The entire 911 emergency system in Bermuda could be placed solely into the hands of the health ministry in a bid to make it more integrated and accountable, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Minister Paula Cox has revealed that a review of the 911 system is now complete and the findings are being studied.

She said the report would not be made public for some weeks, but added that it has shown some areas where there was room for improvement.

And although she said people should have "every confidence'' in the system in place, it may be better served if new legislation was drafted and the whole system made the responsibility of Health Minister Nelson Bascome.

At the moment, both she and Mr. Bascome share responsibility for the 911 system -- Ms. Cox with regards Police and Fire and Mr. Bascome concerning ambulances.

She said: "There clearly is room for having a centralised unit. We are looking towards a better integrated system, which may mean putting it in a central ministry.

"We always have difficulties when there are two different ministries involved. It's easier if one person has the authority and accountability.

"But we have to be careful because we are dealing with labour issues too. If this does come about, it does not mean that there will be job losses.

"However, it could mean improvements of making sure the whole service is more integrated and accountable.'' The review of the system was called after claims that it took too long for an ambulance to tend to the late Dean Young in October last year.

He had received a number of stab wounds in a fight and members of his friends and family told the Supreme Court that there seemed to be a considerable length of time, possibly 40 minutes, before the ambulance arrived.

But in May Ms. Cox said that initial investigations had shown the waiting time on that occasion to be about 20 minutes.

She ordered a full review be carried out into the efficiency of the system, which was only installed on the Island last year.

Last night she said the review was not to point blame at anyone, but instead said it would show where improvements could be made.

She added: "The report is not dramatic, it is more about management services and that type of thing. However, it shows us how we can improve the system and make it better.

"The report does not say there are glaring inefficiencies. People should have every faith and confidence in the system in place.'' HEALTH HTH