forced to quit his hospital job when he turned 70.

Scores of Bermudians have signed petitions, claiming Dr. George Bertram McPhee was a victim of age discrimination.

And they have called for Dr. McPhee's hospital privileges to be restored.

These include the right to admit patients to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The woman behind the petitions, Martha Rudell Amis, a patient of Dr. McPhee, told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "I feel very strongly about this.

"Some people are burned out at 50. Dr. McPhee is mentally and physically extremely fit. He is very acute.

"I believe such matters as retirement should be dealt with on an individual basis.'' Meanwhile, Dr. McPhee's lawyer Julian Hall yesterday vowed to take up the case with Health Minister Harry Soares. And he said legal action against the Bermuda Hospitals Board was still being considered.

"We are firmly of the view that Dr. McPhee's admitting privileges should be reinstated.'' He believed Mr. Soares had the authority to call a review of hospital policy on privileges or override it.

He added: "It's an outdated policy which has seen its time, and sadly those responsible for the administration of the hospital have not kept up with ongoing trends.'' Dr. McPhee was the physician-in-charge of the extended care unit at King Edward VII and consultant geriatrician to Government.

He held those posts until his 70th birthday on June 19 this year. He also lost his privilege of admitting patients to hospital.

The hospital, however, has rejected the age discrimination allegation, saying mandatory retirement policies were commonplace in Bermuda.

And it has pointed out Dr. McPhee had the option of helping at King Edward in a consulting capacity.

The post of physician-in-charge of the extended care unit has now been filled by Dr. Cyril Gryfe, of Canada.

Yesterday Dr. McPhee, who still runs a private practice in Hamilton, said he was encouraged by the petitions.

"I think it's quite supportive. My patients are quite opposed to the fact that I can't admit them to hospital. They can only be admitted under some other doctor.

"It's very upsetting to them, especially the older ones. They don't understand why I can't have the privileges because I'm fit.'' Dr. McPhee, who was also a senior medical officer in the Bermuda Regiment, believed well over 100 people had signed the petitions, which are expected to be handed to Mr. Hall.

"I think what's happened is a form of age discrimination.'' Dr. McPhee understood Human Rights Commission chairman Canon James Francis had spoken out in support of him.

Yesterday the Rev. Francis could not be reached for comment. He was said to be off the Island.

Mr. Hall said he was aware of the petitions.

"I guess they have been distributed around the Country. There has been tremendous support for Dr. McPhee.''