Reports that X-rays have been cancelled at the hospital are unfounded, according to the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB).

Instead King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will be kicking its X-ray abilities up a notch by renovating the two x-ray rooms to state-of-the-art digital facilities by mid-April.

The rooms at the hospital will "result in quicker examinations and result times", BHB CEO Joan Dillas-Wright said.

"While this is taking place we have extended the hours of the X-ray department to 8 p.m. during the week, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for outpatient services.

"There is no delay for emergency and urgent X-rays," she confirmed. "However, there may be a one- to two-week delay for routine and special procedures X-rays.

"We hope to resume normal operating hours by mid-April, once the new rooms have been installed."

Getting the message across

The Bermuda Hospitals Board is advertising for a communications specialist but it will still keep links with Troncossi Public Relations.

The contract had been attacked by Shadow Health Minister Michael Dunkley who said the hospital should deliver information to the public directly.

BHB Chairman Jonathan Brewin had revealed the hospital spends about $100,000 per year on public relations work.

This week the hospital advertised for a communications specialist to handle internal and external communications. The advert does not list a salary.

Bermuda Hospitals Board CEO Joan Dillas-Wright said: "Using a professional communications firm has really highlighted the benefit of communicating effectively with our various audiences.

"In the summer we will be hiring a communications specialist in order to manage that process.

"We are delighted with the work Troncossi has done for us and will continue to maintain our relationship with them on a large number of projects."

Board chief to quit

Government announced yesterday that Bermuda Hospitals Board CEO Joan Dillas-Wright will be retiring in 2005.

Her position will be advertised shortly, Government Senator Walter Roban said during the Senate Budget debate on the Health Ministry yesterday.

Ms Dillas-Wright, who took over the post of BHB CEO in May last year, has worked closely with the BHB to bring about greater accountability in the hospitals, he said.

Moves will be made to assure a smooth transition to a new CEO in the future, Sen. Roban added. No further comment could be obtained by Ms Dillas-Wright or the BHB by Press time last night.