Government has overruled a decision by the Bermuda Hospitals Board to shut down the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre at the end of this month.

At a press conference this afternoon Health Minister Patricia Gordon Pamplin said that the decision had been made following a public outcry about the closure.

“We have listened to their concerns. We recognise their needs and we understand their fears particularly as they relate to the needs of the East End in the event of a natural disaster that cuts off access to medical and hospital-based resources.”

Flanked by Premier Craig Cannonier and the Govermnent’s three East End MPs — Kenneth Bascome, Nandi Outerbridge and Suzann Holshouser — Ms Gordon Pamplin added: “As a result, and in consultation with my colleagues, I have directed the Bermuda Hospitals Board to keep the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre open until an alternative plan is worked out that meets the needs of the people of the East End.”

The Centre was due to be shut down at the end of this month. The Minister said she was unable to provide a time frame as to when an alternative will be put in place but said: “I want the people of the East End to rest assured that the facility will continue to be there for them until an acceptable and financially viable alternative arrangement is in place that meets their needs. We are going to make this situation work.”