In what could be a controversial move, Bermudian Joan Dillas-Wright was yesterday appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB). Jonathan Brewin, chairman of the BHB made the announcement and also revealed that Bermudian Patrice Dill would fill the newly created post of Director of St. Brendan's Hospital.

But Ms Dill had been touted as the one who would replace the outgoing Jamaican CEO, Stephanie Reid and it was less than a month ago that Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) general secretary Ed Ball called on Mr. Brewin to "do the right thing" and appoint her.

In previous reports Mr. Ball explained that Ms Dill had been selected by a committee but that the appointment had been in limbo after Health Minister Nelson Bascome brought in management consultants Kurron to carry out a review of Bermuda Hospitals Board management. And just last month he said he had lobbied Mr. Brewin who was new in his post, to appoint Ms Dill.

Last night Mr. Ball said the news that Mrs. Dillas-Wright had been given the top job came as "a complete surprise" to him and he said he would be meeting the parties involved to find out what happened.

Ms Dill was not present at yesterday's press conference. Mr. Brewin was asked if this meant she was upset with the decisions made. He said that the post of CEO now necessitates "a level of business acumen not previously required" and explained that the Board had offered her an opportunity to serve as CEO designate in 18 months after completing business training. But he added that she then withdrew her application. "She declined the designate position," he said.

Mrs. Dillas-Wright is no stranger to the hospital. She started there in 1975 and was most recently Consultant to Mrs. Reid. She has nearly 40 years' experience in the field under her belt. Prior to her post of acting CEO of the hospitals in 1999, Mrs. Dillas-Wright was Director of Programmes and Administration at St. Brendan's Hospital.

There she was responsible for a $22 million budget, and also Director of Programmes and Support Services where she was responsible for the development, planning, implementation and evaluation of psychiatric care and services in the hospital and community. From 1987 to 1995 she was Director of Nursing. Prior to that she held the position of Chief Alcoholism Counsellor/Administrator at KEMH from 1986 -1988. From 1982 -1986 she was a Mental Welfare Officer at St. Brendan's Hospital and from 1975 -1982, she held various nursing positions also at St. Brendan's Hospital. She has also worked for St. Thomas' Hospital in London, UK; Guy's Hospital, London, UK; King's College Hospital, London, UK; and The Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, London, UK.

Ms Dill has 23 years' experience in mental health and has been running St. Brendan's for three years in her capacity as Chief Operating Officer . Her new post reports to the CEO.

Also reporting directly to the CEO is the new post of Quality and Risk Manager. Judy Richardson who was previously the Chief Nurse Administrator assumes the new position which will oversee the operations for both hospitals. Ms Richardson is certified in quality management and has previously played a major role in the quality care programme for the BHB.

The general public may soon have a better idea of the goings on of the hospital as there is a plan afoot to open up at least three Board of Directors' meetings a year, to the public.

Chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Jonathan Brewin made the announcement yesterday and said that the move would open communications between the BHB, its employees and the public.

"Beginning in the summer the Board will hold several open Board meetings to enable the public, media and staff to understand the decision making process for both hospitals. The dates, times and venue of the open Board meetings will be advertised in the media," he said.

He added: "The new Board recognises that effective communication with its employees and the community is of paramount importance. We have a duty to the public and our staff to be as transparent as possible. Our primary objective is the care of our patients and we welcome any member of the community to attend one of our open Board meetings.

"In addition, we have set up a system for the media so that they can have ongoing access to hospital information."