UBP MP Allan Marshall has called on the Hospitals Board to come clean on why a senior manager has left his post.

Last night's television news reported Director of Facilities Management Neil Crane had been sacked -- although the ZBM broadcast also said a hospital memo said he had resigned.

Mr. Crane last night told The Royal Gazette : "I am very distressed by the whole thing and will be pursuing legal advice.'' Yesterday The Royal Gazette tried to get official word from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on Mr.

Crane's departure but were told the Hospital's Board Chairman Mr. Raymonde Dill was the only one who could officially comment and he failed to do so.

Mr. Marshall said: "I have known him (Mr. Crane) for a number of years and this accusation is totally out of character.

"Mr. Crane resigned from the hospital -- there is no question of dismissal at all.

"He was very disturbed by the allegations on the ZBM newscast and is now taking legal advice.

"I don't want to lend credence to pure speculation. The hospital should come forward and explain as to why Mr. Crane has suddenly left his post.

"Mr. Crane should be allowed to state his case. This is appalling -- it needs an official statement to clear up the rumour and gossip.

"You are innocent until proven guilty - I wouldn't want this to happen to anyone.

"You can't be flippant in handling matters like this - there has to be an investigation. If it is proven then the judicial course should be taken.

"If it's not proven and this is a total misunderstanding there should be an inquiry to see if jealous personalities are involved or if there is a hidden agenda.

Mr. Marshall said Mr. Crane had been responsible for some major cost saving engineering works including an oxygen generating plant and a more efficient air conditioning system.

Mr. Crane helped organise the building of a $10 million oxygen plant which also replaced the old incinerator.