The Bermuda Hospitals Board will complete its annual reports up to 2019 by the end of this year, health minister Kim Wilson told MPs yesterday.

Ms Wilson announced BHB’s financial statements for 2015 and 2016 had unqualified audits as she tabled the quango’s annual report for 2015 in the House of Assembly.

She added: “The focus is now on completing the audits for 2017, 2018, 2019 and finally 2020.

“The current anticipated schedule will see BHB completing all its audits up to 2019 by the end of the calendar year.”

The BHB came under fire last month after it was five years behind with its audited accounts.

Auditor-General Heather Thomas said that 29 public authorities, including the BHB, were so far behind with their books that politicians and officials could not make effective decisions on how to spend public money.

Ms Wilson said: “I look forward to bringing the future annual reports as they are made ready and to see BHB move forward on its legislated schedule of financial reporting.”

The minister added 2015 was an “incredible year” as BHB moved acute services into the new acute care wing after years of construction.

She said: “BHB was able to meet its new financial obligations even though revenue decreased that year.

“Significant cost controls were put in place and discretionary spending was carefully managed.”

• To read Kim Wilson’s ministerial statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”