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Free public event to focus on treatments for urinary incontinence

Wednesday 16 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board is partnering with Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Optimum Wellness and the Bermuda College Division of Nursing & Allied Health to offer a free, public panel discussion about the latest treatment options for male and female incontinence.

The free event will take place from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday 19 October in the Bermuda College Lecture Hall H-100. The goal is to share the latest treatments for urinary incontinence and improve understanding about this common issue. No registration is required; people can just turn up.

The following experts will provide short presentations, followed by a Q&A panel discussion in which attendees can ask questions.

  • Dr Jonathan Makanjuola, Urology Consultant, Bermuda Hospitals Board
    Learn how your family doctor can assess you for lower urinary tract symptoms,
    and become familiar with questions you can ask about your urinary habits.
  • Dr Jessica Mandeville, Director of Endourology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center
    Learn about medical and surgical treatment options for an enlarged prostate.
  • Dr Arthur Mourtzinos, Vice Chair Division of Urology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center
    Learn what the current surgical options are for managing urinary incontinence for men and women.
  • Michelle Monk, Registered Physiotherapist and Pelvic Floor Provider, Optimum Wellness
    Learn more about the pelvic floor, treatment approaches, common misperceptions,
    what the common dysfunctions are and how to treat them early.

Dr Makanjuola comments: “In the UK it’s estimated that at least 7-10% of the population have urinary incontinence, but this could well be under-reported as people feel embarrassed. If the same is true in Bermuda, that translates to over 6,000 people. Women are five times more likely to experience it, but men are impacted too. We will be sharing some great information that will help people know what to ask their doctor, for example, as well as what the latest treatment options are available.”

Dr Mourtzinos comments; “Lahey is excited to help share the latest treatments available for incontinence for men and women.  Lahey is dedicated to helping care for the Bermuda community. Our specialist urology services along with the treatments and care available on island give patients not just hope but effective treatments when dealing with incontinence.”

Ms Monk adds: “I’m looking forward to sharing some of the physiotherapy options available to improve pelvic floor health and bring relief from urinary incontinence. If you or a family member is experiencing an issue, however minor, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the latest treatments and therapies available. In fact, there are early treatments that can make a big difference so people shouldn’t wait.”

BHB and Lahey are also partnering to deliver a physician continuing medical education symposium in the morning providing an update on urology. Details about the morning session for physicians can be found on the BHB website under CME events. BHB delivers a year-round educational calendar for free to all local physicians on various medical topics in partnership with leading hospitals from overseas.

 

Watch on YouTube

16 October 2024 Home Page, News

Caring for patients at KEMH

Tuesday 15 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board has posted a frequently asked questions (FAQ) on its website that explains how patients are cared for and by whom at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH).

CEO & President Scott Pearman says: “We want to demystify as much as possible how care works at KEMH. BHB follows the same quality standards as the UK, US, and Canada, with inpatient acute care led by onsite hospitalists on our acute care inpatient units, with other specialists leading in critical and emergency care units. We often get questions from patients about their inpatient care, especially about the role of their general practitioners (GPs) while they are in the hospital. We hope the factsheet posted on our website will help.”

Acting Chief of Medicine and Director of the Hospitalist Programme Dr Nevin Williams explains: “A common question is about the role of a patient’s GP while they are in hospital. In KEMH, a patient’s care is led by the ‘most responsible physician’ (MRP) and this will be the main contact for the patient and family. At KEMH, your most responsible physician may vary depending on the area you are in, but it will always be an on-site physician specialist with the most appropriate training for your care.”

  • In the Emergency Department, the MRP is an emergency physician.
  • For a patient admitted after planned surgery, the MRP will be the surgeon.
  • Patients admitted to an inpatient unit from the Emergency Department will have a hospitalist as an MRP.
  • If a patient becomes critically ill and is moved to the Intensive Care Unit, the MRP will be one of the anaesthetists trained in critical care.

Click here for a factsheet and click here for a short animation about the role of hospitalists on the inpatient acute care units.

The MRP directs the clinical team of nurses, allied health staff (such as physiotherapists and dietitians), and other doctors who might need to advise on a patient’s care, like a cardiologist (heart specialist) or geriatrician (a specialist in senior care). A BHB physician is only the MRP while the patient is in the hospital.

Dr Williams continues: “There are over 3,100 inpatient acute care admissions to KEMH each year, mostly cared for by hospitalists. Hospitalists are doctors with special training in internal medicine and hospital care. They are on site 24/7, so they can quickly respond to any sudden issue a patient experiences.

“The hospitalist’s key focus is providing acute care until a patient is discharged home to their GP. For over 60% of our patients, the hospital stay is under seven days. The relationship between the hospitalist and GP is therefore very important. The patient’s GP is notified by email when the patient is admitted to an inpatient acute care unit under a hospitalist’s care and information is sent when they are discharged to ensure patient care is coordinated when they leave the hospital. We are working to improve this communication, especially using our electronic medical record, PEARL.”

