A group of patients hit out yesterday after they were reportedly told that police are trying to look at their health records.

Officers raided Bermuda Healthcare Services in Paget and the Brown-Darrell Clinic in Smith’s, which are both run by Ewart Brown, the former premier, in February 2017.

At the time, police confirmed “a number of records” were seized and “significant steps” were taken to protect patients’ confidentiality.

However, a press release issued yesterday stated patients at Bermuda Healthcare Services remained “extremely concerned” that medical files had not yet been returned.

It said they were “up in arms as they have been informed that the Bermuda Police Service is attempting to examine their records without their permission”.

Mahesh Reddy, the chief medical director at Bermuda Healthcare Services, said: “This is a gross breach of confidentiality. The information contained in those medical files is intended only for the patients’ physicians, not the Bermuda Police Service.”

Dr Reddy’s medical credentials were called into question by detectives but later confirmed as acceptable by the island’s registration body for doctors. Dr Reddy was arrested in a raid but never charged with any offence.

The Royal Gazette told last month how detectives were still investigating the two clinics over allegations they ordered medically unnecessary tests for patients to boost profits.

The allegations have been denied by Dr Brown and he has not been charged with any offence.

Wilma Fubler, a spokeswoman for concerned patients, said: “We, the patients, are calling on the Government to protect our right to confidentiality.”

A BPS spokesman said: “As this matter remains under investigation, no further comment can be made at this time.”

• To view the full statement from Bermuda Healthcare Services, click on the PDF link under “Related Media”. On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on what we consider to be a controversial or contentious story. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.