Fifteen more nurses will be hired and a new nursing office created to help develop, educate and ensure the quality of patient experience.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) yesterday announced the establishment of the nursing office, which will be headed by a new position, Chief of Nursing, Quality and Risk.

The aim is to help strengthen the voice of nursing at the most senior level of BHB and improve the development and support of its nursing staff.

BHB CEO David Hill said yesterday this would ensure the highest quality of service for patients, while also offering opportunities for nurses.

"This is a very exciting development at BHB. A strong nursing staff is vital to a high quality service for patients," he said.

"Nurses give most of the bedside care to our patients, so improving their opportunities to develop and giving them better support in making quality improvements will hopefully have a direct impact on patient care."

The office was created with the help and guidance of the Massachusetts General Hospital.

The hiring process for the Chief of Nursing, Quality and Risk has started and the post will be advertised in Bermuda soon, according to Mr. Hill.

BHB Director of Quality and Risk, Judy Richardson, will serve in the position until a permanent appointment is made.

As a means of further enhancing the nursing product, Mass General has also offered a fellowship for a BHB nurse and will help support the appointments to new positions.

Mr. Hill added: "We are very pleased to be working closely with Massachusetts General Hospital on establishing this office at BHB.

"They have an extremely strong and motivated nursing office.

"We are also grateful for the generous offer of a fellowship for a Bermudian nurse with leadership potential.

"This is succession planning at its most exciting, providing individuals with wonderful learning opportunity and helping BHB prepare its up-and-coming leaders. We expect the first fellowship to run next year."