Government has overruled a decision by hospital bosses to shut down the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre at the end of this month, saying the facility will now remain open “until an acceptable and financially viable alternative arrangement is in place”.

Health Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said Government decided to step in following a public outcry over the controversial closure, which was announced by the Bermuda Hospitals Board at the end of last month.

Yesterday Mrs Gordon-Pamplin said Government had initially endorsed that decision because data suggested the facility was being used for “non-urgent” patients who could be treated elsewhere more cheaply. The clinic has been operating at a loss since it opened four years ago.

“With our commitment and mandate to reduce the cost of healthcare, there was not much option but to support that line of reasoning,” the Minister said.

“With that said, having seen the public outcry and recognising how important it is to them to have something available then I am not afraid to admit if I have to have a rethink in response to what people are demanding. That is what we do as a Government.

“The Government’s primary mission and priority is to ensure the safety and security of the people of Bermuda. Integral to this mission is the need to make sure our healthcare system provides everyone with access to good quality care.

“The decision by the Bermuda Hospitals Board to close the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre on November 29 challenges the tenets of this mission. And the public outcry that has followed in its wake reflects it.

“It also reflects the very difficult challenge we face as a community between meeting people’s healthcare needs while doing so in ways that are financially sustainable.

“My colleagues and I have paid very close attention to what people have been saying about the planned closure of the clinic.

“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 Government’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.”

Mrs Gordon-Pamplin said an alternative facility could be in operation within six months, adding: “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.”

Earlier this month, Mrs Gordon-Pamplin said Government “will continue to evaluate any recommendation put forward by the BHB and its Executive team to ensure that the health needs of our entire community are well served on an equitable and sustainable basis”.

But at yesterday’s press conference, Premier Cannonier insisted that “closure without alternative options, is not an option”.

“This Government has made a pledge to this country to leave no one behind and that means everyone, including the people of St David’s, who have traditionally been left behind,” he said.

“As you know, I’m from St David’s and I grew up in St David’s. I know what it feels like to be forgotten. Well today, your Government is here to restore that hope.

“I’ve said it before and you’ll continue to hear me say it and demonstrate it — we are all in this boat together — we are all our brother’s keeper.”

“As we have taken a look at this particular situation I, without conscience, could not allow closure of the clinic without options. There will be no closure of the clinic without alternative options.”

Dismissing claims by the Opposition Progressive Labour Party that the clinic had made a profit last year, Mrs Gordon-Pamplin confirmed that the BHB will now be forced to operate the facility at a loss until an alternative can be found.

Last night a BHB spokesman said the initial decision to shut down the clinic had been “difficult”, but that the Board was now working “to meet the directive” to keep the facility running.

“The BHB made its decision to close in an effort to better manage the costs of BHB as we face grave financial difficulties,” the spokesman said.

“Keeping the urgent care service running will add more pressure, both financial and with regards to resources, as staff had been informed and arrangements entered into to implement the closure. We will work to meet the directive, however, and will continue to seek more efficient ways to continue the service.”

Shadow Health Minister Zane DeSilva said that the reversal was “good news” but expressed disappointment that it was only for six months.

And last night Deputy Opposition leader Derrick Burgess confirmed that a planned protest march on Parliament today was still going ahead.

“The people have spoken, the Premier has responded but the people have only won a temporary opportunity to keep Lamb Foggo open,” Mr Burgess said.

“The protest is set to continue in recognition that a permanent solution be found. The people of the east end deserve to be heard and when they march at noon to present their petition and push for a permanent solution, we believe that the OBA will be convinced of the need to keep this urgent care centre open permanently.”