AGP Executive Report

Ciguatera & Scombroid Risk: Bermuda health authorities are warning of confirmed ciguatera fish poisoning cases (five in 2026, including one in January and four in August) and reminding residents that toxins can’t be seen, tasted, or cooked out—symptoms can include rash, itching, tingling, and even hot/cold sensation reversal. Public Health Precautions: The Ministry of Health is also flagging an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, urging people to stay home when sick, consider testing, and get the seasonal flu vaccine. Hospital Access Update: Bermuda Hospitals Board has postponed a King Edward VII Memorial Hospital campus road closure to Wednesday Sept. 23 (7am–2:30pm) for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Genetics in Care: Bermuda Healthcare Services is hosting “Docs for Dinner” featuring Dr. Carika Weldon on pharmacogenetics and offering free cheek-swab testing for medication safety, alongside a look at its new Siemens MRI capabilities. Kidney Health Screening: The Bermuda Diabetes Association reports encouraging results from a recent chronic kidney disease screening, with participants crediting lifestyle changes like less salt, better diabetes control, and more activity. Marine Management Push: The environment department says it’s strengthening marine resource management with improved catch reporting tools, updated fish stock assessments, and more enforcement.

Ciguatera & Scombroid Advisory: Bermuda’s Health Ministry and Environment team are warning of ongoing fish poisoning risks after 2026 confirmed cases rose to five (one in January, four in August). Officials say toxins can’t be seen, tasted, or smelled, and cooking/freezing won’t remove them—so people should watch for symptoms like rash/itching, tingling, nausea, and hot-cold sensation reversal, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. Respiratory Illness Alert: Health authorities are also flagging an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, urging residents to stay home when unwell, consider testing, protect vulnerable people, and get the seasonal flu vaccine. Genetics & Safer Medicines: A “Docs for Dinner” event will feature Dr Carika Weldon on what genetic testing can reveal about medication safety and hidden disease risk, with free pharmacogenetics cheek-swab testing for attendees, plus a look at BHCS’s new MRI capabilities. KEMH Traffic Disruption: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital campus road access will be restricted on Sept 23 (7am–2:30pm) for imaging upgrades, with no through access between Point Finger and Berry Hill roads. Kidney Health Screening Results: The Bermuda Diabetes Association reports encouraging improvements after a three-day CKD screening, with participants crediting lifestyle changes like better diabetes control, less salt, and more physical activity. Workplace Wellness & Mental Health: Bermuda’s CAMHS-style mental health centre news from Jersey highlights a new, more discreet home for children and families, while MindFrame PhotoVoice continues until Oct 6 at the Bermuda Society of Arts.

Respiratory Health Alert: Bermuda health authorities say respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, are rising and urge people with fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches or loss of taste/smell to stay home, avoid close contact, and consider COVID-19 testing; those at higher risk or with worsening symptoms should seek medical advice, and the seasonal flu vaccine is strongly encouraged. Kidney Health Screening: The Bermuda Diabetes Association reports encouraging results from a three-day chronic kidney disease screening, with participants crediting lifestyle changes like cutting salt, improving diabetes control and moving more for better kidney function. Mental Health Access: Jersey’s Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service has opened a new home at Bermuda House, adding 17 clinical rooms and aiming to better meet growing demand with more discreet, accessible waiting areas. Local Care & Diagnostics: Bermuda HealthCare Services and Brown-Darrell Clinic will host Docs for Dinner featuring Dr Carika Weldon on genetically testing Bermuda for medication safety and hidden disease risk, plus a separate talk showcasing a new MRI capability. Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Bermuda SPCA’s TheraTails programme welcomes a new clinical team to continue supporting children and adults dealing with trauma, anxiety and emotional regulation challenges. Hospital Operations: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital campus traffic will be restricted Tuesday 22 Sept (7am–2:30pm) between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Community Wellness: Celebrating Wellness Week 2026 kicked off with student debates on physical education, youth sports pressure and responsibility.

