Keeping an open line of communication between Bermuda's hospitals and the community is important to new Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) chairman Jonathan Brewin.

Mr. Brewin, 46, a member of the BHB for one year prior to his appointment last week, yesterday sat down with The Royal Gazette in his first interview since his appointment was announced by Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

The married father-of-three was born in London and is the president and CEO of the HWP Group.

Mr. Brewin worked within the health care system in the UK for 16 years before coming to Bermuda. For five of those years, he was the director of the private Lister Hospital in Chelsea.

"One of my intentions is to develop a communications pathway between the hospitals and the public," Mr. Brewin said. "We have so much good news to share and I would like for the community to feel more a part of what's going on."

However, he recognises the tough challenges he faces. One of the issues which need immediate attention, Mr. Brewin said, is the restructuring of the hospital's financing system. He said changes in the way the hospital is reimbursed for its services is paramount.

"Right now, in-patients are charged based on a per diem rate as opposed to being charged per service. That change has to be introduced," Mr. Brewin said.

This could save some patients money as the costs of a hospital stay may decline depending on services rendered, the new chairman said.

And according to Mr. Brewin, once this is done the true cost of health care could be more accurately determined.

"It will actually be an accurate reflection of what's happening elsewhere in the world," he said.

Described the BHB's debt as being "in the region of $2 million", Mr. Brewin said during his tenure he intends to tackle several capital projects. They include the upgrading of both the morgue and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as well as the replacement of the current laundry facilities.

Would the hospitals consider charging doctors to use their facilities as a way to increase revenue?

"In the private health care sector in which I worked, doctors did not pay, but they did pay for the use of outpatient facilities," he said.

Ensuring that nurses are attracted to working in Bermuda's hospitals at a time when there is a worldwide shortage is another challenge which Mr. Brewin realises exists.

Regarding their pay, he said: "I think we are on par, but we are under increasing pressure. We're hopeful that we can develop more Bermudian nurses. Competition is fierce and we will have to look at ways which we develop our staff.

"There are so many external pressures. Females are moving towards other fields of expertise."

While he recognised the importance of maintaining continuity when outgoing CEO Stephanie Reid is replaced, Mr. Brewin refused to be drawn on the recent controversy surrounding the alleged appointment of Patrice Dill as the CEO designate.

"There hasn't been a formal board meeting since December. No submission has been made to the board on CEO designate," he said.

And he would not say if one of the three Bermudian women who have been training for the post is sure to get the top job..

But the new BHB chairman said he was confident he could handle the challenges ahead.

"I believe I can help coordinate activities with the board and staff to continue to provide top-quality health care."

His vision for the BHB, Mr. Brewin said, is to erode the negative perception which exists about the standard of health care and the commitment of the hospitals' staff. He said he would like to see the community share ownership of the successes of the hospitals.

"I hope we can work with the hospitals to give them the level of support they require. There is a need for our staff to feel like they are appreciated."