levels in Bermuda's hospitals.

But Bermuda Public Service Association general secretary Edward Ball did confirm yesterday that the Hospitals Board was planning to restructure nursing positions and that some posts would be phased out.

It is also understood that the position of assistant unit coordinator wil be abolished. It is not known how many of those positions exist, although it is believed to be more than ten.

The reorganisation plan comes following recommendations by an outside consultant who carried out a review of staffing levels.

Mr. Ball told The Royal Gazette : "The Hospitals Board has brought in a consultant to look at the nursing structure and make it easier for nurses to make their way through the system.

"The report was presented to the unit coordinators and assistant coordinators at a meeting but there was never any discussion of redundancies.

"The two jobs of assistant director of nursing will be phased out over a period of time.

"The recommendation is that as some posts become empty they will not be re-filled.'' "I don't know the specifics of the restructuring but I do know there is going to be a planned re-organisation but this is to provide more job opportunities within nursing.

"Other jobs will be going but those staff will be found other positions.'' A hospital spokeswoman would not comment on any staff changes.

"We would prefer not to comment until we have met with all our staff,'' the spokesman said.

HEALTH HTH