The search for a new chief executive officer to head the Bermuda Hospitals Board has attracted 270 candidates from as far away as North America, Europe, the West Indies and Australia.

It is anticipated the next CEO to oversee the running of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute will be announced before the end of the summer.

?I?m pleased with the search process to date and the number of responses from such high calibre talent, which includes the level of international respect for our hospitals and health system,? said Anthony Richardson, chairman of the BHB.

He said in the next few weeks the selection committee alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers would be working on a shortlist to find the most suitable candidate.

Former CEO Joan Dillas-Wright retired earlier this year and the BHB is presently being led by acting CEO Venetta Symonds.

The new chief officer will take over at a time when the BHB is looking at replacing the ageing hospital facility within the next ten to 15 years.