A new home care programme for the sick is at the ?green light go? position according to the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association (LCCA), which is organising and funding the initiative.

The programme, being funded to the tune of $250,000 by the LCCA after consultation and collaboration with the Bermuda Hospitals Board, should be implemented by the end of the year.

It will help those patients ? particularly the elderly ? whose recovery and recuperation would be more effective at home rather than in the Continuing Care Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

It will draw upon the skills of a range of professionals including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

?The principle is simple. We have got a hospital with patients that don?t necessarily need to be there, as some of them may just need therapy such as physiotherapy,? said Gary Phillips, chairman of the LCCA Committee of Management.

?Rather than have those patients take up a bed that could be used for people with more acute needs, the facility will be available for them to be at home where they are more comfortable, but with the professional health care they require.?

The plans for the home care programme have been in the pipeline for many months, but have been delayed due to administrative difficulties encountered while setting it up. Now, however, these have been overcome, and patients will soon begin benefiting.

The programme will join two established programmes run by the LCCA, which has been helping Bermudians suffering poverty or distress for more than 70 years. The General Assistance Programme helps with groceries, prescriptions and utility bills, as well as assisting special needs children who require rehabilitation and may have little or no insurance coverage. This is funded by sources including dues paid to the LCCA in lieu of union fees, bequests and the annual LCCA Tag day.

Over a three year period between 2003 and 2005, the General Assistance Programme helped 372 clients, of whom 296 were single mothers, 14 were seniors and 62 were other special cases.

In addition, the Patient Overseas Financial Aid Programme is administered by the LCCA on behalf of the Government, Ministry of Health, and Family Services. This programme aids those who must be sent overseas for medical treatment not available in Bermuda and who have little or no insurance and limited ability to pay.

It is funded by a Government grant, an interest-free repayment plan, and insurance claims made on behalf of patients. The three programmes tie in with the LCCA mission, which is to improve the quality of health, life and wellbeing of those who are in medical, financial or emotional need, with particular care and compassion for children and the elderly.