David Thompson is to serve as temporary chief financial officer for Bermuda Hospitals Board.Mr Thompson comes from PricewaterhouseCoopers to fill the post after Delia Basden was placed on administrative leave.Ms Basden was suspended on full pay as recommended by the Auditor General as part of an ongoing review of BHB finances by the Department of Internal Audit.BHB CEO Venetta Symonds said the interim placement of Mr Thompson came at a crucial juncture for the organisation.“BHB is facing a number of financial challenges at the moment at a time of rising international healthcare costs for drugs and supplies, increasing utilisation and preparations for financial obligations relating to the new acute care wing that start in 2014,” Ms Symonds said.“Our focus is refining acute care to work more efficiently while maintaining safe, quality services. We do not have the luxury of holding our plans until the Auditor General’s review is completed. It is vital we have an experienced CFO to oversee financial strategy and actions during this critical time.”Mr Thompson is a specialist in the field of public sector financial management. According to a BHB spokeswoman, the temporary CFO comes to the job with more than 20 years’ experience in public practice.Mr Thompson has given public sector advice in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, acting as director of finance for two UK governmental departments.He has worked with Bermuda and Caribbean clients to improve finances.The interim CFO’s specialities include cost containment, financial strategy, forecasting and planning, performance management, public-private partnerships, transformation and change management and policy reviews within the public sector.Useful website: www.bermudahospitals.bm.