Residents could know more about the healthcare choices available to them when health sector businesses join a revamped Health Council register.

The Bermuda Health Council has invited the over 300 healthcare businesses across the country to register with its Provider Advantage Programme.

The Health Council said the improved registration process would ensure the health system is meeting the needs of the patients and providers

Under this programme the Health Council will record vital information about local staffing and technology needs important for health system planning and decision-making.

Sandro Fubler, chairman of the Council’s Quality & Standards Committee and an allied health professional said: “The revamped registration programme helps to modernise the registration process, promotes transparency for the public, and mitigates some of the risks that were associated with the previous registration process.

“This informs all in Bermuda about service availability and variety, and encourages organisational consideration of health and safety, and governance practices that promote safety for the service user.”

The voluntary registration programme gives businesses the option to register in three categories: Basic, Advanced and Premier.

The Council said that each level reflected a business’ ability to provide information to the public regarding aspects of their services, including quality indicators or accreditation.

Businesses that register in the Basic category will provide the required supplemental documents, but will not provide details on safety and effectiveness.

These businesses will not receive a certificate and will not be listed prominently on the Council’s website.

Businesses registered in the Advanced category will be required to provide proof of accreditation with an external body or to complete the Council’s Annual Self-Assessment Form.

They will be issued a Certificate of Registration to be prominently displayed in their facility and will be listed prominently on the Health Council’s website.

These businesses will also be provided with a declaration of “no objection” for their operations.

This level of registration is available to businesses with safe, quality services, and who are compliant with their legal and governmental responsibilities.

Businesses with Premier level registration, which becomes available later this year, will require Advanced Level registration and participation in the Council’s Assessment Program.

Businesses can start registering in the Provider Advantage Programme online from Monday, February 18.

The registration will be valid for two years, with the next re-registration cycle starting in November 2020.

Health businesses already registered with the Health Council had their existing registration certificates extended to March 31, 2019 to give them sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the new requirements for registration.

The Health Council said it will regularly collaborate with the health businesses to assess the usefulness, ease of compliance, and possible additions to the Provider Advantage Programme.

Mr Fubler said: “Quality in Healthcare begins with knowledge transfer and consideration of impact for all parties involved.”

For more information on the registration process, businesses are asked to visit www.bhec.bm.