A new multiyear strategy is being rolled out to coincide with changes in Bermuda’s healthcare needs.

The Bermuda Health Strategy and Action Plan is designed “to deliver affordable, sustainable, quality healthcare for all of Bermuda’s residents,” a statement from the Ministry of Health and Seniors released on Tuesday said.

According to the Ministry, the community’s future healthcare needs are being impacted by changes in disease patterns, as well as the country’s ageing population.

“By 2030, people over the age of 65 will increase from 11 per cent to 22 per cent of the population and the median age is projected to increase from 37 to 43 years,” it said.

The Plan, the Ministry said, addresses Goal 7 of the Bermuda Health Strategy, and focuses on “quality and quantity of care needs, the development of healthcare staff for long-term care, and educating the public about long-term care issues.”

“This is a critical time for Bermuda,” it said.

The Ministry said it is working towards “the growing needs” of Bermuda’s seniors, including those with physical, mental and cognitive disabilities.

“The provision of residential long-term care services is expensive, and the development of additional capacity and bed space is even more expensive,” it said.

The Government, the Ministry said, has “limited capital resources” to direct towards additional long-term care capacity.

“However, as has been done with other sectors of Bermuda’s economy, the Government may be in a position to provide incentives to encourage investment by the private sector in new residential long-term care.”

A round-table discussion is being organised to discuss what can be done by Government to spur investment — both in existing facilities, as well as new ones.

Investors interested in attending are asked to contact Kevin Monkman of 278-4908 or kmonkman@gov.bm for additional information.