For the past week I was a patient at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital undergoing a series of tests.

In this particular season of my life it is important that I maintain a watchful eye over my health and general wellbeing.

Having reached the good old age of 90 a few months ago, I can truly say that I have had my share of personal ailments and other conditions that have caused me a few visits over the years to our local hospital. In most cases, where it is an evident necessity that one finds themselves in such a position, you are at the mercy and grace of the doctors and nurses and other health professional that care for you.

As a patient at the new Acute Care Wing at KEMH I shall, without hesitation, say that I received excellent care and attention bar none.

With the first-class facilities at their fingertips along with the most modern and proficient medical equipment, I was made to feel secure and comfortable that my medical needs were adequately addressed.

The new building consists of 90 single-occupancy en suite patient rooms. It is also inclusive of the island’s first dedicated day surgery unit and ambulatory care services inclusive of oncology, dialysis, asthma and diabetes management.

There’s also diagnostic imaging services and a new emergency room and utility plant, all of which has come with a cost of more than $250 million to be footed by taxpayers over a period of 30 years.

It has indeed been an epic journey in the history of healthcare in Bermuda. We didn’t experience the partisan and bitter political rancour that dominated the political matrix of our friendly and giant neighbour due north in its endeavour to introduce health insurance for the average citizen.

Without skipping a heartbeat however, we were able to undertake a challenge that was above party politics, and adopt wise counsel to get the job done in the most expeditious and cost-efficient manner. As our economy has developed over the last number of years into a modern and proficient service economy, our healthcare services have kept abreast with these changes. We have come a long way from the old Cottage Hospital formerly located at Happy Valley Road in Devonshire.

Our medical practitioners are highly trained at the most prestigious schools in the world and are sufficient in catering to our needs. Their medical expertise is accompanied with the most advance medical equipment; a staff of around 1,800 contribute to the management and operation of our first-class medical facility. When necessary, a host of patients that require further medical attention are referred abroad to the United States or Canada for further medical treatment.