someone to run the two facilities.

Board chairman Raymonde Dill said yesterday that negotiations have broken down with the selection committee's first choice for the post of Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Dill said the Hospitals Board were unable to reach agreement with their first choice -- an unidentified male candidate -- "in a number of areas'' relating to his contract. But he refuted the suggestion that the talks broke down purely over pay.

King Edward VII Memorial and St. Brendan's hospitals are currently run by Lucille Parker and Joan Dillas-Wright, respectively. The two women hold the posts in acting capacities following the departure of former Bermudian Chief Executive Officer Sheila Manderson at the end of July.

This latest negotiations breakdown led the Board to offer the post to its second choice candidate who is currently engaged in contract talks.

"We are in discussions with the second candidate,'' Mr. Dill said, "and I am confident that we will be successful. Unfortunately this delays the process.'' Mr. Dill said contract details and finalising reference checks were underway with respect to the second choice.

"This can all be completed in a matter of days if all goes well,'' he said.