The more we reported injustices, the more we were penalised

April 12, 2006

THANK you for having the bravery to publish the two well-written articles describing the state of the medical community in Bermuda in the March 31 issue of the Mid-Ocean News.

Trust me, we as physicians and other health care professionals were trying to manage and change the system within our own organisations and within the hierarchy of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, but were not successful.

In fact, the more certain individuals reported injustices, the more it seemed as if we were penalised, while the perpetrators were allowed to continue and seemingly were rewarded for their accomplishments.

If proper human resources techniques had been applied years ago, our professions would not be shamed by the goings-on which had to reach the press in order for the public to understand why various events have occurred in the health care system in Bermuda.

Now that the truth is public, let us as patients demand what we deserve from our governmental and private health care managers. We cannot afford to listen to people who have their bank accounts as the reason for major decisions which affect all of us.

Speaking of which, have our local insurers paid KEMH for services rendered? Why does the Ladies' Auxiliary have to be burdened with the acquisition of medical equipment which is necessary for proper care, when this should be part of the hospital's annual budget?

Why are so many people being flown out of Bermuda for fear of treatment here due to past sins of still-existing healthcare providers?

Notice that every hospital abroad which we frequent is building on to their infrastructures while KEMH has to beg for financial assistance? Ironic. Improve our system here, and allow our hard-earned insurance premiums work for us here on the island first.

I extend my kindest regards to the members of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, and the new Health Council, as a reminder that they have been placed there to make decisions in the interest of all of us.

CINDY L. MORRIS, MD