Some of them have been at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for years.

The scale of the problem was hammered out yesterday by the Bermuda Hospitals Board's outgoing executive director Mr. Hume Martin.

He explained acute care beds were being "inappropriately'' used by patients.

And he pointed out many could be cared for in rest homes -- although these badly needed to be upgraded.

"More than ever before we are overwhelmed with patients we can't discharge.'' He added: "The hospital is in danger of becoming a chronic care hospital.'' Mr. Martin leaves Bermuda this month to take a top medical job in Ontario.

He believed the problem over acute care beds was the most "significant'' one facing hospital staff and management.

The Hospitals Board could not solve it alone, he said.

"It requires more co-operation from the medical staff in utilising beds more effectively as well as the initiative of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the private sector.'' Mr. Martin said some patients had been at the hospital for months -- even years.

They were unable to return to their homes, sometimes because their families were too old to care for them.

"I would make a plea to the public. If the hospital is to maintain its ability to serve the community we need to have rest homes upgraded.'' Skilled "nursing care facilities'' -- such as Lefroy House or the extended care unit -- could also provide care for these patients, he added.

Mr. Martin went on to highlight other major tasks facing the hospital.

He said the operating rooms were 30 years old, and in "urgent need'' of refurbishing.

And he added the Hospitals Board faced difficulties in developing a detoxification unit, which the National Drugs Commission had asked for.

It would be difficult to meet the request -- unless the Ministry of Education left the old hospital.

Mr. Martin continued by underlining the need for cash for other plans.

"Vast sums of money which are not readily available are required to upgrade diagnostic imaging equipment and to meet more basic needs such as the replacement of hospital beds.

"Physical and programme plans are required to prepare the hospitals for the 21st century.'' He added: "More important than all of the above is the need for all hospital staff to rededicate themselves to each other and to each of the thousands of patients entrusted to our care.

"As strong as many of our services are, there is a clear need for all staff to pay more attention to the details of their work and to work together more collaboratively.'' Director happy to escape Press pressure -- See Page 5