A law allowing Bermuda Hospitals Board to enter into public-private partnerships was passed in the House of Assembly last night.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome told MPs that the Bermuda Hospitals Board Amendment (No. 2) Act 2008 would mean the board could enter into agreements with other bodies to provide healthcare at places other than King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

He said the formation of public and private sector partnerships tied in with BHB's overall strategy for providing care on the Island.

Physicians will be able to employ their own staff and have a certain amount of freedom but remain under the control of BHB and the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Bascome said plans were already well advanced for two urgent care centres at either end of the Island and that the east end facility should be ready by April 2009.

Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson welcomed the legislation and said she hoped the financial management of BHB had improved after previous concern from the Auditor General.

"This is an additional financial responsibility," she said, of the public-private partnerships.

Mr. Bascome said the board had come through a recent audit with "flying colours".