A majority of the ten senior nurses left in limbo by hospital reshuffling are insisting on heavy redundancy payouts, it was revealed yesterday.

And they are "refusing to bargain in good faith'' and not prepared to work for the hospital in any position ever again.

A source involved in the dispute revealed the stalemate on which the nurses refuse to budge exclusively to The Royal Gazette .

Both union and Hospitals Board representatives confirmed negotiations had reached a "delicate stage''.

But they said attempts were still being made to move the talks forward.

The source said: "One of the main sticking points is the redundancy payouts that the majority of the ten displaced staff want.

"They want the redundancies and are not prepared to work for the institution any longer.'' And the steadfast stance has hampered negotiations between the Bermuda Public Services Association and the Bermuda Hospital Board, it was claimed: "Some of the nurses are not prepared to bargain in good faith... a majority of the nurses.'' BPSA general secretary Ed Ball, who represents the nurses, would not comment on the details of their case.

But he said the talks had reached a "very sensitive and crucial stage and every effort is being made to seek a resolution''.

He said there were some issues which would affect the remainder of Hospital staff members.

But because the stalemate was a "pressing issue'', with the nurses remaining on administrative leave until it was worked out, it was "monopolising'' talks time.

"As far as we are concerned we may have to use the services of a third party, an arbitrator,'' Mr. Ball said.

"However that depends on whether we can resolve any outstanding issues.

"As far as possible we would like to settle this matter between the Board and the Union without the help of a third party.'' A Hospital spokeswoman echoed Mr. Ball's comments.

She said the progress of the ten nurses and the dispute was a "sensitive topic'' and trying to rush it would be unwise.

"We need to proceed carefully to make sure we end up with a situation that is palatable to all parties concerned,'' she said.