Hospital staff will be able to more quickly respond to patient calls for assistance, thanks to the donation of a biomedical van.

The Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda donated the vehicle as part of its annual donation programme for which it typically gives more than $300,000 to the hospital to purchase off-budget medical equipment and supplies.

The van was donated to the Biomedical Engineering Department, which is responsible for maintaining, installing and using healthcare technology at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre and group homes.

Michael Richmond, Bermuda Hospitals Board chief executive and president, said: “Every year the HAB works with BHB to assist with our goal to pursue excellence through improvement, to make Bermuda proud. We are grateful for this donation from the HAB that helps keep care services running.”

E. Michael Smith, BHB biomedical engineering manager, added: “On behalf of the biomedical team, I would like to thank the HAB for their thoughtful donation. This new vehicle will allow the biomed team to better serve our clients throughout all BHB facilities.

“We make weekly rounds to the UCC, MWI and KEMH as well as to the group homes to service the various types of medical equipment. We will no longer be challenged to provide the needed service to our clients in those locations with this new transportation, and for that we are very thankful.”