The closure-threatened Medical Clinic was described as ‘vital’ just one year ago by medical officials.

In its Spring 2006 newsletter, PULSE the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) said the clinic was “vital” for many Bermudians.

And the newsletter further described the clinic as being “very busy” in explaining the expansion of services for the patients and hiring three physicians, Dr. Stanley James, Dr. Samantha Price and Dr. Ronald Lightbourne.

But when asked to comment on the PULSE article yesterday, a spokeswoman for the BHB referred The Royal Gazette to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health last month.

It said: “The Government has recently announced plans to close the clinic and provide alternative options to clinic patients.

“The Bermuda Hospitals Board is working closely with Government to assure a smooth transition for clinic patients and will maintain its Medical Clinic service until all patients are transferred to the physician of their choice.”

More than 3,000 people have signed a petition protesting against the closure of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital centre, arguing it gives vulnerable patients access to treatment, prescriptions and medical supplies under one roof.

Petition organiser Jenny Brookes last night questioned apparent contradictions by Government over the clinic’s closure.

When asked about the PULSE article hse said: “It just shows again how this decision hasn’t be thought through. The BHB say it’s a viable resource and then out of nowhere they say its closing. “They change the reasons from a patients dignity to it being about a financial burden. It’s contradiction after contradiction.

“The people have demonstrated what they think and they keep saying its a government of the people. It’s time for the politicians to do their job.”

The article says that the “BHB operates a very busy medical outpatient clinic that provides services and supplies to uninsured and underresourced clients.”

It says it has ‘’recently extended service to five days a week’’ and a “team of physicians that includes Dr. Stanley James, Dr. Samantha Price and Dr. Ronald Lightbourne, handles approximately 2500 patient visits annually, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications and treating client complaints.’’

It adds: “In addition, nurses provide a variety of services that include wound care/dressing changes, blood pressure monitoring, and client education. Medical supplies and insulin are also distributed to clients.

“Playing a critical role, volunteers log thousands of hours annually helping out with reception and patient services on Tuesdays and Fridays.

“The medical outpatient clinic provides comprehensive medical and nursing services to a client base made up primarily of the elderly. With a registry of 4,300 patients, this facility plays a vital role for many Bermudians.

Premier Ewart Brown revealed in his November Throne Speech, he would be closing the clinic.

In the speech Dr. Brown said it was a question of the patient’s dignity. He later said it would create “considerable savings.” About 30 doctors are willing to treat patients at a cost of $5 each visit.

Dr. Brown was unavailable for comment last night.