Hospital to cut back on consultants

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11: Bermudians have been slated to replace consultants at the hospital.

The Bermuda Hospitals Board announced that the contracts impacted include the management support contract with Kurron Shares Inc, which is being terminated a year and a half early, and the physician support contract with Greeley, which will not be renewed in 2011. 

A number of other smaller contracts have either been terminated, not renewed or reduced.  In total net savings per annum are expected to be in the order of $4 million. 

It said the move was part of an ongoing review of operations to improve efficiency and find appropriate operational cost savings, while continuing to improve healthcare services. 

Herman Tucker, chairman of the BHB, said: “I am pleased to announce that BHB is entering a new phase.  Over the past four years, we have made significant progress and achieved many improvements in patient care and satisfaction. 

“These improvements required additional management resources on a short term basis, both through the use of consultants and employed staff. On the back of our succession planning process, we are now able to take a critical review of our future needs and are seeking ways to accordingly reduce these costs. 

“Additionally, BHB’s succession planning programme has identified Bermudians for senior leadership positions that were once held by consultants. With our plans for the new hospital facility approved and a contract signed, the timing was right for a full review so that we only maintain those contracts whose role remains vital for us to meet the long term healthcare needs of Bermuda.”

Additionally, BHB has reviewed its requirements for the senior management team and reduced its size by one position, the chief of business development.  Scott Pearman held this position and will now transition into the Chief Operating Officer (KEMH), a position previously covered by the Kurron contract. 

Mr. Pearman was identified for this role as part of BHB’s succession planning process.