Bermudians have been hit with another five percent increase in hospital fees this year.

Bermuda Hospitals Board CEO Joan Dillas-Wright said the increase was necessary to cover operating costs. Last year hospital fees were also increased by five percent.

The increase, which was tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday, will come into effect on April 1.

Changes to the Hospital Insurance Commission Amendment Regulations were also tabled in the House of Assembly last week.

?The reference to neo-natal in the Hospital Insurance Commission Amendment Regulations is to enable us to carry out a routine hearing test on new-born babies and have this service covered under their hospital insurance,? Ms Dillas-Wright explained.

Rehabilitation regulations were also amended.

?In order that we can treat patients who need rehabilitation post-surgery and in the absence of a rehabilitation centre, we requested approval to use some ?acute hospital beds? for this service and have the cost covered under their standard health insurance plan,? said Ms Dillas-Wright.

?We are grateful that this change was passed in the House on Friday as it will enable us to give post-operative patients that require rehabilitation specialised attention and care, and the comfort of knowing that it is covered under their health insurance plan.?