the Bermuda Hospitals Board has the power to set standards, rules and policies for running both hospitals efficiently.

And Health Watch spokesman Mr. Eugene Carmichael called the ruling a "quantum leap forward in the march toward the restoration of confidence'' in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Carmichael was commenting on the ruling in the case of gynaecologist Dr.

Delmont Simmons versus the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

The board suspended Dr. Simmons' hospital privileges for 10 days after a nurse complained that he swore at her in the presence of a patient.

Dr. Simmons challenged the board's actions in the Supreme Court but the court ruled that the board acted within its powers.

And Mr. Carmichael said the ruling made the board's position and responsibility clear.

"We believe that this is the strongest public manifestation that there is indeed a body in charge, and determined to be responsible for the patients' well being,'' he said.

"For all the many persons who have sought treatment overseas because they felt the local system was without (apparent) accountability, they may be encouraged by the precedent set by the afore-mentioned case.

"For if the board is prepared to order a suspension of privileges for 10 days in a case which involves verbal abuse, what might be an appropriate sanction in a case which involves arrogance and negligence?'' "All who enter either, or both hospitals are subject to the rules and policies as determined by the board,'' he added. "No matter how senior a member of staff, or how politically connected a patient, all will be required to conform.

"Judging by the recently concluded case, the board appears to have the will to enforce the rules and uphold the standards.

Mr. Carmichael stressed that all concerns, complaints, comments and compliments about the hospitals should be directed to the board.

And he said under current chairman Mr. Robert Tucker "it would appear that the board intends to be more proactive''.