Keechia Tuckett has been appointed the new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, it was announced today.

Ms Tuckett, who had already been working in the post in an acting capacity, will oversee the Department of Health, the Department of Health Insurance, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Health Council under the policy direction of Kim Wilson, the health minister.

A government spokeswoman said she would provide “critical policy advice and executive administrative support” to the minister.

“With nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Bermuda Government, Ms Tuckett has been a public officer since 2005.

“Most recently, as the Director of the Health Insurance Department, she was responsible for aligning health insurance services with the Ministry of Health’s strategic objectives.

“This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring a healthcare system which is accessible affordable and effective; protection of the community from public health threats; providing the public with information that leads to healthier lives and following best practices internationally and international conventions.”

Ms Tuckett began her career in health as a staff nurse at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Long Island University.

She serves on the BHB, the BHeC, the Health Insurance Committee, the Warwick Academy Board of Governors, the Teen Services Board of Governors and the Outstanding Teen Awards Committee.

The government spokeswoman said Ms Tuckett was “eager to make significant contributions to health reform initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services throughout the island”.