Health Minister Patrice Minors released an update on her plans to help safeguard the health of Bermudians.

In the House of Assembly on Friday, Ms Minors noted that a Bermuda Health Council has been formed to oversee health issues on the Island. But she said that a Government Act giving it real power has been delayed "pending the completion of the regulations which would reinforce the Act and support the functions of the Council."

Ms Minors said that she has established both a Health Collaboration Committee and a Health Council Working Committee which will feed into the Health Council.

The Health Collaboration Committee, made up of representatives from the stakeholder groups, will work with the Council and aim to enhance quality, access and affordability of local health care services.

Ms Minors said that meetings have already begun to identify committee representatives.

"It is anticipated that the Collaboration Committee will begin meeting and start with its orientation by the middle of September," she said.

The Working Committee has technical officers to ensure the smooth and accurate formation of the Health Council. To this end, the Working Committee has formed three sub-committees ? to oversee legislation, for IT and the Governance and Structure Subcommittee.