A new act governing the employment of nurses was ensured a smooth passage through the House of Assembly when it was given cross-party support.

New Health Minister Clarence Terceira introduced the Nursing Act 1997 on Friday saying: "The nursing profession has been waiting some time for this Act. The previous 1969 Act is now outdated.'' The Act repeals the 1969 Act and will reconstitute the Nursing Council, looks at nursing grades such as general nurse, specialist nurse and associate nurse.

It also looks at nursing registration and qualifications to make it onto the register and the removal of people from the register.

Any appeals against removal from the register will go to the Supreme Court and not the Minister.

The Act also deals with the standard of English spoken by an applicant for a nurses job in Bermuda.

It means a person could be interviewed but told to come back within a certain time when their English would be tested again. If it met standards they might be employed.

"One particularly important thing is that it will be mandatory for nurses to belong to the Nursing Association,'' added Dr. Terceira. Nurses must also be a member of the Association before they can register.

Shadow Health Minister Renee Webb said the Act was long overdue and gave nurses the recognition that they deserved.

"It is my understanding that the Nursing Association is in support of this Act which helps to modernise the rules and regulations of the antiquated 1969 Act,'' said Ms Webb.

"It looks to bring up-to-date the professional register to comply with international standards all of which we think is excellent for the nursing industry.

"One thing we are pleased to see is that the Minister will consult with the Nursing Council, instead of the Minster dictating,'' she added.

UBP Backbencher Grace Bell , who has served on the Nursing Council, said: "I am sure the nurses are pleased to see this day because it was a long one coming.'' Ewart Brown , Shadow Human Affairs Minister, added his support to the Act saying: "This is an historic day and an honour the nursing profession of Bermuda deserve.'' PLP backbencher Paula Cox welcomed the Act, but sounded a note of warning.

"For the last couple of weeks there has been a nurse calling me who has been in anguish about her employment opportunities.

"I hope that the Minister, as this Act comes into force, will look at those who are on the register and their employment opportunities.

"This nurse is being harrassed by a non-Bermudian who speaks very little English and who is trying to usurp her functions as a nurse.'' Renee Webb