Sharon Symonds, long‑time resident of Hamilton and well‑known face at local cricket matches, unveiled her new initiative, ‘Hear Us Now,’ on Tuesday evening at the Royal Albert Hotel. The event drew a mix of healthcare professionals, community leaders and members of the public, all gathered to support a campaign that seeks to give frontline staff a platform to share their experiences and concerns.

The launch, organised in partnership with the Bermuda Hospital Council and the Island Health Authority, highlighted the pressing challenges faced by doctors, nurses and support personnel during the pandemic and beyond. Symonds, who has spent more than 25 years in the healthcare sector, said the project will host quarterly town‑hall meetings, publish a quarterly newsletter and create an online portal where workers can anonymously submit feedback. The goal is to inform policy changes that improve working conditions, mental‑health support and professional development.

Local officials welcomed the effort. Dr. Michael Richards, the Island Health Authority’s chief medical officer, said the initiative would help bridge gaps between management and staff. "By listening more closely to our caregivers, we can tailor resources that truly meet their needs," he remarked. Symonds added that the campaign will also reach out to the wider community to raise awareness of the vital role healthcare workers play in Bermuda’s resilience. The first town‑hall is scheduled for 15 November, with a public forum expected to follow.