Hospital chiefs made the claim in response to a survey by health watchdogs.

Some 67 percent of people believed Bermuda's health system did not offer value for money, the survey found.

But the Bermuda Hospitals Board said about 37 million Americans were currently without health insurance.

In contrast, Bermuda enjoyed a sophisticated health insurance system.

Government subsidy provided adequate health insurance for all, said the board's executive director Mr. Hume Martin.

"The hospitals in Bermuda are regularly complimented by both local and overseas patients for the high quality of their care.'' Health Watch was co-founded by Mr. Edward Fisher, whose son, Justin, died in hospital care.

More than 1,000 people answered the 17-question survey.

The survey also showed that 84 percent of those questioned were not aware the hospitals provided a patient representative.

But Mr. Martin said information on the hospital ombudsman was in the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

This was available in the main lobbies of both hospitals.

It was also in the patient handbooks given to hospital patients, said Mr.

Martin.

Mr. Martin went on to stress that he recognised the need for strengthened accountability to the board of medical staff with hospital privileges.

"To this end, the board sought and Parliament approved amendments to the Bermuda Hospitals Board Act in July, 1991, which resulted in the appointment of a chief of staff and departmental chiefs.

"The board also approved comprehensive new medical staff bylaws in March, 1993.

"These bylaws clearly establish the duties and responsibilities of the medical staff at King Edward.'' See Editorial -- Page 4 .