Michael Ashton, a former chief of medicine at the Bermuda Hospitals Board, has been appointed the new chief of infectious diseases.

While Dr Ashton left the chief of medicine role in 2023 for private practise, he continued to work with the BHB as a consultant infectious disease specialist.

Anna Neilson-Williams, the board’s chief of staff, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dr Ashton back to the BHB full time.

“As our director of infectious diseases and chief of medicine through the pandemic, he was instrumental in leading the hospitals and the community through a very challenging time.”

As chief of infectious diseases, Dr Ashton is responsible for all matters related to infectious diseases and epidemiology at BHB, including leading preparations for future pandemics or threats.

He is also responsible for infection prevention and control measures throughout the hospitals and leading efforts to mitigate clinical risks related to infectious diseases and healthcare-associated infections.

Dr Ashton will also serve as chief of the patient-centred medical home, a programme which assists people with complex chronic diseases who require frequent emergency or inpatient care.

Dr Neilson-Williams added: “Most individuals who access the PCMH have more than one chronic condition and many are underinsured or uninsured.

“Helping them better manage their conditions results in a better quality of life for our patients and reduced demand on our emergency department and acute care beds.”

Scott Pearman, the board’s chief executive, said that the BHB was grateful that Dr Ashton had returned full-time, adding that his experience would help to make sure that the organisation was ready should the threat of another pandemic become a reality.

“We also welcome Dr Ashton’s leadership in the patient-centred medical home, assisting some of our most challenged patients to live a fuller, healthier life,” he said.

“As a Bermudian physician and medical leader, Dr Ashton has provided guidance and mentorship for local students through our summer student programme for many years.

“We hope this new role serves as inspiration for the next generation of Bermudian healthcare clinicians and leaders.”

Dr Ashton started work with the BHB in November 2011 as an infection disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist, and became the chief of medicine in 2016.

A BHB spokeswoman said that he will continue to see inpatients and outpatients as BHB’s consultant in infectious disease and epidemiology.