staff lodged complaints about "serious health and safety violations''.

A letter addressed to hospital administrator Dr. Hameen Markar landed at The Royal Gazette describing low staffing, poor plumbing, inadequate heating and hot water, dirty air filters and broken furniture and fittings in the unit.

The unsigned letter states: "This neglect has resulted in a situation where the patients and staff's physical and mental welfare is being adversely affected.'' However the letter was never delivered to Dr. Markar, Bermuda Hospitals Board communications specialist Kendaree Burgess-Fairn revealed.

Instead staff reviewed the letter before they presented it and decided to handle the matter internally, she said.

They took their complaints to the maintenance department who went on a "walkabout'' with the staff who pointed out the problems they were experiencing and a plan was launched to correct the situation, said Mrs.

Burgess-Fairn.

This plan was already under way with some work having been completed and other work due to start shortly.