to begin his legal battle against the decision in court shortly.

Dr. George Bertram McPhee was the physician in charge of the extended care unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and Government's consultant geriatrician until his 70th birthday on June 19.

Dr. McPhee said he was the victim of age discrimination by the Bermuda Hospitals Board as he was forced to quit despite his claims that he enjoys good mental and physical health.

The loss of the posts was coupled with the loss of his privilege to admit patients to hospital.

His lawyer, Julian Hall, said he had spoked to Dr. McPhee recently and confirmed that the matter was "moving forward'' and the "ball was in his court''.

"It's just a matter of setting the matter down for a hearing before the courts,'' he said. "It should be appearing very soon.'' The hospital has rejected Dr. McPhee's age discrimination allegation, saying mandatory retirement policies were commonplace in Bermuda.

Dr. McPhee could not be reached for comment yesterday.