Health Minister Nelson Bascome last night defended his decision to bring in overseas experts to manage the Island's hospitals in his bid to overhaul and improve the heath care system.

He said Kurron management and consultant company would be managing both King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and St. Brendan's Hospital for a month, starting last week, and would then draw up a list of recommendations to make the hospitals more efficient.

He said a new incoming chief executive officer (CEO) would not be announced until after that time, so the designate could be briefed on what changes and improvements needed to be made.

Mr. Bascome came in for heavy criticism from Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley during the Budget debate in the House of Assembly last night.

Mr. Dunkley asked why Government was bringing in more consultants, and said it needed to start taking action itself.

And he said he could not see the link between delaying the announcement of the new CEO while the management company was working.

At the end of last year, it was announced that current CEO Stephanie Reid would be staying on for an extra year while a Bermudian was trained up to take her post. She was originally only supposed to be in the position for three years.

Mr. Dunkley said: "What is most alarming to us is that after four-and-a-half years of the Smith Government, and after scaring away a very capable and qualified Bermudian CEO, and having to bring in a non-Bermudian for what was supposed to be a three-year contract, we learn late last year that the contract has been extended.

"We still wait today for the appointment of a Bermudian CEO. What is taking so long to train a Bermudian?"

And he questioned the current programme in place to train possible candidates.

Mr. Dunkley went on: "How do we expect another consultant to mend our problems? We as a society will always need consultants. You can learn from them, but they can't fix our problems.

"Sure, they can guide us and help us, and they will tell you anything you want to hear to maintain a contract with you. But there comes a time when enough is enough and you have to make your own decisions, stand on your own two feet and get things done.

"If you can't lead and do it ... get out of the way and let someone else do it."

But Mr. Bascome said the consultants were not merely advising the hospitals board on where to make changes, they were actually coming and running the hospitals for a month to carry out a review to see first hand where the problems lay.

He said: "The review is being conducted by Kurron, an overseas management and consultant company, which provides strategic advice and specialises in transforming health care organisations and systems. The results of the review will be used to implement changes and guide the future direction of both of our hospitals."

After the debate, Mr. Bascome said he could not fully understand the criticism from Mr. Dunkley.

He said: "It's interesting because the Shadow Minister, in his criticism, pointed out a number of issues that needed to be addressed, but he was also critical in the hiring of Kurron management consultant firm.

"They come in and they manage your hospital. They look at all the deficiencies that your organisation may have.

"As far as I'm concerned, they are much more than just consultants. We want Kurron to say where the changes need to be made, and then those directions can be given to the new CEO."