Question 1

How was the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022 – 2027 developed?

Accepted Answer

When the previous strategy was set to expire in 2019, the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) began work on creating a new strategy for 2020-2025 that would serve as a framework for redesigning Bermuda’s health system. This included conducting surveys of the general public and surveys and interviews with providers, insurers, professionals, and patients. A series of workshops with key stakeholders assisted in identifying design principles for the refreshed Health Strategy. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 Pandemic, stalled progress. In early summer 2021, a multi-disciplinary group of health system stakeholders (including patient representatives) were invited to form a steering committee whose main purpose was to develop a roadmap for strengthening the Island’s health system and achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In parallel with those efforts, the Ministry, supported by professional advisory firm, KPMG, restarted the development of the next Health Strategy. The Bermuda Health Strategy 2022- 2027 incorporates feedback from both the pre-pandemic stakeholders as well as the UHC Steering Committee members. The hard work and enthusiasm of all involved resulted in the completion of a high-level strategy that outlines the steps needed to improve Bermuda’s health system.

Question 2

Why is the Bermuda Health Strategy necessary?

Accepted Answer

Just like you would not build a house without a blueprint, the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) would not want to make changes to Bermuda’s unique and complex health system without a clear plan, in this case the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027. The Ministry of Health is committed to guiding the necessary system changes and delivering a stronger, more sustainable health system that Bermuda residents need. We believe that a healthy nation benefits all citizens, as well as the wider economy. Through this strategy, the Ministry aims to provide Bermuda with a clear vision for health alongside our refreshed priorities for the local health system. This Strategy is helping us navigate the system-wide improvements and changes that are necessary to provide access to quality healthcare and improved health outcomes for everyone in Bermuda regardless of socio-economic standing.

Question 3

Why did the Ministry of Health decide to develop the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry of Health’s vision is “Healthy people in healthy communities”. To accomplish this, it is important to review Bermuda’s health system on a regular basis to determine what’s working well and not so well and plan a way forward to improve it. The Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 does just that. It looks at some of the challenges our health system is currently facing and ways that we can change it for the better in years to come. While Bermuda enjoys a health system that is well-developed and well-supported by dedicated professionals, the fact remains that not all Bermuda’s people are currently able to afford basic medical care. We believe that change is necessary and that the refreshed Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 maps out how we can get closer to that goal.

Question 4

Where can I find the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027?

Accepted Answer

The Bermuda Health Strategy can be downloaded from this website’s homepage or by clicking the link above.

If you have any feedback or questions, please email uhc@gov.bm  (mailto:uhc@gov.bm)

Question 5

How is the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 different from the previously released Bermuda Health Strategy 2014-2019?

Accepted Answer

The current Strategy is a continuation of the Ministry of Health’s previous work (outlined in the 2014-2019 Strategy). It considers many of the strengths and weaknesses of Bermuda’s health system, some of which were uncovered throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic and is now organised around eight guiding principles. One of the highlights of th2022-2027 Strategy is its focus on the need for greater collaboration amongst health system stakeholders, so that we can develop solutions to some of the Island’s health system challenges together. Importantly, the Strategy outlines the shift to a more people-centred approach to healthcare, with the aim of delivering better care that meets the needs of individuals and families today and into the future.

Question 6

What is the Government’s vision for healthcare in Bermuda?

Accepted Answer

The Ministry’s vision for healthcare in Bermuda is “Ensuring that all people have equitable access to needed informative, preventative, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative essential health services, of sufficient quality to be effective, while also ensuring that people do not suffer financial hardship when paying for these services and critical medicines.”

Question 7

How will these changes improve health outcomes?

Accepted Answer

One of the goals outlined in the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 is to promote healthy living and preventative care. Research shows that high rates of preventable chronic illnesses (like diabetes and heart disease) place a huge burden on our health system’s resources. These diseases are strongly related to lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. By increasing public awareness of these issues, the Ministry of Health aims to prevent and reduce the amount of people living with these diseases. We are also looking at how we can develop future policies that make it easier for people to make healthy lifestyle choices. If you have ideas or suggestions for ways to better promote healthy living and improving health outcomes and are interested in being part of one of our working groups, email us at uhc@gov.bm.

Question 8

Why is the Government making these changes?

Accepted Answer

Bermuda’s health system is one of the most expensive in the World - and yet the health of our people does not reflect the money spent on healthcare. The statistics available before the Covid-19 Pandemic show that 50% of adults in Bermuda had at least one chronic condition (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease), while 75% of the population was overweight or obese. Up to 35% of the population remained unable to access quality healthcare without financial hardship, including those that were uninsured (around 12% of Bermuda’s population), and those that had defined unaffordable health insurance or being underinsured (accounted for approximately 23% of the population). Additionally, between 2006 and 2017, the cost of healthcare on-island rose 69% - an unsustainable financial burden to all. It is for these reasons the Government of Bermuda is committed to strengthening Bermuda’s overall health system, using the eight core principles included within the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027, including the implementation of Universal Health Coverage.

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