The first voluntary registration of Bermuda’s health service providers is complete, the Bermuda Health Council has announced.

There are about 320 health service providers on the Island and 2,470 registered health professionals.

Jeanne Atherden, the Minister of Health, said: “This undertaking by the Bermuda Health Council is an important next step to improve the regulation of healthcare on-Island.

“The providers who came on board at this early stage on a voluntary basis are to be commended. This gives an excellent start to the process of registering all healthcare businesses to give stronger assurance to the public that measures are in place to assure safety and improve patient experience.”

Professionals are registered through their boards, which focus on whether they are competent to practice their profession rather than if they are practicing in a safe and accredited facility that promotes evidence-based care.

But registering health service providers allows the BHeC to improve patient protection by sharing more information about services.

Registration also assists with better planning for Bermuda’s health system by knowing what care is available and working well.

The process will also potentially assist the BHeC with managing financially vested self-referrals, and monitoring the entry of high-risk health technology, specifically medical equipment.

Last September, 245 health service providers — 76 per cent of the total number — voluntarily registered with the BHeC for the first time.

Registration involves submitting information such as demographic facility information, declaration of financial interests, identifying information for the business owner, a list of medical equipment and maintenance dates, a description of services performed, and the names and qualifications of staff.

The BHeC checks for complaints about the provider, reviews the application and provides a compliance report. The details are then published on the BHeC website.

Tawanna Wedderburn, acting chief executive of the BHeC, said: “Over the years, the health council has been monitoring the public’s concerns about Bermuda’s health services.

“We recognise there are some opportunities for improvement. In collaboration with providers and with the support of many health agencies, we are working towards empowering patients to be more involved in the care they receive as we enhance health system planning and accountability.”

BHeC policy analyst Robyn Skinner added: “We are pleased with the number of providers who have voluntarily registered with the Bermuda Health Council.

“It is clear that Bermuda’s providers care about patients and want to promote safe environments where they can provide quality service.

“The registration of health service providers will enhance the health system by facilitating health system planning, promoting safe and ethical clinical practice environments, and advancing patient rights and care.”

The names and compliance reports of the providers who have registered with the BHeC can be found on our website, www.bhec.bm.

• For more information about registration, click on the PDF under “Related Media”