were circulating a petition calling for the dismissal of their executive director.

According to a ZBM television broadcast, about 70 hospital workers presented a petition to Bermuda Hospitals Board chairman Clement Talbot on Friday.

The petition -- signed by 70 employees -- was allegedly compiled to protest the "autocratic'' and "unacceptable'' leadership of executive director Sheila Manderson.

Mr. Talbot reportedly voiced his support for Ms Manderson and responded to the protest via e-mail.

However, both Mr. Talbot and Ms Manderson are believed to be currently overseas.

Last night, Kenneth Spurling, deputy chairman of the BHB, declined to comment and referred inquiries to Mrs. Manderson or Hospitals Board spokesperson Kendaree Burgess-Fairn.

However, Ms Burgess-Fairn did not return telephone calls and when contacted later, said she was in the middle of dinner and would not be available for comment until today.