Chief of Family Practice Dr Burton Butterfield, the GP representative on the BHB Medical Staff Committee, acts as the link between community-based GPs and BHB.

Dr Butterfield explains: “As GPs we know our patients well since we see them over long periods of time. Our expertise is in caring for patients with illnesses and injuries in the community, managing chronic illnesses, and knowing when a patient needs hospital care or a specialist. It is important that GPs get timely and accurate information when a patient is admitted. We may speak with the hospitalists in cases where our understanding of the patient’s history may help in making decisions, but most critical for us is getting the discharge summary so we can smoothly coordinate the patient’s care back in the community.”

Dr Williams notes: “BHB is responsible for sending a patient’s discharge summary to the GP listed on the patient’s admission file, but it’s very important patients confirm their most current information, including their primary GP. They should do this when they come to the Emergency Department or are admitted. It is not uncommon for members of our community to sometimes have more than one GP or change their GP over time. Making sure we have the right details ensures the information goes to the right GP.”

Currently, GPs receive BHB discharge summaries by fax, email or by having read access to the BHB electronic medical record, PEARL. BHB is planning to follow the lead in the UK by discontinuing the use of fax in the future due to issues of reliability and confidentiality . This requires collaboration between BHB and community physicians. The chief medical information officer position, held by Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Simon Morton, is being expanded to lead the work required, and a physician committee that includes GPs is already meeting to help optimise the use of PEARL in sharing secure and confidential patient information.

15 October 2024 Home Page, News

Bermuda Public Services Union partners with BHB for Mental Health Expo

Thursday 10 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) has partnered with the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) for its upcoming Mental Health Expo, scheduled for Saturday 12 October 2024 from 1pm to 4:30pm at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI).

The two organisations joined forces after BHB’s planned Mental Health Awareness Fair, set for World Mental Health Day on Thursday, was cancelled due to forecasted heavy winds. The joint event on Saturday will now feature a broader range of participation from mental health professionals, expanding the scope and impact of the Expo.

“We’re delighted that the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute team will have a greater presence than initially planned,” said Karen Grant-Simmons, BHB clinical director of mental health and BPSU chairperson of the Mental Health Campaign Committee. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration to benefit our Bermuda community.”

Psychiatric nurse Rebecca Fisayo, chair of BHB’s Mental Health Awareness Committee and clinical manager of community mental health, expressed similar sentiments: “Our disappointment with the cancellation of Thursday’s fair was quickly reversed at the BPSU’s  willingness for us to partner with them for Saturday’s event.”

Bro. Armell Thomas, President of the BPSU, emphasised the importance of unity in these efforts: “As a union, we believe in the strength of collaboration. When BHB, one of our largest bargaining units, approached us, we did not hesitate to join forces. Together, we are stronger, and we believe this partnership will greatly benefit Bermuda.”

BHB CEO & President Scott Pearman agreed.

“Efforts like this strengthen our community partnerships and ultimately benefit Bermuda as a whole,” he said. “We are proud to work alongside the BPSU for the Mental Health Expo.”

The Expo will offer various interactive booths, providing resources and support to address workplace and community mental health challenges. The collaboration between BPSU and BHB ensures an even more comprehensive and impactful event for the community.

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10 October 2024 Home Page, News

BHB to host Mental Health Awareness Fair

Sunday 6 October 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board will host a mental health awareness fair on Thursday 10 October 2024 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.

“Every one 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.”

The free BHB Mental Health Awareness Fair will be open from 12pm to 4pm.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 Public Events Schedule

6 October 2024 News

Baby Sarai born in the eye of Ernesto

Sunday 18 August 2024: Hurricane Ernesto brought more than wind and rain on Saturday, with the birth of a baby girl, Sarai Bailey, at 8am to proud parents Stephanie and Keenan Bailey. Sarai is a new sister for 18-month-old brother, Kaden.

Stephanie and Keenan were at home when Stephanie’s contractions started at 4am, four days ahead of the baby’s due date.

“Thankfully the contractions started just as the eye of Hurricane Ernesto was coming over so the winds had died down,” said Stephanie. “Even though we live close to the hospital, however, we had to navigate roads blocked with trees to get in. I was surprised at how fast Sarai was born. Just four hours after contractions started.”

“Sarai was here before I could get back to the hospital from dropping Kaden off at my mother’s,” Mr Bailey added. “When I walked back in, there Sarai was.”

Mr Bailey was unable to stay long as the hospital was in lockdown and the second half of the storm was beginning to be felt, but he was able to return later that night.

18 August 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 20 July

Thursday 18 July 2024: Bermuda Hospitals Board advises the public that there will be no through traffic on the campus of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road from 7:30am until 12pm on Saturday 20 July 2024.

The closure is necessary to facilitate a crane lift of air handling units.

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

The General Wing and adjacent visitor parking lot will be accessible from Berry Hill Road.

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

18 July 2024 News