Athene Holding Ltd. and its reinsurance subsidiary, Athene Life Re. Ltd., announced today [April 16] that it is leading a joint effort of companies to fund the purchase of eight life-assisting ventilators for the Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB].
“Ventilators are an essential medical device used to treat patients diagnosed with coronavirus [COVID-19]. The joint effort led by Athene is being made possible by the additional support of several other Bermuda-based companies, including Athora Holding Ltd., Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd., and Catalina Holdings Ltd., which together donated more than $400,000 to fund the purchase of equipment that is critical to patient health,” the company said.
“We are grateful for and supportive of the healthcare professionals on the frontlines treating patients during this extraordinary time, and it is our honor to give back to our community,” said Bill Wheeler, President of Athene.
“Widespread shortages of essential medical equipment have created a challenge for our local hospital. The Bermuda Hospitals Board identified that there was an urgent need for these additional ventilators and in an effort to support the healthcare professionals on the frontlines, we led an initiative in conjunction with our partners at Athora, Aspen and Catalina to fund the purchase of this equipment, which is crucial for treating patients with COVID-19.”
“The Bermuda government has taken necessary steps to slow the spread of coronavirus to prevent the medical system from being overwhelmed. Increased access to essential medical equipment further bolsters the medical community’s response and treatment options for patients.”
“With no cures for COVID-19, one of the main treatments is breathing support, and in the more serious cases, ventilators are required. The eight ventilators we can source from this donation will help us save lives,” said Venetta Symonds, CEO & President of Bermuda Hospitals Board. “We are extremely grateful for this generous support. We thank Athene and its partners on behalf of BHB and the residents of Bermuda.”
