Dear Sir,

After the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s comments in an article last week about diagnostic imaging guidelines, we have been informed that certain other diagnostic imaging providers also use international guidelines to assess the clinical appropriateness of diagnostic imaging referrals.

This is good news for Bermuda. All diagnostic tests have associated risks, so ensuring that they are undertaken only when clinically required helps to safeguard our resident population and to focus our resources on those truly in need.

People should always discuss tests with their physician to fully understand the risks and the benefits, and also talk to their diagnostic imaging provider if they have questions about the test.

Thank you for this opportunity to clarify.

Yours sincerely,

VENETTA SYMONDS

Chief executive officer

Bermuda Hospitals Board