Earlier this week the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) increased a pay offer for around 500 nurses working at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St.

Brendan's.

But it was unclear whether the nurses union -- the Bermuda Public Service Association (BPSA) -- would accept the deal and call off a threatened strike.

On Tuesday night the hospital said it thought the BPSA was backing the deal and strike action would not go ahead.

But BPSA leader Ed Ball said he had not been given a written offer and he explained any deal would need to be ratified by his membership.

Last night Mr. Ball refused to comment at all.

The Royal Gazette understands that all the parties in the dispute have been told to maintain silence until a deal is signed.

Mr. Ball also said he could not comment on pay talks for around 1,800 Government workers who have been without a contract since October last year.