A cut in the budget for the Bermuda Health Council means it will have to juggle priorities, the new CEO said at the weekend.

Tawanna Wedderburn said “creative solutions” were needed so the BHeC can continue to manage growing demands with tighter resources.

The BHeC budget has been cut by $42,000 to $800,000 for the new financial year.

“The Health Council’s budget has been cut by 5 per cent like other entities funded by Government,” said Ms Wedderburn. “However, health spending continues to grow, now representing 12 per cent of gross domestic product.

“The Health Council’s ability to meet demands that a growing health system requires is now impacted by a reduction in the resources needed to adequately address these issues.

“This demands more creative solutions while protecting each resident’s right to health.”

The BHeC, which is funded by a Ministry of Health grant and a Mutual Reinsurance Fund Transfer, has seen its government funding cut by $42,000.

Ms Wedderburn said: “In spite of the 5 per cent expense reduction and the increasing demand for healthcare, the Health Council will continue to make the best of the limited resources allocated to it.

“We are committed to our goal of supporting Bermuda’s residents by ensuring that the right care is delivered by trained professionals in safe facilities in the most cost-effective way.”

According to Ms Wedderburn, Bermuda’s population is ageing, social pressures are growing, mental health is not prioritised and health charities are not adequately supported.

She said: “The Budget reflects consideration of many variables involved in economic recovery. However, the Budget does not contemplate the complex interplay between health, productivity and limited resources within an improving economy.

“The economic stimulus proposed in the Budget relies on infrastructure planning, and encouraging companies to invest in Bermuda.

“For us to see success in these areas, we cannot ignore the companies and businesses within the tourist industry who have expressed concerns about growing healthcare costs and their influence on their ability to do business in Bermuda.

“The Health Council is working towards addressing these concerns in collaboration with the Government and other stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, funding for the island’s hospitals was cut by $1,161,000. Hospitals will get $145.67 million in this year’s Budget, compared with $147.86 million last year.

In response, a Bermuda Hospitals Board spokeswoman urged residents to take an active role in their health and wellness.

She said: “Bermuda Hospitals Board has to accept Government’s budget allocation.

“While it is less than previous years we will continue our work to provide safe, high-quality, people-centred care to our entire community.

“We encourage the people of Bermuda to take an active role in their own health and wellness to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and the burden this places on the healthcare system.”