A row has broken out over the appointment of a new head at Bermuda's only hospice, it was revealed yesterday.

Agape House assistant unit coordinator Jane Bermingham has asked the Bermuda Public Service Association to lodge an official complaint after PALS nurse Kim Burns was appointed to the top job. BPSA general secretary Edward Ball yesterday confirmed Ms Bermingham had asked the union to intervene.

He said: "A complaint has been filed with us, but it's very difficult to get anything done over the Christmas period.

"But the grievance is going to be lodged following the grievance procedure rules.'' It is understood Ms Burns' appointment -- due to have been announced -- has been put on hold due to the dispute.

Grievances can be lodged with the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital's Human Resources department if a promoted post within the Island health service is filled and candidate who loses out is dissatisfied.

Mr. Ball explained that employees are entitled to an explanation of why they failed to get the job and advice on how they can fit themselves for promotion, where appropriate.

He added: "I don't know all the specifics of this case and I won't until such times a meeting is arranged.'' Mr. Ball said that a job vacancy decision can be overturned if the matter is taken further.

He explained: "There are a number of steps which can also be taken which could involve the Labour Relations Officer.'' And he said, if disputes went to arbitration, the hospital could be ordered to appoint someone else to the post. The post of coordinator, the hospice adminstrator, became vacant after Hilary Soares -- head of the unit since it officially opened in 1991 -- decided to quit in October last year.

Neither Ms Burns or Ms Bermingham could be contacted for comment.

Agape House -- which cares for the terminally ill, including those with late-stage AIDS -- can hold around a dozen patients.

The hospice, which saw a rocketing demand for its facilities within three years of its opening, offers specialised pain control and counselling with a home-style setting in a separate building near the hospital.

It also offers patients' families the chance to get involved in care of the dying and vacation care scheme for families looking after terminally-ill relatives at home.

In addition, the hospice, which liaises with other caring organisations like PALS, the equivalent of the UK McMillan cancer nurses, AIDS groups like STAR and the District Nursing Service, offers bereavement counselling for families.

Hospital spokeswoman Kandaree Burgess-Fairn said last night no official notification of a grievance had been received and added it would be inappropriate to comment in advance of that.

HOSPITAL HOS GOVERNMENT GVT