Sheila Manderson, executive director of Bermuda Hospitals Board, sits at the top of the corporate ladder at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH).

As a result of her diligent leadership and progressive planning KEMH is prepared to offer exceptional medical services now and into the new millennium.

Mrs. Manderson shares some information about her role in a question and answer interview.

Question: What is your role at KEMH? Answer: "I am responsible for the overall management of KEMH and St.

Brendan's.'' Q: How long have you been involved with the hospitals? A: "Four and a half years.'' Q: When did you begin your vision of the new wing? A: "When I came in 1994 there was a master plan to assess future space requirements for the Hospitals. it was determined at the end of that exercise that replacement of the operating suites was a high priority.

"The planning and design of the new wing started in earnest in 1995.'' Q: How did you learn about the changing trends in healthcare worldwide? A: "Prior to assuming my present position I worked in healthcare in California for 28 years so I brought knowledge and experience from there with some of the changes occurring in the field. "In Bermuda I keep myself current by attending conferences and workshops abroad and by routinely participating in international healthcare professional networks. The Internet is also a good educational source.'' Q: What are some of the current trends in healthcare globally? A: "Globally we are seeing a decline in inpatient stays and an increase in outpatient or ambulatory care, primarily because the cost of hospital care is high. Along with the decline in inpatient stays, the average length of stay or the time in which a patient stays in hospital is decreasing, and there is more focus on education, prevention, and wellness.

"In other words, greater focus on maintaining health vs. providing medical care.'' Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? A: "Completing projects is very satisfying. I like making goals and achieving them.'' Q: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job? A: "Managing ambiguity in the midst of constant change..'' Q: What message do you have about KEMH for the community? A: "There are few communities our size that can boast accredited healthcare facilities such as KEMH and St. Brendan's. We are pleased with our clinical lab and out patient clinics. We are even more pleased with the new state-of-the-art operating theatres. We are pleased about the opportunities it provides our staff to deliver quality services to our community.

"The Bermuda Hospitals Board, our physicians and staff extend thanks and appreciation to all those who helped make it possible.'' Executive director of Bermuda Hospitals Board, Sheila Manderson: "Today, the culmination of a multitude of people's efforts is a range of new and enhanced surgical programmes, which essentially raise the level of surgical care available to Bermudian residents.''