News

Somers Medical Services

12/15/20

To all of our Somers Medical Services Ltd patients:

As we progress towards the holiday season in Bermuda, I’m sure many of us do so with a heavy heart. The recent rise in cases of COVID-19 infection in Bermuda has been alarming and saddening. The Government is making tough decisions to balance keeping us safe against the devastating effects further lockdowns will have on certain sections of our economy – a balance I do not envy.

We are working tirelessly to try and provide all of the routine Primary Care our patients need whilst also supporting the Public Health efforts of the Government as they navigate this fresh surge in cases. To this end, please read the updates below.

The practice is experiencing an incredibly high volume of calls. I understand it must be frustrating to struggle to get through, but if you do get through and reach the answering service, please leave a message – we endeavor to return every call by the end of the day.

We have more flu shots in stock! These are back on island and we have received many calls asking for these. Please call the office to book an appointment if you have not yet received this year’s flu shot. Please remember that EVERYONE is being encouraged to have it this year.

Unfortunately, Somers Medical Services is not able to offer in-office COVID testing. As such, we are working hard in order to try and obtain testing for our symptomatic patients in particular. There are a few ways in which this can be done, and if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID, please consider the following:
• The Government lab (MDL) continues to offer symptomatic and routine testing. You can see updated testing information on the government site, and book yourself a test (for routine testing) online.
www.gov.bm/coronavirus-get-tested
• The COVID hotline has been booking symptomatic testing for individuals – the phone number is 444-2498.
• Doctors have been able to book a very small amount of symptomatic tests at the Cathedral but these appointments are very hard to come by.
• For a few people, Helix laboratory is able to offer testing. This is NOT routinely covered by HIP, FutureCare, GEHI insurance policies, and the other insurance companies will only cover this testing in certain circumstances. With no coverage, the cost of the testing is $300.

What we have seen is that the demand for testing means that there are delays in accessing all forms of testing. Please remember, if you have symptoms that could be consistent with a COVID infection, you MUST self-isolate (and if not able to isolate from family members, they should isolate with you) until you are able to obtain a test. If you have had a negative test and are still symptomatic, please call the office so that we can advise you further on feeling confident of a safe return to your normal activities.

The Government is encouraging all residents of Bermuda to download and use the WeHealth app. This can be found through the government website:
www.gov.bm/wehealth-bermuda

We have had a number of phone calls asking about the COVID-19 vaccine. The shipment for this has now been deferred until early January, and the government is expecting to receive a supply of the Pfizer vaccine. The Primary Care Physicians are now in discussions with the Department of Health to strategize how this can delivered to our patients, and we are hopeful to be able to partner with them to deliver the vaccines as soon as they are available.

Despite all that has happened in 2020, we hope you are able to celebrate the holiday season in a meaningful way.

With all our best wishes for the holidays and for 2021,

The team at Somers Medical Services Ltd ... See MoreSee Less

WeHealth Bermuda | Government of Bermuda

www.gov.bm

Bermuda’s New COVID-19 Exposure Notification AppWhat is WeHealth Bermuda?To aid Bermuda in closely monitoring the local developments of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Government has launched WeHeal...