Bermuda's healthcare system is facing a critical challenge: a shortage of oncology staff, which has led to patients seeking treatment abroad. But here's where it gets controversial... The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is taking action to address this issue, but some patients' families have expressed frustration over delays in care. The BHB has been actively hiring new nurses and increasing the capacity of its oncology services, but recent 'short-term' staffing pressures have caused concern. Despite this, all treatment schedules for patients are continuing as planned, and the BHB is committed to supporting overseas referrals for those in need. The BHB is confident that these new appointments will enhance the long-term stability and quality of cancer care in Bermuda. However, the family of one patient told The Royal Gazette that they had been left 'scrambling' to find overseas treatment after being told the oncology unit could not administer chemotherapy due to staffing levels. This highlights the ongoing challenge of recruiting highly specialized nurses for these roles. The BHB is working to ensure a stable service that can manage unexpected staff absences, and is exploring the recruitment of locum nurses as a temporary resource. So, while the BHB is making progress, there is still a long way to go to ensure that all patients receive the care they need, and the question remains: how can we better support our healthcare workers and patients during these challenging times?
