team,” said Lucy.

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2 October 2025 Home Page, News

Bermuda Hospitals Board awards $191,000 in scholarships

Monday 22 September 2025: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is pleased to announce it has awarded a total of $191,000 in scholarships to 14 local students.

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

Thirteen students each received a BHB general scholarship in their specialty area, valued up to $15,000 for one year and one received the Dr Keith Cunningham award. 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. Keiazia Burchall-Busby, Ameera Gilbert and Gabriella Medeiros each were awarded $15,000 for one year. Delia Ebbin and Jade Richardson were awarded $12,000 each for a year and Calais Darrell was awarded $5,000 for a year.

Zahra Philip received the Dr Keith Cunningham Medical Technologist scholarship in the amount of $15,000 for one year.

Nursing students received one-year awards. Milahn Powell and Kaela Riley each received $15,000 and Jahkaida Francis-Hollis was awarded $12,000.

BHB Allied Health scholarships of $15,000 for one year were awarded to: Sanjayah Ible Allwood who is studying Health and Social Care; cytopathology student Zekiah Lewis and radiology student Nikia Simons.

Pharmacy student Daelynn Richards was awarded the BHB Pharmacy scholarship of $15,000 for one year.

“Submissions from all 14 awardees this year were outstanding,” said BHB Chief People Officer, Paul Jones. “I urge our students to take advantage of as many opportunities to learn as they can and then return to BHB to share their expertise.”

BHB CEO & President Scott Pearman said: “There is tremendous opportunity for immediate and future job growth for those in healthcare fields. We are proud to support these 14 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.

“Bermuda’s high rates of chronic disease coupled with an increasing elder population, requires a broad cross section of healthcare professionals to manage their healthcare needs. This fact ensures that compassionate and highly capable graduates can secure careers in their chosen fields, here at home.”

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

 

Student biographies

Keiazia Burchall-Busby

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

“From a young age, I encountered limitations in the healthcare system through my own experiences as a patient. This fuelled my passion to serve and drive a transformative change in our community,” says Keiazia.

“As a future physician-scientist currently engaged in genetic research, I am particularly interested in how personalised medicine can improve our community’s health outcomes and help reduce disparities in our system.”

 

Ameera Gilbert

College/University: University of the West of England, UK

“My long-term goal is to return to Bermuda as a qualified anaesthesiologist, where I hope to provide patient-centred care of the highest standard,” says Ameera.

 

 

 

Gabriella Medeiros

College/University: University of Warwick, UK

Gabriella says: “I recently graduated from McGill University (Montreal, Canada) with a First-Class Honors in Cognitive Science. In September I begin medical school at the University of Warwick in the UK, where I will fulfil my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

“While I am not yet certain which specialty I will pursue, I am excited to explore the many different fields of medicine over the coming years.

“Ultimately, I aspire to become a compassionate and dedicated physician, and I am committed to one day giving back to the Bermudian community that has supported me throughout my journey.”

 

Delia Ebbin

College/University: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, UK

Delia says: “I hope to pursue a career in primary care, where I can provide accessible, patient-centred care to Bermudians across all stages of life.

“I am passionate about helping to break down barriers in healthcare, including addressing medical bias and improving health equity within the community.”

 

Jade Richardson

College/University: Trinity School of Medicine, St Vincent & the Grenadines

Jade says she wants to “pursue a career in internal medicine focusing on providing compassionate, evidence-based care to underserved communities.”

“I’m particularly in specialising in a field that allows both clinical excellence and meaningful patient relationships,” she says.

“Ultimately, I hope to balance a fulfilling medical career with a strong commitment to mentorship, advocacy and long-term impact in global health.”

 

Calais Darrell

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

Calais says: “My hope is to come back to Bermuda and work as either a cardiothoracic surgeon or a nephrologist. Long-term, I envision creating free community consultation clinics – especially in some of the broken-down buildings that sit unused in many neighbourhoods.

“I also strongly hope to be able to join together with my fellow Bermudian medical students currently coming up to create these collaborative, grass-roots projects as well as a potential scholarship to create hope for the generation behind us.”

