standard of care.

Health and Social Services Minister Clarence Terceira said the move was part of Government's plans to help families care for their elderly.

"The new regulations governing rest homes will go to the House of Assembly during the next session and we are hoping that we will be able to give increased financial assistance as soon as possible.'' Government recognised that Bermuda's elderly population was growing and required more health care resources, said Dr. Terceira.

He added that steps had to be taken to ensure that facilities were well regulated and that the financial aspect of elderly care was properly addressed.

Dr. Terceira said he welcomed the Arthur Andersen review which had been commissioned by the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

"I think it is important that Government and the Hospitals Board work together to provide sound management and financial plans to address the health care needs of the elderly and the community as a whole.'' The Arthur Andersen team will focus on the management and financing of health care services including services for the elderly.

Their work, continued Dr. Terceira, would build on what Government had achieved through its own Health Care Review which was discussed in Parliament in June. The team is expected to produce: A financial evaluation of health care recommendations arising from the Health Care Review; Methods for evaluating investments in new medical technology and services; and Guidelines for managing medical programmes to address disease prevention, uses of services, accessibility to services and cost.

SENIORS SR HEALTH HTH