Premier Ewart Brown’s proposal to create a new healthcare facility through his medical company — while controversially closing down a Government-funded clinic — was called into question last night. Dr. Brown’s Bermuda Healthcare has planning permission to convert the historic Winterhaven building, in South Shore Road, Smith’s, into a healthcare facility. At the same time, the Premier has been fighting a backlash from scores of angry patients following his announcement to shut down King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s Medical Clinic.

Last night, United Bermuda Party MP Trevor Moniz accused Dr. Brown of having a conflict of interest and urged him to explain his position.

He also attacked Dr. Brown’s suggestion that the clinic needs to be shut because it undermines the dignity of its patients.

Dr. Brown dismissed Mr. Moniz’s remarks as “ridiculous” and refused to comment further.

Mr. Moniz said in a statement: “Premier Brown should explain to the people of Bermuda any connection between his drive to shut down the Medical Clinic and his plans to open a new medical facility at Winterhaven.

“The closure decision, along with the Government’s plan to establish satellite medical clinics in the east and west ends, give rise to the appearance of a conflict of interest.

“The official rationale for the closure — that the clinic undermined patient dignity — is a false issue that raises questions about the Government’s real motivation for the closure.

“Patient protesters have rejected the ‘dignity’ rationale, as have medical professionals.”

Mr. Moniz said he also understood that the facility proposed by Bermuda Healthcare would include a medical research centre and potentially a clinic.

“We are further concerned by the fact that medical doctors, such as Dr. Brown, are setting up their own diagnostic practices outside of the hospital,” he continued. “While they are within their rights to do this, it does have the effect of drawing income away from the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

“The long-term implications of this trend are a cutback in the extent of services provided by the hospital. As the leader of the Bermuda Government, Dr. Brown must consider the impact of his actions on the effectiveness of the vital institutions that operate under the BHB umbrella.”

The Royal Gazette put Mr. Moniz’s concerns to Dr. Brown last night, and the Premier responded by stating: “I will not dignify Mr Moniz’s ridiculous statement with a response.”

The Medical Clinic provides care to vulnerable people including the homeless, elderly and mentally ill. Earlier this month, Dr. Brown faced a protest from up to 50 campaigners outside the House of Assembly. They accused him of failing to consult the public over the move and demanded to know how the clinic’s patients will get treatment in the future.

The Premier responded by telling them they would be able to use one of six doctors across the Island.