 

Zahra Philip

College/University: Kingston University, UK

Zahra says: “My career aspirations are firmly rooted in laboratory science, with a goal of becoming a medical technologist. An eye-opening internship revealed to me just how critical the work behind the scenes is – how every precise test can shape a patient’s treatment and save lives.

“This passion drove me to pursue a degree in biomedical science, where I am not only building essential skills, but also embracing new technologies and innovations.

“I am eager to bring this knowledge back home and play an active role in advancing Bermuda’s healthcare, ensuring our community receives the best possible care.”

 

Milahn Powell

College/University: Trent University, Canada

Milahn is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She says her long term goal is to specialise in medical aesthetics.

“I am deeply committed to providing compassionate high-quality care,” she says. “My dream is to open a medical spa that prioritises both physical and emotional well-being, offering a safe space for persons to regain their confidence and feel empowered in their own skin, especially those affected by trauma or scarring.”

 

Kaela Riley

College/University: Edge Hill University, UK

Kaela says: “My passion for nursing has been instilled in me since young, as I’ve always gravitated to helping others. I am keen on returning to the island to make a change in nursing within my own community.”

 

 

Jahaida Francis Hollis

College/University: Howard University, USA

Jahaida says: “I have always had a passion for working with children, and from a very young age, I knew that I would pursue a profession that would allow me to do so.

“… My goal is to provide quality care and assistance to children in need and pursuing a career as a NICU nurse represents the most effective way to achieve this goal.

“After completing my education, I aim to work daily, helping children. Seeing others suffer due to uncontrollable circumstances pains me especially children and seniors as they cannot always articulate or even understand what they are feeling.

“I know I possess the passion, empathy and values necessary to be a great nurse and I am ready to make a difference in the community by assisting children and their families during difficult times.”

 

Sanjayah Ible Allwood

College/University: University of Greater Manchester, UK

Sanjayah says: “I am a dedicated second-year student …, currently pursuing my undergraduate bachelor’s in health and social care. I am passionate about making a meaningful impact in the field and am committed to both academic excellence and community service.

“… My long-term goal is to break down barriers created by limited resources and social disparities, ensuring every individual in Bermuda has access to the support they need to thrive.”

 

Zekiah Lewis

College/University: University of Tennessee, USA

Kyra says: “My current goal is to build a strong foundation as a cytologist and histologist over the next few years gaining hands-on experience in diagnostic laboratory work.

After that I plan to pursue further training to become a pathologist.”

 

Nikia Simons

College/University: Keiser University, USA

Nikia is studying radiologic technology and plans to specialise in CT and ultrasound. She says: “The reason I chose this career path is because I have a passion for helping others and being a part of their healing process.”

 

 

Daelyn Richards

College/University: University of Greenwich, UK

Daelyn plans to return to Bermuda as a pharmacist “and make a meaning impact” in the field.

She is interested in advancing Bermuda’s pharmacy laws and practices and aligning local regulations with international standards. She says this will “enhance public health and ensure safe and effective medication use.”

22 September 2025 Home Page, News

MWI clients art, photography and poetry exhibition opens on Friday

(Thursday 18 September 2025): The annual MindFrame PhotoVoice Exhibition, in which clients of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) showcase their art, photography and poetry opens this Friday 19 September from 5-7pm at the Bermuda Society of Arts at City Hall.

The theme MWI clients responded to this year is ‘Comm_nity, where are u?’

Art Therapist, Rhiannon Fletcher, comments, “we are excited to be exhibiting art, photography and poetry from people who are clients of the MWI services, including mental health, addiction and intellectual disability services.

“This exhibition means so much to us and our clients,” she adds. “It brings the community together to appreciate and gain insight into the creativity and expressiveness of people who are journeys of recovery from mental illness or addiction, and those living with intellectual disabilities.”

Rehab Aide Zharia Bean says, “It’s really special to come to the exhibition’s opening night, when clients and their families have the opportunity to see responses to their work, and to feel included and celebrated in a public space. This is a powerful exhibition and if someone can’t make the opening, we encourage them to pop by before it closes on Monday 13 October.

“The comments and narratives that are supplied with the art and photos give an amazing appreciation of the creative power of the human mind,” Zharia adds. “I’d also note that the artists and photographers get a portion of any of their works that are sold, as does the art and photography programme at MWI, which goes back into supplies and putting on future exhibits.”

