Volunteers are being sought by the Bermuda Health Council, an organisation set up to ensure good quality and affordable healthcare for all Bermudians.

The appeal for community-spirited individuals was made by Health Minister Patrice Minors yesterday, and backed up by an advertisement in todaySpage 36).

The Health Council will perform a number of roles once it is fully set up, including ensuring health standards are kept at their highest, regulating health care services and professionals and setting goals for the health care system. It will also regulate the price of drugs sold to the public and conduct research on the subject of public health.

Potential members are required to possess a working knowledge of Bermuda?s legal, health and insurance environments, as well as an understanding of patient advocacy, research and communication.

Ms Minors said: ?It?s important that we have a first-class system. These need to be committed individuals who will understand that this is a very important issue.

?There will be a process of vetting and meeting with me personally, as it?s important that I?m involved with the selection process and to make sure that there?s no doubt of the level of commitment.?

The Minister said there would be some remuneration for the role, but that this would ?not be significant?. She added that the selected volunteers will undergo orientation and training next month, and will be ready to start work by January 1.

She dismissed criticisms levelled by the United Bermuda Party that the council simply represents another layer of bureaucracy as being ?of no significance? explaining that similar councils work well in other countries.

Those interested in becoming council members should submit an expression of interest, stating why they are suitable, along with a resume to: The Minister of Health and Family Services, Continental Building, 25 Church Street, Hamilton, HM12.