Tighter regulations for residential care homes are to be brought before MPs, according to Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health.

The legislation is “top of my priority list”, Ms Wilson said, to “enhance the regulatory framework so that homes can succeed and deliver the best care possible”.

The minister also confirmed that an interim receiver remains at the Summerhaven home for the physically challenged after the Government intervened last year to take over the facility’s administration.

“I want there to be peace of mind for both residents and their families, and I want to make sure that those running care homes are able to provide the best care possible,” Ms Wilson said, adding that she hopes to introduce the matter in this legislative session.

The Government’s HIP and FutureCare insurance programmes are to be updated to cover radiation therapy for cancer patients.

The service was brought to the island for the first time this summer by the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

“My ministry and I are extremely concerned about how much our community has to pay for healthcare,” Ms Wilson said.

“While many can afford the premiums and co-pays that give access to healthcare, there are too many in our society who are unable to afford even basic insurance, much less costly co-payments.

“We are reviewing how these issues can be addressed to ensure healthcare becomes more affordable for everyone.”

Ms Wilson added that submissions on accessibility for the disabled would be considered as the Government compiles a Green Paper on “the future of transport in Bermuda”.

And she said that reversing the island’s trends of chronic disease and lifestyle-related illness “must be a top priority for the country”.