KEMH moves to electronic records

The hospital emergency department is to introduce electronic records to streamline patient information and care.

The new system will start at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) on July 1.

A Bermuda Hospitals Board spokesperson said: "The Medhost Emergency Department Information System (EDIS) incorporates a number of evidence-based safety features to improve patient care, and will generate diagnosis-specific discharge instructions, as well as medication information.

"The new system will also relay important findings to primary care physicians in a timely manner."

Dr. Edward Schultz, KEMH director of emergency services, said: "EDIS requires a much higher level of documentation from both physicians and nurses.

"In addition, built-in safety features will identify certain high-risk findings which will be addressed prior to discharging patients from the department."

Dr. Donald Thomas III, BHB Chief of Staff, said: "This new system will strengthen our communication processes and increase efficiency.

"Nurses and physicians will utilise a touch screen interface for effective patient tracking, nurse charting, physician documentation and order entry.

"Electronic patient records are now the industry standard and the system being instituted at KEMH is used in some of the best medical facilities abroad."

He said implementation of the system may initially cause some delays, but that additional doctors will be covering the emergency department.

People can also seek medical attention at the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in the East End.

"We ask the public for their patience as emergency department staff become familiar with new procedures," said Dr. Schultz.

Seniors' Week begins on Sunday

Seniors' Week kicks off on Sunday with the popular Senior Citizen's Tea in the Botanical Gardens.

Celebration of the week was postponed due to the stormy weather conditions but Premier Ewart Brown yesterday confirmed plans, including the annual fashion show, will go ahead next week.

Dr. Brown said: "Seniors should know we have pulled out all the stops once again with entertainment and refreshments to make the event memorable."

The tea will take place on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with buses providing transportation to the event from Somerset, Hamilton and St. George's.

For those who want to attend the tea, RSVP on 294-9252.

Saltus pupils create Heritage Quilt

Saltus lower primary students have created a large Bermuda Heritage Quilt in celebration of the Island's 400th anniversary.

The quilt, which measures 13 feet by 13 feet and comprised of 151 felt squares, was made by students in S1 and S2 at the grammar school.

Each square features something unique to Bermuda: longtails, moon gates, St. David's Lighthouse, the Sea Venture, Bermuda cottages, hogs, Gombeys and more.

Tracy Renaud, Deputy Head at Saltus Lower Primary said: "Each child was given a felt square to take home and decorate with their parents — the only stipulation was that it have a Bermuda theme."

"The children brought their squares back to the school and [I] painstakingly glued the felt pieces to a larger backing."

The quilt is currently on display in the new Saltus Lower Primary hall.

BTEC honours partners

Bermuda Technology Education Collaborative (BTEC) last night hosted celebrations for partners who have contributed to the success of it and founding organisation, the XL Education Initiative.

The reception, which was held at XL House, featured selected representatives from the more than 75 stakeholders involved.

The Education Initiative is responsible for the integration of 21st century Information Communication Technology (ICT) into the public schools.

Said a spokesperson: "The original programme, the XL Education Initiative, was mandated to create a computer science course for CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute in collaboration with Stanford University.

"Following the old adage that nothing is more important than an idea whose time has come, it quickly morphed to include a three-track multi-course ICT curriculum, the first and only curricula in the world to be certified by the International Society of Technology Education (ISTE) who set the NETS standards for the US Department of Education."

John Ellison retires from Bermuda Festival

Chairman of the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts, John Ellison, has retired after 35 years of service.

He will be replaced by his deputy chairman, Ian Davidson.

Speaking yesterday on his retirement, Mr. Ellison said: "I am delighted that the festival is still running after all these years and, indeed, it seems to go from strength to strength.

"It is hugely satisfying to know that, over time, so many theatregoers have enjoyed our offerings and it is just as gratifying to recognise the influence that the festival's master class and outreach programmes have had on young musical and theatrical talent in our schools.

"I have no doubt at all that the Festival and its beneficial impact will continue to grow under Ian's leadership."

Mr. Ellison began as the festival's founding chairman in 1974.

Said Mr. Davidson: "[John] has given solid, reliable, unflinching support to me and everyone involved, but in particular our small executive staff who live and breathe 'Bermuda Festival' throughout the year. John was always available and I know he will continue to give counsel when asked. I am honoured to have been asked to succeed him."

The 2010 Bermuda Festival will take place from mid-January through early March. Anyone interested in volunteering for the Festival should contact the office on 295-1291 or e-mail adminoffice@bermudafestival.org.

Man bailed on cannabis charge

A Pembroke man admitted having more than 20 grams of cannabis after Police searched his bike and found the drug.

David Baker, 20 of Deepdale Road, was arrested on March 7 after Police pulled him over on Union Street for a random stop and search.

When officers lifted the seat of his red and black bike, they found three plastic twists containing plantlike material.

Baker said: "It's not mine."

He was then arrested and taken to the Hamilton Police Station.

The cannabis was sent to the Government analyst and was found to be 20.48 grams.

In Magistrates' Court yesterday, Magistrate Juan Wolfe asked Baker why he had the cannabis on him.

He said: "To smoke."

Baker explained he began smoking at the age of 12.

Mr. Wolfe said: "You've got a problem. You are going to stop. Smoking gets you into trouble."

"It seems like you have a problem with cannabis. We have to sort that out. With this type of stuff, you will end up in prison."

The Magistrate ordered a social inquiry report and Baker will have to come back to court in August.

He was given $2000 bail.

Three months in prison for damaging security door

A homeless man who broke a glass door valued at $18,500 was sent to prison for three months.

Colin Fubler, 54, admitted causing wilful damage to the door at Par-la-Ville properties and entering the building.

The court heard the property had a security system and Fubler was caught on camera pulling the door very hard until the glass shattered.

Fubler then left the building.

In Magistrates' Court yesterday, Crown counsel Carrington Mahoney told the court the door was fitted with a special lock which the complainant had installed.

A sign that said "No Trespassers" was also posted.

Magistrate Juan Wolfe said: "Eighteen thousand dollars is a lot of damage to a door.

"They're saying you pulled the door so hard that you broke the lock mechanism and they say you shattered the door."

He continued: "I think you need a little time out in terms of getting things together."

Sandys Middle School project opening delayed

Construction delays and bad weather have set back the grand opening of the Sandys 360 Sport, Aquatic and Enrichment Centre, originally scheduled for this weekend, until September.

"We're having a soft opening on Monday, starting up the summer programs as scheduled, but we're trying to ensure we have everything in place before the grand opening," said the project's executive director Dr. Melvyn Bassett. "We were expecting hundreds to come."

The the grand opening of the facility, which will feature a 35-metre swimming pool along with a basketball court and an aerobics area, is now scheduled to be held September 12.