Respiratory Health Alert: Bermuda health authorities say respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, are rising and urge people to stay home when unwell, consider COVID testing, and get the seasonal flu vaccine—especially to protect older adults and those with chronic conditions. Local Hospital Update: The Bermuda Hospitals Board will restrict through-road access on the KEMH campus between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road on Tuesday, Sept 22, from 7am to 2:30pm for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Kidney Health Screening: The Bermuda Diabetes Association reports encouraging results from a recent three-day chronic kidney disease screening, with participants crediting lifestyle changes like less salt, better diabetes control, and more physical activity. Wellness in Schools: Students across Bermuda debated physical education and pressure in youth sports as Celebrating Wellness Week 2026 kicked off, with the Minister of Health highlighting activity’s role in preventing chronic disease and supporting mental wellbeing. Community Mental Health Through Art: MindFrame PhotoVoice’s “The Art of Being Human” exhibition is on at the Bermuda Society of Arts until Oct 6, featuring work by Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute clients and others. Fundraiser for Spinal Cord Injury: The “Zhamir Strong” 6K Family Fun Walk, Run & Roll is set for Sept 26 to support Zhamir Denbrook-Pitt’s ongoing medical and rehabilitation needs. Health & Safety at Sea: Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas faced delays after multiple medical evacuations, affecting arrival times and a Bahamas cruise stop.

Respiratory alert: Bermuda health authorities say respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, are rising and urge people with fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches or loss of taste/smell to stay home, avoid close contact, and consider COVID-19 testing; those at higher risk or with worsening symptoms should seek medical advice, and the ministry is also encouraging the seasonal flu vaccine. Kidney health push: The Bermuda Diabetes Association reports encouraging results from a three-day chronic kidney disease screening, with participants crediting lifestyle changes like reducing salt, improving diabetes control and increasing physical activity for better kidney function. Local hospital access: The Bermuda Hospitals Board warns of restricted through-road access on the KEMH campus on Tuesday 22 September (7am–2:30pm) for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Community fundraising: The “Zhamir Strong” 6K Family Fun Walk, Run & Roll on Saturday 26 September will support spinal cord injury awareness and help cover Zhamir Denbrook-Pitt’s ongoing medical and rehabilitation needs. Wellness week: Ministry of Health invites residents to “Celebrating Wellness 2026” (Sept 19–25), featuring a youth-led debate on physical activity in schools and a range of activity and skills sessions. Cancer support event: Gibbons Company launches “Glam Up The Bra” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with entries due 16 October and proceeds going to the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre.

Respiratory alert: Bermuda health authorities are warning of a rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, urging people with fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches or loss of taste/smell to stay home, consider testing, and seek care if symptoms worsen—plus get the seasonal flu vaccine. Local health services: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will restrict through traffic on Tuesday 22 Sept (7am–2:30pm) between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Kidney health screening: The Bermuda Diabetes Association says a three-day chronic kidney disease screening saw participants report improved kidney function after lifestyle changes like cutting salt, better diabetes management and more physical activity. Caregiver support: A month-long caregiver counselling and drop-in support programme with Solstice is open to eligible caregivers (no out-of-pocket cost), running until 17 Oct. Community wellness: Ministry of Health’s “Celebrating Wellness 2026” runs 19–25 Sept with youth-led debate, activities and events. Spinal cord support event: “Zhamir Strong” 6K walk/run/roll is set for 26 Sept to raise awareness and help fund Zhamir Denbrook-Pitt’s ongoing medical and rehab needs.

Kidney health push: The Bermuda Diabetes Association says a three-day chronic kidney disease screening brought “one of the most encouraging outcomes” after repeat participants showed improved kidney function, pointing to lifestyle changes like cutting salt, better diabetes control and more physical activity. Respiratory warning: Health authorities are urging precautions as Bermuda sees a rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19—stay home when sick, consider testing, and seek care if symptoms worsen; the seasonal flu vaccine is also being promoted. Ebola screening update: Bermuda has narrowed enhanced Ebola entry screening to travellers who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days, stopping screening for arrivals from Uganda and South Sudan after a review. Caregiver support: A new month-long caregiver counselling and drop-in support programme launches with Solstice, offering no out-of-pocket cost for eligible caregivers. Local health logistics: Temporary traffic restrictions are planned at KEMH on Sept 22 for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Wellness events: “Celebrating Wellness 2026” runs Sept 19–25 with youth-led activities and community events focused on physical activity and wellbeing.

