department at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital -- but health chiefs claim the selection is not a climbdown.

In July, nursing staff and middle managers threatened industrial action after the controversial post was initially filled by an expatriate worker who had just five months experience at the hospital. The four other project manager positions were filled by Bermudians.

Strike action was only averted after the Bermuda Public Service Association stepped in to mediate talks between the two warring camps.

And although bosses claimed that the initial candidate -- staff nurse Leslie Shane -- was the most suitable applicant to fill the $72,000 a year post, they later agreed to go through the selection process a second time and re-advertise the position.

Last night a hospital spokeswoman confirmed that eight applicants had been interviewed for the job and that Lorretta Santucci, a Bermudian who has worked at the hospital for the last 19 years, was eventually selected.

Mrs. Santucci is currently the unit coordinator of the operating room. She will now become programme manager of surgery and, together with four other newly appointed programme managers, will soon begin training before taking up her post in November.

It is understood that Mrs. Santucci did not apply for the top job when it was advertised the first time.

Bermuda Hospitals Board Executive Director Sheila Manderson said she believed Mrs. Santucci was ideal for the job.

"All of us are aware of the strong leadership and organisational skills demonstrated by Mrs. Santucci in providing the seamless transition to the new surgery wing last March,'' Mrs. Manderson said.

"Her success in the operating room bodes well for the entire surgery programme and we are pleased to have her join the programme management team.'' APPOINTMENT APP