The Bermuda Hospitals Board surgery leader was today announced as the new Chief of Staff.

Wesley Miller will take up the position next month after it was left vacant by Michael Richmond, who became BHB chief executive and president earlier this year.

Dr Miller will lead BHB’s medical and support teams.

He said: “I am looking forward to taking on the Chief of Staff role and working with the physician community inside and outside the hospitals.

“We are in difficult times but my focus will remain on ensuring safe, quality services that can adapt to the pandemic restrictions and economic challenges we currently face.”

A BHB spokeswoman added: “The position is the most senior medical role at BHB and is responsible for the supervision of medical and dental care given to patients and residents in BHB facilities.

“Dr Miller’s role ensures patient safety, sound clinical governance and building positive relations with the physician community.”

The Chief of Staff, who earns $475,000 a year, reports to the chief executive officer and is accountable to the board, as well as to the Minister of Health.

William Madeiros, the board chairman, congratulated Dr Miller, who has been the BHB’s Chief of Surgery since 2007, on his appointment.

He said: “Dr Miller is a respected senior medical leader at BHB and his medical experience and skills, and strong relationships with local physicians, will be critical as we navigate through these challenging times.”

Dr Richmond said he was pleased to welcome the new Chief of Staff.

He added: “I’ve had the benefit of working with Dr Miller since 2017 and value his strengths and standing as a physician leader.

“He is the right person for the job as we manage our hospitals through unprecedented times, due to the global pandemic, and responding to the economic and health impact on our community.”

Dr Miller has worked in Jamaica and the United Kingdom.

He was recruited to work as an ear, nose and throat specialist in 1996.

A BHB spokeswoman said: “After joining BHB, Dr Miller offered a wide range of services including paediatric and adult ENT procedures, sleep studies, allergy testing and management, and the evaluation and management of chronic obstructive airway disease and asthma.”