The reputation of a cancer charity in Bermuda was hailed by the Minister of Health, as the organisation prepares to take part in a global virtual forum about the implementation of high-quality care on the island.

Kim Wilson said the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has transformed the manner in which cancer care is delivered.

It came as Chris Fosker, the chief executive of the BCHC, prepares to give a talk on how the charity has changed perceptions.

He will speak at an event hosted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network on Thursday.

Ms Wilson said the charity makes sure that more patients can access high-quality treatment close to home and surrounded by their support networks.

The minister added: “This invitation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the centre's team and an important recognition of Bermuda’s contribution to advancing cancer care.

“We are pleased to see Bermuda’s experience helping to inform international discussions on the future of healthcare delivery.”

The event is being held under the theme “Oncology Workforce Shortages and the Future of Cancer Care”.

Dr Fosker, the medical director of the BCHC, will be featured on a panel of five which includes representatives from the World Health Organisation and the Lancet Commissions.

He said: “This is a significant opportunity for the centre, and Bermuda, to positively contribute to the global cancer challenge alongside international cancer-care leaders and share what our team has built here.

“Our experience shows how skilled local teams, with the support of specialist collaboration, can deliver world-class care.

“We want to share what we have learnt and continue developing the people and services that patients in Bermuda rely on.

“Expertise can be global. Trust must remain local.”

He said before the centre opened, about 80 people would annually travel overseas for radiation treatment.

Dr Fosker explained: “When the radiation unit was opened here, it was assumed that those who could afford it would still choose to travel to centres like Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Centre because of its worldwide reputation as a major centre.

“Instead, now only around 1 per cent of patients choose to travel overseas for radiation therapy, demonstrating people value local care, having the support of their friends and family, the fact that they are treated as individuals in their community and that we will be with them throughout their journey.”

The charity said the invitation for Dr Fosker to take part in the event came after his presentation in June at the Caribbean Association of Oncology and Haematology Annual Scientific Conference in Trinidad & Tobago.

At the forum, Dr Fosker discussed how specialist expertise can support care in smaller communities.

The charity said his participation in the forum gives the BCHC an opportunity to share lessons from its leadership in developing local cancer care, including the partnerships and skilled people supporting patients every day.

• Register atwww.nccn.org/global/global-policyto watch the event