The Bermuda Hospitals Board is working to address staffing problems in its oncology department that have caused patients to seek overseas care.

A spokeswoman said that the BHB had been working to increase capacity of its oncology services and had been hiring new nurses, but “short-term” staffing pressures had been felt recently.

She said on Thursday: “All treatment schedules for patients are continuing as planned.

“We are reviewing all newly diagnosed patients, however, and will support overseas referrals to avoid any delays in care where needed. We are sensitive that not everyone has overseas coverage, so each case will be reviewed based on individual needs.

“BHB looks forward to welcoming its new oncology nurses in the near future and is confident these appointments will enhance the long-term stability and quality of cancer care in Bermuda.”

Providing an update on the staffing challenges, the BHB spokeswoman explained: “We are pleased that three full time oncology nursing positions have been offered and accepted by candidates.

“A number of locum positions have also been offered and accepted. These positions are in addition to the two chemotherapy nurses at BHB.

“Recruiting for these highly specialised roles is challenging and this achievement reflects a major effort to ensure a stable service that can manage unexpected staff absences.”

The comments came after the family of a patient told The Royal Gazette that they had been left “scrambling” to find overseas treatment.

They said that they had been told last week that the oncology unit could not administer chemotherapy owing to staffing levels.

In March, it was reported that a “significant number” of chemotherapy treatments had been delayed because two specialist nurses were unable to work

Judy Richardson, the Chief of Nursing, said then: “The formal recruitment for chemotherapy nurses is ongoing with a sustainable training plan being developed with overseas affiliates.

“We are also exploring the recruitment of locum nurses as temporary resources as they can be organised more quickly.”