And a separate industry source claims that the project is already behind schedule because of a lack of action by Government.

The multi-million-dollar proposal was revealed by the Bermuda Hospitals Board last June following an extensive review of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Experts concluded that the 40-year-old plant was beginning to deteriorate and would have to be replaced within eight years.

And just six weeks ago Health Minister Patrice Minors revealed that a new facility would likely be built on the site of the current hospital over the next ten years at a cost of $500 million.

But according to Bermuda Stroke and Family Support Association (BSFSA) chairman Mark Selley, a US consultant brought in to examine the current facility last year concluded that a new plant was not necessary and that administrators needed to focus on other concerns such as administration and personnel.

Mr. Selley said the consultant ? William Smeltz of Cannon Design ? attended a BSFSA meeting last summer as part of his research and told his audience that a new hospital was not the solution to the island's healthcare woes.

"He said that there were some issues that needed to be remedied before we start a new building," Mr. Selley told the

"He said an Estate Master Plan should be about renovating people's commitment and bringing about a change in attitude because there was a failure in delivering the product. There was a problem with the administration of the hospital and that should be focused on first.

"What's interesting now is Government is dragging its heels and really the whole concept has come to a screeching halt. If they were really serious about following through they would be at the design stage by now.

"People who really know what's going on who are employed by the hospital will tell you that it's unlikely to be finished before 2020. Really, I think the whole thing is almost like a scam to get people to believe that they're doing something.

"There's been all this talk about a new hospital and a new location but no one is asking if we need a new hospital in the first place and there's really no money left to go around. The way I see it they need to put money aside in each Budget to do renovations. The hospital needs to be renovated and that's doable. What they are going to do is keep renovating."

Mr. Selley's remarks were supported in part by a member of the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB), who has questioned why Government failed to allocate any funding for the project in this year's Budget.

"Quite frankly, although the BHB, Ministry of Health and Cabinet received comprehensive validation from outside consultants in 2004 and 2005, that work should commence forthwith to achieve new premises before the 2012 timeframe, eight years being the maximum period before facilities, plant and equipment reach the conclusion of their effective life span," the source, who asked not to be named, said. "2006/07 is a key period as this was earmarked for the detailed planning and design phases. I cannot recall the exact funding required but seemingly this has not been set aside. The BHB will not be able to fund this through its own financing."

But a BHB spokeswoman played down any concerns over a lack of action from Government. In an official statement, the spokeswoman said: "Bermuda Hospitals Board confirms preparations for the Estate Master Plan are continuing, with appropriate input from the Minister of Health and Family Services.

"The Minister hopes to announce the proposed location of the new hospital and other relevant details before summer and we are working to meet that deadline."

The EMP is chaired by a member of the BHB who updates the Board on a regular basis. The focus of the EMP is to determine the appropriate level and mix of required services, based on future expected health profiles of Bermudian residents.

Once this is determined, the physical building aspects will be addressed. BHB anticipates holding further public meetings, when appropriate, to gain more feedback from the community."

But last night Shadow Health Minister Louise Jackson said the lack of any development showed that the concept was "floundering".

"Funds were not allotted for the next design phase and the Minister as usual was vague about what the plan is," Mrs. Jackson said. "Obviously, at least a year has been lost on this project. I understand that one of the consultants hired to give advice on the Estate Master Plan has suggested getting the administration of the hospital in order first before building a new hospital.

"Morale is extremely low in the hospital with faulty leaking and plumbing. Water is running down walls and ceilings. One co-ordinator has a patient bed in her office.

"The hospital should either start a vigorous plan to renovate the hospital or get on with building a new hospital. Right now it seems nothing is being done. The public perception is that the physical plant is a wreck and the Health Minister says we won't have a new hospital until 2020."