A Canadian firm has been chosen to undertake a clinical and corporate review of the Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB].According to the BHB, Howard Associates was appointed following a local and international procurement process, according to the BHB.“The selecting panel included senior leadership, board representation and the Ombudsman for Bermuda,” said a press release issued by the board yesterday. “Howard Associates is a Canadian firm, based in Toronto, with over 25 years of experience in management consulting in healthcare.”The firm’s other clients include Toronto General Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital and the Royal Ottawa Hospital among others.The review process began yesterday, and the BHB said the investigation and review phase is expected to be completed by the end of the year. A final report will be ready by the end of January 2013.According to the BHB, the scope of the project will include:l The composition, team working and effectiveness of the board and senior management teaml Board sub committees, particularly the governance and medical staff committeesl Accountability, reporting lines and delegation of authorityl Transparency and disclosure requirements in addressing potential conflicts of interestl Contractual and managerial arrangements for physiciansl The robustness of financial and procurement controlsThe BHB is a publicly funded body and, according to the BHB statement: “The cost of the review is under $100,000. Community members can have input into the process by forwarding their concerns and issues to the Ombudsman for Bermuda, who will also review the process on a weekly basis as well as providing public commentary on the final report.”The hospital announced the review in July, shortly after putting its Chief of Staff Donald Thomas III on administrative leave, without revealing the reason why. Dr Thomas resigned last month.Venetta Symonds, chief executive officer of BHB, said: “We are looking forward to working with the experienced team from Howard Associates and expect concrete actions to come out of this review. In the interests of transparency and accountability, we will publish the final report in full and I want to thank the Ombudsman for Bermuda for her role in this process.“Although BHB is funding the review, the Ombudsman will be an impartial observer to the entire process and she will report back publicly to Parliament and the Governor in accordance with the Ombudsman’s Act.”Ombudsman Arlene Brock is an independent, non-government official who makes inquiries and investigates complaints from the public about maladministration in the delivery of public services. She said: ‘This comprehensive review is timely given the BHB’s transition to a new CEO and new facility. It is to the BHB’s credit that they have asked me to be involved as well — in the public interest. I will be updated on a weekly basis, will give input and will comment publicly on the reviewer’s report.”Ms Brock added that she was involved in the vetting and selection process of the candidates shortlisted to conduct the review.“I can confirm that this was a thorough process and that, to date, I have confidence in the competence and objectivity of the successful candidate, Howard Associates,” she said.Anyone who wishes to provide information directly to the Ombudsman for forwarding to the reviewers may do so at: complaint@ombudsman.bm; tel: 441-296-6541; or 14 Dundonald St., Hamilton HM 09.Useful websites: www.bhb.bm and www.ombudsman.bm.