Respiratory health update: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says it’s monitoring a seasonal rise in Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses, urging people with cough, sore throat, fever, congestion or loss of taste/smell to stay home and consider testing. Ebola border screening shift: Health officials have narrowed enhanced Ebola entry screening to travellers who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days, ending screening for Uganda and South Sudan after a review. Caregiver support: A new Solstice partnership offers eligible Bermuda caregivers free individual counselling and drop-in support groups from Sept 17 to Oct 17, launched during World Alzheimer’s Month. Wellness week: The Ministry of Health’s Celebrating Wellness 2026 runs Sept 19–25 with youth-led events, activity and skills sessions, and registration by age group. Hospital operations & access: Bermuda Hospitals Board will restrict through-road access on the KEMH campus between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road on Sept 22 (7am–2:30pm) for imaging services upgrade deliveries. Community health fundraising: Gibbons Company’s “Glam Up The Bra” competition supports the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre with a $10 minimum donation entry fee due Oct 16. Local safety watch: Police continue to investigate a Harbour Road car-motorcycle collision that left a 61-year-old Pembroke man in hospital.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser: Gibbons Company launched “Glam Up The Bra” for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, inviting people to decorate a bra with a $10 minimum donation to the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre; entries close 6pm Oct 16. Covid-19 & Respiratory Alerts: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are rising, urging people to stay home when sick, consider testing, and follow basic precautions. Ebola Screening Update: Border screening has been narrowed to focus on travellers who have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days, with screening from Uganda and South Sudan stopped after review. Caregiver Support: A new Solstice partnership offers eligible caregivers free counselling and drop-in support groups from Sept 17 to Oct 17, launched during World Alzheimer’s Month. Local Health Access: Allshores expanded overseas care access by adding Cleveland Clinic’s U.S. network for members with coverage. IVF Access Debate: An opinion piece argues Bermuda needs open discussion on IVF access—cost, local availability, and affordability barriers. Hospital Help: Four wheelchairs were donated to long-term care residents at KEMH via the Resident Family Council and BPSU. Weather & Health: Forecasts warn of extreme mosquitoes and high UV, with humidity building and more rain chances early next week. Safety on the Roads: Police continue inquiries after a Sept 14 car-motorcycle crash on Harbour Road left a rider in hospital.

Covid-19 Watch: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are rising, urging people to stay home when sick, test if needed, and seek care if symptoms worsen or breathing is difficult. Ebola Border Measures: Enhanced Ebola screening has been narrowed to travellers who were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo within the past 21 days, with Uganda and South Sudan screening and active monitoring stopped after a review. Caregiver Support: A new Caregiver Support Initiative with Solstice offers free counselling and drop-in groups from Sept 17 to Oct 17, launched during World Alzheimer’s Month. Women’s Health & IVF: An opinion piece argues Bermuda needs open discussion and practical access to IVF and fertility care, including cost and local availability. Community Wellness: “Celebrating Wellness 2026” runs Sept 19–25 with a youth-led debate on physical activity in schools and more activity, connection, and youth empowerment events. Local Health Access: Allshores expanded access to Cleveland Clinic’s U.S. network for Bermuda members with overseas healthcare coverage. Health Promotion & Food Security: “Grow, Eat, $ave” returns as a free nine-week home gardening and healthy eating programme starting Sept 24. Road Safety: Police report a Harbour Road car-motorcycle crash with a rider still in hospital, and a separate Front Street collision sent two teens to KEMH. Fitness Spotlight: Bermuda triathletes posted strong results at Ironman events, including a Kona World Championship qualification for Marie-lyne Dore.