18 September 2025 Home Page, News

Dr Michael Ashton takes on new role at BHB

Dr Michael AshtonWednesday 10 September 2025: Bermuda Hospitals Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Michael Ashton as chief of infectious diseases and patient centred medical home.

Dr Ashton previously served as BHB’s chief of medicine from 2016 to 2023 before leaving the role for private practice, although he continued with BHB as a consultant infectious diseases specialist.

Chief of Staff Dr Anna Neilson-Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Ashton back to BHB full time. As our director of infectious diseases and chief of medicine through the pandemic, he was instrumental in leading the hospitals and the community through a very challenging time.”

As chief of infectious diseases, Dr Ashton is responsible for all matters related to infectious diseases and epidemiology at BHB, including leading the organisation in preparing for future pandemics and other major epidemiological threats. He is responsible for ensuring effective infection prevention and control measures throughout the hospitals, and leading efforts to mitigate clinical risks related to infectious diseases and healthcare-associated infections.

“Dr Ashton is also taking on a new challenge in leading our Patient Centred Medical Home,” said Dr Neilson-Williams. “The PCMH is a critical service that assists people with complex chronic diseases who frequently need emergency or inpatient care. Most individuals who access the PCMH have more than one chronic condition and many are under- or uninsured. Helping them better manage their conditions results in a better quality of life for our patients and reduced demand on our Emergency Department and acute care beds.”

As chief of PCMH, Dr Ashton is responsible for overseeing the multidisciplinary service and expanding it to include remote management of patients. He will also collaborate with the chief of psychiatry on community mental health initiatives and will oversee population health management programmes.

CEO Scott Pearman said: “The threat of another pandemic is the new reality for healthcare organisations around the world. Dr Ashton has the expertise and proven experience we need to ensure our hospitals are well prepared. We are grateful to have him back at BHB full time, heading up this critical area. We also welcome Dr Ashton’s leadership in the Patient Centred Medical Home, assisting some of our most challenged patients to live a fuller, healthier life.

“As a Bermudian physician and medical leader, Dr Ashton has provided guidance and mentorship for local students through our Summer Student Programme for many years. We hope this new role serves as inspiration for the next generation of Bermudian healthcare clinicians and leaders.”

Dr Ashton first joined BHB in November 2011 as an infectious diseases specialist and hospital epidemiologist. He is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases. Dr Ashton earned a Bachelor of Science in pre med and psychology at McGill University in Quebec, Canada, and attended medical school at the University of Vermont. After completing his training in internal medicine and primary care as an intern and resident at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, USA, Dr Ashton completed a fellowship in infectious diseases and hospital epidemiology at Yale.

Dr Ashton will continue to see inpatients and outpatients as BHB’s consultant in infectious disease and epidemiology.

10 September 2025 Home Page, News

Temporary KEMH Road Closure on Wednesday 10 September

(Monday 8 September 2025): Bermuda Hospitals Board today advises that the road through the KEMH campus that connects Berry Hill and Point Finger Roads will not be accessible as a through road on Wednesday 10 September, from about 7:30am through to at least 4pm.

The road will be blocked near the Orthopaedic (Fracture) Clinic entrance (the old Emergency Department). People will be able to walk from the Berry Hill Visitors Car Park and access the entrance, but will not be able to drive through the KEMH campus.  People coming from Point Finger Road will be able to access up to the General Wing lobby and Agape House.

The closure is caused by the delivery of new nuclear medicine equipment, part of the Diagnostic Imaging upgrade announced in February.

8 September 2025 Home Page, News

BHB Public Advisory: Emergency Department temporarily changes vehicular drop-off point

Friday 5 September 2025: Starting on Monday 8 September 2025 the vehicular drop-off point to the Emergency Department at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will be the Acute Care Wing main entrance. Ambulances will be using what is normally the public entrance to Emergency. This temporary change is to facilitate necessary physical upgrades to the Emergency Department.

Clear signage and traffic cones will be in place to guide vehicles and delineate parking zones. Security personnel will be stationed on-site to assist with traffic flow and ensure minimal disruption. Please adhere to their directions.

This change will be in place for one week. By Monday 15 September the drop-of points will revert to normal.

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5 September 2025 Home Page, News