Anna Neilson-Williams has been named as the new chief of staff at the Bermuda Hospitals Board after a year acting in the post.

Dr Neilson-Williams, who previously served as the BHB chief of psychiatry, came into the post after the retirement of Wesley Miller last spring.

A spokeswoman said that as chief of staff, Dr Neilson-Williams will lead the BHB’s team of medical and support personnel.

“The position is the most senior medical role at BHB and is responsible for the supervision of medical and dental care given to patients and residents in BHB facilities,” the spokeswoman added.

“The chief of staff role ensures patient safety, sound clinical governance and building positive relations with the physician community.”

Dr Neilson-Williams said that acting in the post had given her a “solid grounding” on the issues faced by the BHB.

“I’m really looking forward to continuing some of the great programmes that are in motion, such as the integrated pathways for trauma, burns and the hospitalist service,” she said.

“Our vision of pursuing excellence through continuous improvement keeps quality as the focal point for physicians at BHB, working in partnership with our community doctors to improve services for the community.”

Dr Neilson-Williams joined the BHB in 2000 and served as chief of psychiatry from 2022.

She has also served as a consultant psychiatrist who managed clients with a range of mental health conditions and patients on the psychogeriatric unit at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

A BHB spokeswoman added that as the board's director of continuing medical education since 2014, Dr Neilson-Williams managed and developed presentations by international healthcare experts to educate physicians on advances in medicine, technology, research and changes to the healthcare environment.

Scott Pearman, the chief executive and president of the BHB, said: “She has proven herself in this role for the last year and brings to it great leadership skills and a very well-rounded physician experience in mental health and primary care.

“Her leadership and skills will most certainly help us navigate a challenging healthcare environment while continuing our drive to improve quality and safety.”