A programme management office is being set up within the Government as part of its efforts to deliver universal health coverage, senators heard on Wednesday.

Arianna Hodgson, the junior health minister, also told the Upper House that KPMG, a professional services firm, was contracted to assist on the latest phase of the project.

She said that a group was earlier brought together to act as a UHC steering committee.

Ms Hodgson added: “Supported by KPMG, the steering committee developed a high-level road map for strengthening Bermuda’s healthcare and delivering on UHC.”

She told senators: “We know the goal of achieving universal health coverage will be accomplished in stages over several years.

“During this time, this Government will work with our many stakeholders to ensure our decisions and actions are based on, and framed by, a patient-focused approach that puts patient experiences and outcomes at the centre of the work on universal health coverage.”

Ms Hodgson added: “Since delivery of the road map, the UHC steering committee has restarted its work and is expanded now to include the Chief Medical Officer, representation from the Department of Information and Digital Technologies and new patient representatives.

“In this foundational year, the ministry is working with the steering committee on a number of priority projects.”

John Wight, a Governor-appointed senator, asked the junior minister about what project management role would be played by an internal government team “versus the outsourced work that will be provided by KPMG”.

Ms Hodgson answered: “Regarding KPMG, as we all know they are still involved and they have been recently contracted for Phase 2 work.

“I can share that the ministry is actually in the process of setting up the programme management office and so we will be needing to hire a programme director, which will also require a budget that we are currently working on.”

Mr Wight asked whether the company will no longer be commissioned to work with the Government on project management “going forward”.

Ms Hodgson said she could not speak about future stages of the process.

Mr Wight sought confirmation about whether the latest KPMG contract included project management work.

Ms Hodgson said later: “At this time we do anticipate a continued engagement of KPMG but we cannot say how and doing exactly what at this time.”

She told the Senate that invitations were being sent for people to take part in UHC working groups and forums.

Ms Hodgson added: “I would appeal to the chairs of the numerous boards, councils and associations who have received or will receive an invitation, to select designates from among your group to be a part of this transformational programme.

“It is vitally important for the work on universal health coverage to include engagement of, and collaboration with, the wide range of stakeholders who form part of Bermuda’s health system.

“We have a direction of travel but there are many questions to answer and decisions to make that will need broader input than is represented solely by the UHC steering committee or the Ministry of Health itself.”

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UHC statement

• To read the junior minister’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”.