Hospitals Board chairman Jonathon Brewin has confirmed that although a new hospital CEO had been appointed, the review of the hospitals had not yet been completed.

In March Health Minister Nelson Bascome said the new hospitals CEO would not be named until after the review, conducted by overseas management company Kurron, was completed. The comprehensive review was aimed at identifying the extent of management and systemic problems within the hospitals, and to develop and put in place operational solutions.

Kurron specialises in transforming health care organisations and systems. "The process of the appointment (of a new hospital CEO) will not be completed until the Hospitals Board receives and has evaluated Kurron's report and recommendations for the necessary changes to the hospitals," Mr. Bascome said in March.

However on Tuesday Mr. Brewin said the review was not yet completed, even Bermudian Joan Dillas-Wright was appointed the new hospital CEO on Monday in what was seen as a surprising move by those such as Bermuda Public Services Union general secretary Ed Ball.

Mr. Brewin believed the report was nearing completion. He did not know when the report would be finished, although he expected the Minister to have it shortly.

The report will go first to Mr. Bascome then to the Hospitals Board, he said. While he was unsure that the report in its entirety would be made public, he was sure the Hospitals Board would make most of it accessible to the public as part of their on-going commitment to have a dialogue with the community.

Mr. Bascome could not be reached for comment last night.