All those with a view on the cost of local health care should attend and participate in a public discussion on the topic this Thursday evening. The Bermuda Health Council is hosting the discussion to hear people’s concerns firsthand and also to learn solutions that individuals might have.

The Council is charged with restructuring Bermuda’s health care system and has already had discussions with medical practitioners, insurance companies, alternative therapists, church groups, health food stores and other stakeholders.Council chairman Michael Bradshaw said that locally the medical profession has a history of talking at people. “We want to hear from them,” he said. “We want people to be intimately involved in all healthcare decisions.”

Mr. Bradshaw stressed that the format will be to encourage people to participate. There will be no panellists just a short “kick-off statement” from Mr. Bradshaw. “We need to hear from people and to have people hear each other. We need everyone to contribute. We want to ensure the broadest possible participation. We need everyone to know that the health council works for them,” he said. The public discussion will take place at Bermuda College room G301 on Thursday, November 30, 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Light refreshment will be served at 6 p.m.