Government is addressing a flaw in the healthcare system which has no regulations governing the qualifications for those working with the elderly.

Medical consultant with Arthur Andersen, Charles Peck highlighted the inadequacy of the system at a luncheon hosted by the Bermuda Health Alliance last week.

Both Health Minister Nelson Bascome and Government's Chief Medical Officer John Cann admitted the shortfall, but noted that regulations have been drawn up and should be tabled in the next Parliamentary session.

"What has happened is that the Act has been passed, but the regulations are still on the table,'' Mr. Bascome said.

Dr. Cann, while unable to divulge specifics of the draft regulations, confirmed that minimum qualifications and the percentage of workers who must meet those qualifications were included.

Admitting that the process was taking longer to implement than originally anticipated, Dr. Cann pointed out that a geriatric aide training course had been offered at the Bermuda College for the past several years.

"We did anticipate these regulations and so have provided for people to get trained,'' he said. "We did not want to appear unfair and suddenly spring regulations on the industry.'' While the regulations still have to be approved by Cabinet, Dr. Cann was hopeful that they would be in place before the summer.

HEALTH HTH SENIOR SR