over her death at Bermuda's hospital.

The suit is against the Bermuda Hospitals Board and surgeon Dr. James King.

But last night the hospital board's lawyer Mr. John Barritt vowed to fight the action.

"The board will be contesting liability and vigorously contesting the quantum of damages being sought.'' The suit follows the September 1991 inquest on the death of the 34-year-old businesswoman.

A coroner's jury decided Ms Wilkinson had died from an accident "aggravated by a lack of professional care''.

The jurors urged King Edward VII Memorial Hospital to "review its procedures in respect to patient care''.

After the verdict, Ms Wilkinson's husband, Mr. John Williams, said the family would take action against the hospital and Dr. King.

Last night the family's lawyer former Attorney General Mr. Saul Froomkin, QC, revealed a suit was filed yesterday afternoon.

"It is in excess of $10 million,'' he said.

Ms Wilkinson was brought to the hospital on July 29 1990 complaining of severe abdominal pains and swelling.

Dr. King diagnosed bruising of the abdominal wall and admitted her for observation.

He told the inquest symptoms of more serious injury were ignored until Ms Wilkinson was rushed into surgery on July 31 with a ruptured bowel.

But by then it was too late.

Coroner the Wor. John Judge told jurors: "The case was hopeless.'' Ms Wilkinson never recovered and died on August 8.

Mr. Froomkin said he represented Ms Wilkinson's estate and her dependents. Dr.

King is represented by Mr. David Kessaram.

Mr. Froomkin said he had been trying in vain for several months to reach an out-of-court settlement with the hospital's board and Dr. King.

"I have been left with no option but to start proceedings. I hope they will be dealt with as quickly as possible.'' Mr. Froomkin said the amount of damages sought was based on the "loss sustained'' by the estate and Ms Wilkinson's dependents.

Last night Mr. Barritt said the writ had come as no surprise, and would be fought to the hilt.