Hospitals chief David Hill yesterday defended the controversial appointment of Kurron Shares as management consultants to Bermuda Hospitals Board.

BHB CEO Mr. Hill said the relatively unknown group had been chosen for its management strengths — even though world-renowned Johns Hopkins Medicine International was also in the running for the $13.5 million five-year contract.

He assured Hamilton Rotary Club that Bermuda's hospitals would continue to tap into Johns Hopkins' clinical knowledge on other issues, but that Kurron was more suitable for the role of overseeing the running of the Island's hospitals.

"In the UK, we have the phrase 'horses for courses'," said Mr. Hill. "Kurron are experts in management, not clinical experts."

In recent weeks, the selection of Kurron has come under attack from doctors and the Opposition United Bermuda Party, who accused Premier Ewart Brown of favouring a firm allegedly run by one of his friends.

Yesterday, Mr. Hill insisted BHB had been involved in the decision-making process which led to Kurron's appointment.

He said Kurron's task would be to ensure healthcare services are maintained and improved and pave the way for the rebuilding of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

"It is a tapering contract, which means support is greatest in the early years and reduces over the five years, as progress is made in the hospital and Bermudians train to take on any key positions filled by Kurron experts," said Mr. Hill.

"Getting our finances, operational processes and clinical standards in shape is vital before we move into the new hospital.

"The people of Bermuda will be investing hundreds of millions of dollars in this project through Government funds and voluntary donations.

"It will be vital that the hospital runs efficiently, is successful and a financially viable operation."

During his lunch-time speech, Mr. Hill also told Rotarians that Johns Hopkins' three-month review of healthcare services in Bermuda is nearing completion. BHB will then be expected to formulate its plan for the rebuilding of the hospital.

The main focus of Mr. Hill's talk was the balance between running hospitals as a business and as a community service.

"Our bottom line will never be completely financial. We are not a business that can choose to provide only the services that maximise profits. Our bottom line is that we will be here for you," he said.

He said efforts were constantly being made to ensure that the service available in Bermuda was as good as that in the US, to try to limit the number of people flying overseas for treatment.