King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has left the Country.

But The Royal Gazette understands the complaint will be pursued by colleagues.

Miss Joanne Uttley's departure is not believed to be connected to the controversy.

Miss Uttley complained to the Human Rights Commission around three weeks ago about Dr. Delmont Simmons, according to reliable sources.

The hospital board's medical staff committee is also said to have investigated the case.

It is understood Miss Uttley complained Dr. Simmons verbally abused her in front of a hospital patient.

Hospital chiefs have declined to speak on the matter.

Mr. Hume Martin, executive director of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, said: "It is an internal matter, and I do not wish to make any comment.'' A spokeswoman for the Human Rights Commission said: "We can never confirm or deny whether a complaint has been lodged.'' Miss Uttley, who is in her late 20s, left King Edward last week. She is believed to have flown to England, and then plans to return to Australia.

A reliable source told The Royal Gazette Miss Uttley had worked at the hospital around two years.

"She was planning to leave anyway, irrespective of the complaint. That had nothing to do with it.'' The source said Miss Uttley's colleagues planned to pursue the complaint.

"I think there may have been fault on both sides over what happened.''