The Bermuda Hospitals Board has said it is prepared to tackle the issue of racism ? but has stopped short of commenting on specific allegations made about discrimination at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The Mid-Ocean News reported on Friday that a black physician claims to have been subjected to acts of racism while working at KEMH.

The newspaper quoted from a letter the doctor wrote to Bermuda Hospitals Board chairman Anthony Richardson, saying: ?I have been subjected to a number of practices that can at best be described as arbitrary, and at worst be labelled racist.?

He said that he had experienced difficulty with scheduling cases, obtaining necessary equipment and ?distracting personal attacks?.

It was also reported that another black doctor has written to Health Minister Patrice Minors to detail instances where he feels black health professionals have been discriminated against by management and the board.

In a statement last night, Acting BHB chief executive officer Venetta Symonds said: ?Bermuda Hospitals Board supports and adheres to policies and practices that are in the interest of providing quality patient care.

?As an institution, BHB is fundamentally opposed to racial discrimination of any sort and conducts its affairs in accordance with the Employment Act 2000 and the Human Rights Act, and is compliant with policies enacted by CURE. As such, BHB takes allegations of discrimination seriously and investigates thoroughly when sufficient evidence exists. It is prepared to tackle this most sensitive issue of racism with all parties responsible for providing patient care within the organisation.?

The statement did not confirm whether the Mid-Ocean allegations would be the focus of investigations, and no further comment was forthcoming despite a request from last night. The announcement had come after calls from the Opposition for the BHB to move quickly to address the claims.

Jamahl Simmons, Shadow Minister for Race Relations and Economic Empowerment, said: ?Whether the allegations are proven or not, I am personally bothered by a policy that allows individuals to make decisions that affect the lives and businesses of their competitors. The current process allows the potential for any number of forms of discrimination and should be closely examined in the hopes that a better way forward can be identified. We hope that the investigation into this matter will be conducted quickly, fairly and objectively. Regardless of the outcome, a strong message needs to be sent that racism and discrimination has no place in Bermuda.?