Legislation governing an independent health watchdog will not change, according to Health Minister Nelson Bascome as he introduced its new chairwoman.

Questions were raised about the future of the Bermuda Health Council in August, according to notes by former Health Minister Michael Scott on a secret meeting of the "Saturday Group" — including Mr. Scott, Premier Ewart Brown and Bermuda Hospitals Board members.

In what Mr. Scott called his personal notes, but which were typed up and set out in the form of minutes, the former Minister wrote: "Premier: leave to Minister to work on leadership of the HeCo and PS of Health to work on changes to legislation to rehitch the statutory emphasis and authority of HeCo."

The Bermuda Hospitals Board insisted Mr. Scott's notes were grossly inaccurate, not an official record of the meeting and should be considered a reflection of the Minister's private notes and personal thoughts.

Yesterday, Mr. Bascome, however, confirmed the BeHC would still be an important body in Bermuda health care and the legislated mandate would remain.

He said: "The Bermuda Health Council must be the platform from which health policy is developed in Bermuda. The Council must have a finger on the pulse of healthcare and bring together all the stakeholders in order to ensure that the Government is provided with the best possible advice regarding the health issues that face this country."

In response to a question from this paper about changing the Council's legislated mandate Mr. Bascome said: "Not at this time, no."

At the news conference, Mr. Bascome also introduced Linda Merritt, the Progressive Labour Party General Secretary, as the new chairperson of the BeHC.

Dr. Michael Bradshaw, who was the first chairman of the watchdog group when it formed in 2005 and was expected to be in that role until December 31, 2008, was replaced one year early.

Mr. Bascome yesterday, thanked Dr. Bradshaw for his service, but indicated the new appointee was a sign of a new direction for the council.

He said: "The membership of the Health Council must represent the stakeholders of health care in Bermuda.

"Each should be at the table providing their expertise, their agendas, their concerns and working together for the benefit of this community.

"They should be able to bring those issues, prioritise them and then recommend to me proposals that might lead to the overall coordination and integration of our healthcare system.

"To achieve these goals is the reason that I have amended the membership of the Bermuda Health Council.

"The membership of the 2008 Health Council will see Ms. Linda Merritt reappointed to the Council in the role as chairperson."

Two other members will remain on the council including Lucille Parker as the deputy chairperson and Mark Selley as the general community representative.

Other members will be appointed by different organisations and stakeholders including the Bermuda Hospitals Board, physicians, Allied Health Professionals, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, health insurers and nurses.

Mr. Bascome said the members had not all been put forward, but should be expected in the first week or two of February when the council holds its first meeting.

Ms. Merritt also confirmed that minutes of the Council's meetings would be published on their website along with any past meetings since May 2007.