The Tribune

Doctors Hospital Health System yesterday announced it has teamed with the Cleveland Clinic for a two-year partnership that aims to expand and improve healthcare services in The Bahamas.

The duo have agreed to form a strategic advisory council that will give the BISX-listed healthcare provider access to Cleveland Clinic’s network of internal experts for strategic planning, clinical education and leadership development.

A core team from Cleveland Clinic and Doctors Hospital will meet throughout the year in focused working sessions. Cleveland Clinic's members are Curtis Rimmerman, chairman of international operations; Rob Stall, executive director of international operations; and Ivan Blanco, Cleveland Clinic Florida’s chief marketing and business development officer. Doctors Hospital's members include Charles Diggiss, majority shareholder and president; Charles Sealy, chief executive, and Dennis Deveaux, chief financial officer.

“Partnering with Doctors Hospital is a great opportunity to positively impact Bahamian healthcare delivery and patient outcomes,” said Dr Rimmerman. “Improving the quality of healthcare will significantly contribute to building a healthier community for all Bahamians.”

Cleveland Clinic and Doctors Hospital will work together on projects that include a significant expansion into outpatient services by Doctors Hospital, as well as the development of centres of excellence in The Bahamas where Cleveland Clinic’s resources will offer significant advantage, acceleration and support to the local provider.

“The decision to align Doctors Hospital with Cleveland Clinic will increase the quality of care and expanded availability of on-island healthcare options for Bahamians,” said Dr Diggiss. “Doctors Hospital’s alignment with a prominent and known global brand like Cleveland Clinic will dramatically accelerate our access to grow capacity to meet the burgeoning healthcare demands of Bahamians.”

Cleveland Clinic currently employs 67,554 persons worldwide, including more than 4,520 salaried physicians and researchers, plus 17,000 registered nurses and advanced practice providers. They represent 140 medical specialties and sub-specialties.

It features a 6,026-bed health system that includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 18 hospitals, more than 220 outpatient facilities and locations in southeast Florida, Las Vegas, Toronto, Abu Dhabi and London.

In 2019, Cleveland Clinic's network received 9.8m total outpatient visits, 309,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 255,000 surgical cases. Patients came for treatment from every US state and 185 countries.