Government yesterday dodged questions on a new hospital chief, Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Kim Young claimed.

And she demanded that Government come clean on how they will fill the shoes of current King Edward VII Memorial Hospital executive director Sheila Manderson when she retires in the near future.

But last night Health and Social Services Minister Nelson Bascome dismissed the claims -- and denied Hospitals Board chairman Raymonde Dill was being groomed for the job.

Ms Young tabled three questions in the House yesterday -- but had to settle for written answers after the time allotted for questions ran out before Government got round to her.

And she said: "I got my questions answered in writing -- but I didn't get the chance to ask supplementaries.'' Ms Young asked Mr. Bascome to confirm a succession plan for the top administration job at the Island's only general hospital -- and for details.

Mr. Bascome replied: "I cannot confirm that a succession plan was in place for the position of executive director..however, I have determined that the previous Hospitals Board considered the matter from time to time, but did not adopt a formalised plan.'' He added: "The recently-appointed Hospitals Board has addressed the matter of succession planning and has agreed on a process for the future.

"A sub-committee of the Board has charge of this task and is working on the details of a new organisational structure that will provide clear career paths for top managers into the senior executive ranks.'' But Ms Young said she recalled Mr. Bascome confirming a succession plan during the Budget debate.

Row over new hospital chief And she said: "Now they're saying the previous Hospitals Board considered the matter from time to time but did not adopt a formalised plan.

But Mr. Bascome said the new Board appointed by Government had prepared a succession plan by the February Budget -- which the old UBP-appointed board had failed to do.

And he added: "We used to run into the same problems with time for questions -- one of the things I've always called for is to look at the order in which we do things.

"We had two lengthy Ministerial statements and congratulatory and obituary speeches -- I wanted to answer the questions. I'd have blown her out of the water.'' Ms Young added she feared the new Government might try to turn Board chairman and former banker Raymonde Dill into a "working chairman''.

She said: "I want to know if they're going to politicise the job -- if so, it's disgraceful.

"We only have one hospital and it's vitally important that the person has hospital expertise.'' And she said -- if the Board has a plan -- it should be made public as soon as possible.'' But she added: "I think they filibustered this morning to avoid answering questions on their failure.

"This is not a satisfactory way of dealing with a really important topic -- something which affects every person in Bermuda.

"We need to know that the executive director is of the best quality and can provide the best possible care.'' But Mr. Bascome said: "She is just speculating about Mr. Dill -- he is the chairman of the Board and he is not up for any of the executive positions at the hospital.'' And he added the job had already been advertised and attracted candidates from Bermuda and overseas.