Bermuda's new Day Hospital officially launched yesterday ? making life that little bit easier for patients embarking on the road to recovery.

Aimed at restoring independent living, the health base will allow some patients to be discharged earlier from hospital and still receive rehabilitative care. It also provides an alternative to patients who need therapy without them having to be admitted to hospital.

Dr. David Harries, director of continuing care services, said at the launch. "We have a skilled and experienced, multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals who provide much-needed services to patients recovering from stroke, amputations and surgery, such as hip or knee replacements, as well as a wide range of other conditions."

Specials tours were put on for physicians yesterday, at the new facility sited on the first floor at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Health chiefs said it provides assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to people both at the hospital and in the community.

The Day Hospital is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and handles about 15 patients daily. Most treatment programmes last six weeks or less, with referrals made through a physician.

Rehabilitation services at the new hospital are provided by physicians, nurses, a psychologist, occupational and physiotherapists, a speech and language pathologist, a social worker, aides, a clinical dietician, a home care team and a unit assistant. Arrangements can also be made for home visits, after assessment by the team.

Call 239-2055, extension 1180, for more information.