An American doctor has been appointed chief of staff to Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Donald Thomas III will be chief medical advisor to the board and will be responsible for physician relations, reporting to CEO David Hill. He arrives on an initial one-year contract and will be expected to pave the way for a Bermudian to take over the position in the long-term.

The role has been performed in recent months by local physicians on a rotation basis. His appointment is in keeping with the trend of BHB recruiting from overseas as it tackles challenges including the rebuilding of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Englishman Mr. Hill was brought in last year from the James Paget Healthcare Trust in Norfolk, UK; American consultants Kurron were drafted as support for management three months ago; Johns Hopkins Medicine International, of Baltimore, was asked to carry out a review of the Island's healthcare needs earlier this year; and specialist overseas doctors are due in Bermuda as part of a link-up with three American hospitals.

Dr. Thomas, who has more than three decades' experience as a healthcare practitioner, was picked with the backing of Bermuda's physician community, according to BHB chairman Herman Tucker. "The board is extremely pleased to appoint Dr. Thomas to this critical medical leadership position," said Mr. Tucker.

"Dr. Thomas will be responsible for BHB and private physicians who work at the hospitals, and therefore have a vital role in the quality of patient care in both hospitals.

"He will be a valued medical leader and an extremely well qualified mentor for a Bermudian to train under."

A statement from BHB said Dr. Thomas would be required to establish fair and consistent policies and processes. His 12-month contract contains a clause to extend his tenure, if required.

Dr. Thomas joins BHB from Greeley Company, a consulting, training and education company advising healthcare organisations. BHB says he will have the backing of the company's international resources in his new job.

He was previously CEO and chief medical officer for Mentat Systems Inc. and also worked with Wellspring Partners, the Los Angeles County Health Department among other health organisations. Mr. Hill said: "We welcome Dr. Thomas to BHB. This is a critical position for the hospital in its drive to deliver consistent, quality patient care to the Bermuda community."

Wesley Miller, chairman of the Active Staff Committee, a group of leading physicians at the hospitals, said: "We believe Dr. Thomas' appointment will provide us with strong and consistent leadership within the physician group."

Health Minister Michael Scott said: "Dr. Thomas brings a wealth of experience from highly respected healthcare institutions and this bodes well for the patients and staff of our hospitals."