A possible strike by nurses at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has been called off -- after the action was declared illegal.

But the threat of industrial action could still re-surface if current talks between hospital management and staff break down completely.

Late last night, following a day of intensive negotiations, both parties confirmed that the strike threat had been called off.

And although no reason for the withdrawal has been given, The Royal Gazette understands that the threat broke arbitration laws because it was issued while talks were still in progress.

Legislation states that, unless talks have broken down, no strike threat can be made.

Last night's statement also dismissed claims by some nurses that patient care at the facility was being jeopardised because of a shortage of staff. The eight former nurses, who are demanding a redundancy payment after losing their jobs, circulated a leaflet to former colleagues earlier in the week blasting management practices.

But last night's joint statement by the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Public Services Association said: "The Bermuda Hospitals Board would like to assure the public that, contrary to the statements made in the media recently, patient care is not being, nor has it been, compromised. There are also no shortages of staff.

"The Bermuda Hospitals Board would like to take the opportunity to recognise their staff who are working diligently to ensure a high quality standard of care.

Nurses call off strike threat "Both the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Public Services Association are continuing to negotiate in good faith with respect to the eight nurses.

"In addition, the Bermuda Hospitals Board is working to resolve other issues of concern to our staff. The Bermuda Public Services Association confirms that the strike notice has been withdrawn.

"The parties have agreed that no further communication to the press will be made while good faith negotiations continue and in addition they have agreed to comply with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act 1975, in particular in regard to Essential Services.'' The threat of strike action, which could have started in 21 days time unless negotiations had progressed, came following a host of staff complaints including the plight of eight former nurses who were demanding redundancy pay, complaints that a new programme management had been forced upon staff and concerns over uniform restrictions.