where she was invited to speak at a world congress on home care.

Ann Smith Gordon, who is head of P.A.L.S. and chairman of the Washington DC-based World Organisation of Home Care and Hospice (WHHO), gave the welcoming address at the international conference.

More than 500 caregivers from 38 countries around the world were represented at the three-day event, which had speakers from as far away as Hong Kong and Australia.

Issues discussed included health trends in 21st century America, home care in Canada, developments in community care in Britain, user expectations, combining work and care, new technology and home helpers.

Mrs. Smith Gordon was made chairman of the WHHO in November last year.

The WHHO is a collection of global leaders and organisations.

It has established an international network of patients, providers, practitioners and associations to raise awareness and quality of home and hospice care on a global level.

And it joined forces with The European Association for Care and Help at Home (EACH) to host the second world congress on home care in Austria last month.

Mrs. Smith Gordon said she has been able to bring a wealth of information back to Bermuda, which she hopes can be put to good use.

"It meant a great deal for me to be able to give the address before representatives from 38 countries.

"It was a wonderful opportunity, not just for me, but for Bermuda, too,'' she said.

"They were all wonderful people and it was very stimulating to listen to their lectures.

"I have realms of notes that I will be sharing with P.A.L.S. and anybody who wants to listen.'' P.A.L.S. offers care and support to cancer patients and their families and friends in Bermuda.

A registered charity, it provides advice on different treatments and where they are available, as well as emotional and physical support for patients and their families.

For more information about P.A.L.S., call 236-7257.

HEALTH HTH CLUB CLB