Accountancy firm KPMG has set up a global centre of excellence for island healthcare, based in Bermuda.

A company spokeswoman said that the facility will provide a hub to share experiences and learning, bringing together dedicated island-based professionals from Bermuda, the Caribbean, crown dependencies and the Mediterranean.

It will harness additional international experience from KPMG professionals’ work on islands around the world, including in Australasia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

Edward Fitzgerald, the head of healthcare and life sciences at KPMG Islands Group, said: “Delivering accessible, affordable, high-quality care can be particularly challenging for island communities throughout the world, given their geographical locations and smaller scale.

“This situation magnifies wider health challenges, including rising population health needs, the growing complexity and cost of care, and health workforce pressures.”

Dr Fitzgerald will lead the global centre of excellence and a team that will work to identify and adapt leading practices for islands, undertake new research to share the challenges, and develop island-based approaches.

The team will also facilitate networking between island healthcare stakeholders and provide seamless access to KPMG’s global healthcare network.

According to the spokeswoman, the network is composed of more than 5,000 audit, tax, and advisory professionals with healthcare industry expertise in more than 70 KPMG firms around the world.

It also includes almost 200 clinicians who have a wealth of frontline health and care experience from their work as physicians, nurses, paramedics, social workers and other allied professions.

The spokeswoman added: “The centre of excellence for island healthcare will provide specialist support to governments, regulators, providers, NGOs and international development organisations across a broad range of topics for island-based healthcare, including universal health coverage, improving efficiency and productivity, integrated care models and pathway design.

Anna van Poucke, the global head of healthcare for KPMG International, launched the centre during an annual meeting of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

Dr Van Poucke said: “With healthcare systems facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities worldwide, KPMG International recognises the critical need for specialised knowledge and innovative approaches.

“The establishment of our global centre of excellence for island healthcare in Bermuda underscores KPMG's dedication to delivering value in healthcare globally.”

James Berry, the chief executive of KPMG in Bermuda, added: “This significant investment in our team reaffirms KPMG's commitment to delivering our knowledge and expertise across the healthcare sector, both globally and locally.

“Establishing this new international hub in our Bermuda office not only showcases the outstanding work we're already accomplishing here, but also helps ensure that our global insights are effectively co-ordinated, shared and put into action for the benefit of our island community.”