The Bermuda Hospitals Board this morning announced that Christopher Fosker is to be its new director of cancer services.

He will take over the post of Director of Oncology from Sein Aung, who has been the department’s head for the last six years.

Dr Aung will continue at the BHB as a consultant oncologist.

Dr Fosker said: “I am looking forward to building on the great work in oncology in this role.

“We have a great team at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and we remain committed to providing the best service possible for people in our community with cancer.

“Although this is a new role for me, I would like to reassure my patients that I will continue to be there for them.”

Dr Fosker will be the medical lead for cancer services at the BHB and responsible for consultations with cancer patients and care management, as well as working with healthcare services in Bermuda and overseas to develop on-island cancer services.

He joined the BHB as an oncologist in May 2015 and has also worked with Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre as the medical director in charge of the radiology programme.

Dr Fosker worked at St James' Institute of Oncology in Leeds, UK before he took a job in Bermuda.

He was awarded a fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians in the UK this year in recognition of his excellence and commitment to the field of oncology care.

Michael Ashton, the BHB chief of medicine, congratulated Dr Fosker on his appointment.

He said: “Oncology services at BHB provide a critical service to patients with cancer in Bermuda, and it is a busy department.

“Chemotherapy treatments increased from 3,260 in fiscal year 2016-17 to 3,943 in 2019-20 and the service is very highly rated in our regular patient satisfaction surveys.

“Dr Fosker’s relationships with patients and providers in Bermuda and overseas will be of great benefit in leading this ever-evolving department.”