At the Hamilton Rotary Club’s weekly luncheon held at the Royal Bermuda Amateur Dinghy Club, Bermuda Hospitals Board CEO Scott Pearman delivered a compelling address on the challenges and strategic responses of the BHB, particularly in relation to the ongoing hospital bed crisis and rising healthcare costs.
Addressing the Bed Crisis
Pearman acknowledged the severe strain on hospital resources, citing long waits and overcrowded conditions. In response, the BHB swiftly repurposed two large rooms on each ward into double occupancy spaces for patients who have been medically cleared for discharge. While some patients have opted to leave the hospital rather than share a room, this initiative has marginally but effectively increased capacity, allowing more acutely ill patients to be moved out of the Emergency Department and into appropriate care faster.
“The changes have made a meaningful difference,” said a senior doctor during Pearman’s recent visit to the Emergency Department—marking the first positive shift in weeks.
Focus on Value-Based Healthcare
Pearman emphasized BHB’s commitment to value-based healthcare, which aims to improve patient outcomes while controlling costs. He rejected the notion that slashing budgets or cutting services is a sustainable solution. Instead, he advocated for improving public health and streamlining care delivery.
“Reducing costs must come through better outcomes and better care coordination,” he said, drawing comparisons to quality-focused business frameworks such as TQM and Lean Six Sigma.
Success of the Primary Stroke Program
A highlight of his address was the success of BHB’s Primary Stroke Integrated Pathway, developed in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. This multi-disciplinary approach has led to more than 415 stroke alert activations between April 2024 and March 2025, with over 185 confirmed strokes.
Despite the bed shortage, the Emergency Department met an international benchmark for stroke care—delivering clot-busting treatment to eligible patients within the critical window, an achievement Perlman praised as a major win for patient care in Bermuda.
He concluded by commending BHB’s frontline staff and leadership for their agility and dedication in adapting to the community’s evolving healthcare needs.
Stay tuned for part two of this all important presentation.
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