A review of healthcare in Bermuda is underway as the Medical Clinic prepares to close in two weeks.

Responding to questions over the apparent change in position by the dental organisation on the Island, Minister of Health Michael Scott said: “It is important to note that the decision to close the Medical Clinic has provided us with an opportunity to look at the services that we should provide and the method of delivery of those services.

“This exercise will continue in an effort to improve the overall care provided to the community.”

Yesterday marked the target-day for the Medical Clinic, formerly the “Indigent clinic” to close with the transferral of 512 of the patients to private doctors.

After a meeting with the patients on Thursday, however, Dr. Stanley James, attending physician at the clinic, comforted patients telling them the clinic would remain open.

But also urged them to call or visit the clinic to make sure they had a private physician once the clinic at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital closes.

And echoing his encouragement, Minister of Health Michael Scott, yesterday in the House of Assembly thanked those involved in the closure and urged patients to go before it closes.

He said: “I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage those clients of the Medical Clinic who have not been in to be placed with a physician to please visit the clinic over the next week to ensure that this happens.

“I also want to thank the members of the joint team that has been working to ensure that the transition of patients to private practice occurs that all the issues that need to be, are addressed.

“It is important to note that this team will continue to meet throughout the coming months to address issues that arise following the closure of the Clinic.

“Of equal importance, the team will evaluate the plan and, where necessary, amend it to ensure that the needs of the clients are met.”

However, yesterday Shadow Health Minster Louise Jackson said the needs of the patients were not being met by putting them on the Government’s Health Insurance Plan (HIP).

She said: “HIP only allows for four visits a year. Most of the seniors can use this up in one month. Many patients have not been notified and many do not have transportation or know about the last meeting they had.”

The other problem she sees arising is the fact that there is no dental care offered on HIP nor are the supplies many patients need, provided for once it closes.

In response to questions put by The Royal Gazette, Dr. John Cann, Chief Medical Officer, said: “There have been ongoing concerns about dental services for the general population of Bermuda. “This is not only an issue for indigent patients. It is a matter under active consideration by the Ministry of Health. It is important to also understand that dental service was not a service provided by the clinic.

“There were, however, dentists who had agreed to provide service to indigent patients pro bon>. We will advise when resolution has been reached.”