IVF Access Debate: A new local call argues women in Bermuda need real access to IVF and fertility care, focusing on practical barriers like cost, travel, and availability. Covid-19 Update: Health officials say Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are rising, urging people to stay home when sick, test, and consider vaccination and basic hygiene. Caregiver Support: A month-long Caregiver Support Initiative launches with free counselling and drop-in groups via Solstice, aimed at carers supporting people with dementia, stroke recovery, Parkinson’s, mental health needs and more. Ebola Screening Changes: Bermuda is narrowing enhanced entry screening to travellers with recent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while stopping active monitoring for arrivals from Uganda and South Sudan. Mobility for Long-Term Care: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital receives four new wheelchairs for long-term residents, funded through the Resident Family Council and Bermuda Public Services Union. Road Safety: A Front Street crash sent two teens to hospital after a motorcycle collided with a car exiting a parking garage. Weather & Health: Expect sunny, warmer conditions with extreme mosquitoes and a high UV index, plus medium-high ragweed pollen.

Covid-19 Watch: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses are rising seasonally, urging people to stay home with symptoms, test, and seek care if they’re high-risk or struggling to breathe. Caregiver Support: A new month-long caregiver support programme launches with free counselling and drop-in groups via Solstice, aimed at people caring for loved ones with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, mental health needs and more. Mobility for Long-Term Care: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital long-term residents received four new wheelchairs, funded through the Resident Family Council and the Bermuda Public Services Union. Ebola Screenings Adjusted: The Ministry relaxes border monitoring by stopping routine traveller screening from Uganda and South Sudan, while continuing targeted checks for recent visits to the DRC. Healthy Eating, Local Food: Registration opens for the free nine-week Grow, Eat, $ave programme, teaching home gardening, healthier choices, composting and natural pest control. Access to Care: Allshores expands Bermuda members’ overseas coverage by adding Cleveland Clinic’s U.S. hospital and specialty network. Regional Lab Preparedness: CARPHA’s workshop in Barbados brings Caribbean lab directors together to strengthen how quickly health threats are detected and handled. Road Safety: Two separate motorcycle crashes send riders to hospital, including a Front Street collision with a 19-year-old rider and passenger.

Pharmacy Access & Choice: Caesar’s Pharmacy CEO Sheryl Martins says insurer/provider mergers are eroding patients’ ability to choose where to collect prescriptions, raising concerns about delivery and “monopolies” in Bermuda’s healthcare market. Road Safety & Injury Risk: Police report a serious Paget crash where a motorcyclist attempted to overtake, collided with a car, and was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with facial and suspected head injuries. E-bike Enforcement: Riders have until Oct 31 to license, insure (at least third-party), and wear certified helmets; police can seize non-compliant machines, with inspections/registrations Saturdays at the Transport Control Department starting Sept 26. Stroke & Rehab Focus: Dr Kimberley Watkins explains stroke types and the BE FAST warning signs, plus why physiotherapy-led rehabilitation is key for recovery and independence. Adolescent Substance Use Treatment: The National Drug Control Department will launch an outpatient adolescent programme next March, with a $450,000 yearly budget and new counsellor roles, aiming to fill a gap for youth-focused substance care. Weather & Health: Forecast calls for lower humidity midweek, but warns of medium-high ragweed pollen, high UV, and extreme mosquitoes. Consumer Protection Debate: Age Concern and Lindo’s urge careful public input on proposed competition reforms that could fold Consumer Affairs into a Competition Act framework, stressing accessibility for everyday people.

