Bermuda Hospitals Board has changed its medical testing policy, effective from August 3, to limit procedures that have to be carried out overseas.

Citing an increased demand for services and rising healthcare costs, the BHB said it would stop accepting requests from external providers for tests that cannot be performed at the hospital and require processing abroad.

The BHB laboratory will continue serving private labs and physicians’ offices by accepting requests for tests that can be performed at BHB — but will only accept tests to be sent abroad when they are ordered by BHB physicians or government clinics.

Morrisa Rogers, the BHB director of clinical support services, said the changes would reduce unnecessary duplication of services.

Anna Neilson-Williams, the board’s chief of staff, said the move was part of “a broader effort to ensure Bermuda’s healthcare resources are being used effectively and responsibly”.

Judy Richardson, the acting chief executive officer, said: “The changes will strengthen co-ordination between providers and support a more efficient healthcare system.”

Details on BHB lab services can be found under departments and services at the website, bermudahospitals.bm.