donations from the public.

And Bermuda Health Alliance chairman Keith Hollis told Hamilton Rotarians last week that the six-strong consortium had already passed the half-way mark.

Mr. Hollis said the Alliance aimed to raise $5 million in capital funds for use by its members over the next three to five years.

The Bermuda Health Alliance was formed last July by six local health care charities.

The alliance works together as a team and shares resources and expertise while maintaining the individual identity of each of the six charities.

The lion's share of the money -- $3.5 million -- will go to the Bermuda Hospitals Board to equip six new operating theatres and four outpatient clinics.

Other recipients: The Bermuda Diabetes Association, $333,000 to complete its epidemiology study; The Heart Foundation, $727,000 for a new cardiac diagnostic unit; The Residents Family Council, $65,000 for a specially equipped mini-bus; and Friends of the Hospice, $72,000 to renovate Agape House.

Mr. Hollis said the Alliance had raised more than $2.8 million in cash and pledges, mostly from international companies, since officially kicking the campaign off last November.