News that King Edwrd VII Memorial Hospital's only oncologist will be leaving within the next six weeks, while no replacement has yet to be found, has led to widespread fear that cancer patients will be forced to travel off Island for treatment sending health care costs further soaring.

But Bermuda Hospitals Board acting chief executive officer Patrice Dill said BHB is working on finding a replacement for Dr. J. Davidson as a ?top priority?.

Ms Dill issued a statement in response to a ZBM news report on Friday which said Dr. Davidson would work his last day with the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) on August 23.

She apologised for any confusion surrounding the timing of Dr. Davidson?s departure saying he is due to finish work with KEMH on September 23.

She added that BHB has been working very diligently ? for the last six months ? to secure a permanent long-term oncologist.

While a replacement was found ? and slated to arrive on Island in July ? Ms Dill said yesterday that employment of that oncologist has fallen through due to circumstances beyond the BHB?s control.

Ms Dill said after his departure, Dr. Davidson?s patients will be cared for by locums until a more permanent replacement is found.

?We will notify you as soon as a permanent, long-term oncologist is confirmed,? Ms Dill said yesterday.

But PALS, a charity which supports and cares for those with cancer, said yesterday BHB should have been better prepared for Dr. Davidson?s departure as it was long known he was not staying long-term.

?He made it quite clear that he was only staying for a short while,? PALS executive director Ann Smith-Gordon said.

She said it is vital that KEMH have an oncologist to care for patients receiving chemotherapy.

Without an in-hospital oncologist, patients will be forced to fly abroad, she said, which will only contribute further to the rising cost of health insurance.

Mrs. Smith-Gordon said PALS is currently caring for about 100 patients at any given time, but not all of them needed to see an oncologist ? only those receiving chemotherapy.

There have been at least four oncologists in Bermuda over the past five years and hospitals all over the world are reportedly having problems recruiting highly qualified staff including oncologists and pharmacists.