Bermuda Hospitals Board has appointed Dr. Terence Sparling as its new director of oncology.

Dr. Sparling, who comes to Bermuda with more than 30 years experience, will start work on September 5 pending Immigration approval.

A graduate of Queen?s University in Ontario, Canada, Dr. Sparling is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, and holds Certification with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

He has held posts in medical oncology with a number of major Canadian hospitals and, from 1993 to 2000, was director of the Burnaby Hospital Regional Cancer Centre.

More recently he was the head, division of medical oncology, at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Until Dr. Sparling?s arrival, oncology services will continue to be offered on a regular basis, thanks to the generous assistance of visiting oncologists from the Dana Farber Cancer Centre in Boston.

Venetta Symonds, acting BHB chief executive officer, said: ?We are extremely pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sparling who will provide a consistent presence for patients and our oncology team from September.

?Dr. Sparling brings a wealth of medical skill and academic experience, which will benefit the patients of Bermuda.

?He was impressed with our service during his recent visit and was very highly regarded by the doctors, nurses and hospital administrators who met with him. We look forward very much to Dr. Sparling?s arrival on September 5.?

Ann Smith-Gordon, president and CEO of cancer support group PALS, added: ?The appointment of a permanent oncologist in Bermuda has been a key issue for cancer patients and this is welcome news indeed.

?Dr. Sparling is joining an efficient oncology team in Bermuda and I know that our many patients will be very relieved to hear that this service will soon be supported full time.?