A leader at the island’s psychiatric hospital has taken on an extra role of acting chief operating officer at the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Preston Swan has been vice president of clinical operations at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute for three years.

He will take over responsibility for BHB’s facilities management, security, estates and property management and hotel services, which includes laundry, environmental services and dietary services.

A BHB spokeswoman said: “These departments were previously the responsibility of Scott Pearman when he was chief operating officer.

“As Mr Pearman recently assumed responsibility for a number of BHB strategic projects in his new role as deputy chief executive officer, Mr Swan is taking executive leadership for these critical operational areas of BHB.

“He will report to CEO and president Michael Richmond.”

Mr Swan joined BHB as a mental health nurse in 1989.

His career has included a stint as clinical director at the Turning Point substance abuse programme.

He is a director of the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation.

Dr Richmond said: “BHB believes in the leadership potential of its staff and our succession plan identifies the people ready for development opportunities, for stronger and more experienced leaders.

“I’m very pleased that Preston has agreed to take on a number of executive leadership responsibilities alongside his responsibilities at MWI.

“BHB is working incredibly hard to manage the pandemic response, encourage vaccination, improve care and quality, and develop a new strategic plan that will guide the continued development of our services.

“Preston will be a valued addition to the team at a very challenging time.”