The Bermuda Hospitals Board announced yesterday the recipients of its scholarships — giving nine students a combined total of $165,000.

In a ceremony held at the Cap-A-Laige Charity house, the nine students were honoured by Health Minister Nelson Bascome, along with BHB deputy chairman Wendell Hollis and BHB CEO David Hill.

Of the scholarship recipients, Deana-Marie Gilbert, K'Maria Seaman and Rache Somner were awarded for studying nursing, while Ashley Wall, Tina Wall, Shari Scott, Pashé Douglas-Sampson and Akilah Lapsley-Dyer received awards for studying allied health.

Malikah Sheeheed was awarded the Human Resources/Health Sciences Library scholarship.

"Hospitals without nurses cannot function," Mr. Hill said yesterday as the scholarships were handed out. "You will make a difference in people's lives.

"We are proud to help to support your endeavours. It's the best investment we could make."

Mr. Bascome also stressed the important contribution Bermudians make by entering the healthcare field.

"We must prioritise opportunities for Bermudians to not only succeed, but to advance in the healthcare sector," the Minister said. "Whilst we appreciate all of those who work in our hospitals, we know that nothing beats Bermudians being treated by Bermudians."

One of the scholarship winners, Ashley Hall, is studying radiology at Kaiser University in Daytona. She entered the field following in her sister's footsteps. "I like to help others," she said.

The board also used the opportunity to congratulate eight members of its staff who graduated from various programmes over the last year.

"We could build the greatest hospital in the world, but it wouldn't matter if we didn't have the staff," said Mr. Hollis. "Bermudians can go as high as they want. There is nothing holding them back."