Road Safety: A serious two-vehicle crash in Paget sent a motorcyclist to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with facial and suspected head injuries after he attempted to overtake near Harbour Road/Manse Road; the car driver was unhurt and the road was closed for about two hours. Road Safety: Another collision in Pembroke left two riders in hospital after a motorcycle crash at Palmetto Road and Bishop Spencer Road; one rider had a serious but non-life-threatening head injury and the other suffered a back injury, with one bike reported unlicensed and uninsured. Public Health & Rehab: In a World Physiotherapy Day column, Dr Kimberley Watkins says physiotherapy-led rehabilitation is essential for stroke and cardiovascular recovery, urging health systems to fund what works. Youth Substance Use: The Minister of National Security says Cabinet approved an adolescent substance-use treatment programme starting next March as an outpatient service, with a $450,000 yearly budget and new staff recruitment. Dementia Care: Minister Tinée Furbert updates MPs on Bermuda’s Dementia Care Services Programme, citing referrals, funded assessments and ongoing barriers like financial access and delayed diagnosis. Healthcare Policy: A consultation is open on proposed healthcare changes, including a framework to assess major impacts on patients and the sustainability of the health system. Competition & Consumer Protection: Age Concern and others weigh in on plans to strengthen competition oversight and fold Consumer Affairs functions into a Competition Act structure, stressing access for everyday people—especially older adults. Weather & Health: Forecasts point to cooler, lower-humidity conditions midweek, with medium-high ragweed pollen, high UV, good air quality, and extreme mosquitoes. Economy & Construction: Bermuda’s Q1 2026 GDP by expenditure shows construction momentum, with investment in construction up 8.1% year-over-year and new projects valued at $60.3 million. E-bike Regulations: Riders have until Oct 31 to license, insure and wear certified helmets, with police able to seize machines for non-compliance.

Healthcare Policy Watch: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health, with the Bermuda Health Council, is starting a targeted consultation on reviewing major healthcare changes before they take effect, covering scenarios like shifts in insurance premiums or benefits, service closures, medicine supply changes, provider payment changes, and major digital or admin changes affecting access to care. Competition & Consumer Protection: A proposed Competition Act 2026 would also include reviews in essential sectors including health, with public consultation deadlines drawing responses from groups like Age Concern, which is urging that stronger oversight comes with easy access for everyday consumers, including older adults. Dementia Support: The Dementia Care Services Programme update highlights growing demand for coordinated, community-based dementia services, including funded assessments, care planning, caregiver education, and case management, plus ongoing barriers such as financial access and delayed diagnosis. Public Health & Safety: Police report a serious head injury after a collision involving two motorcycles in Pembroke, with road closures and diversions in place. Community Health Event: A Walk/5K fundraiser for organ donor services is set for Sept. 19 at Polar Park, supporting New England Donor Services and organ donation coordination across the region including Bermuda. Wellness & Lifestyle: Weather is turning cooler with lower humidity midweek, but pollen remains medium-high (ragweed) and mosquitoes are extreme—plus UV stays high.

Healthcare Reform Watch: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health and the Bermuda Health Council are launching a targeted consultation (starting Sept 14, running to Oct 2) on how to review major changes to the healthcare system before they take effect—covering shifts in insurance premiums/benefits, mergers and ownership changes, service closures, medicine supply, provider payment, and major digital or admin changes that could affect access to care. Dementia Support: Minister Tinée Furbert updated MPs on the Dementia Care Services Programme, launched in Oct 2023, citing 188 referrals (144 eligible) and funded services including assessments, care planning, caregiver education, crisis prevention, and case management—highlighting barriers like financial limits, delayed diagnosis, and caregiver stress. Competition & Consumer Access: As consultation on a proposed Competition Act 2026 nears its deadline, Age Concern is urging that stronger oversight be matched with easy, person-centred consumer support—especially for older adults—while Lindo’s warns the current approach could add compliance costs and reduce choice. Public Health & Community: The Department of National Drug Control’s Shavana Wilson received a Public Service Excellence Award for decades of drug prevention work, including a children-focused “Kid’s Zone” at Cup Match. Local Health Planning: CedarTree Vets has filed to convert a Devonshire home into a veterinary clinic, citing growth and limited on-site traffic. Wellness Context: A First Warning Forecast points to falling humidity, but also notes extreme mosquitoes and medium-high ragweed, plus high UV.