Patients who have undergone replacement knee joint operations will now have the chance to have continual automatic physiotherapy that can lead to a quicker hospital stay.

Two Chattanooga Optiflex Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machines, each worth $2,000, were donated by the Freemasons' Fund for Bermuda and Patricia Marshall.

"I had a very successful operation at King Edward on both of my knees and I realised how important these machines were to a successful recovery. These are remarkable machines and I was only too happy to donate one," Mrs. Marshall said.

Mrs. Marshall demonstrated how the machine works with help from physiotherapist Francis Copeland.

The patient's knee is placed in the machine and the parameters are set for patients and the machine starts gently but increases everyday, Ms Copeland said. Patients can even sleep while the machine works the knee.

"To be functional the knee should be able to bend at about 90 degrees," Ms Copeland said. "The stiffness isn't a problem when using the machine if it is done properly."

Dr. Clarence James, the public relations officer for the Freemasons' Fund for Bermuda, was also present during the machine's demonstration.

In a press release he said: "This machine was purchased from monies raised through fundraising activities of the Lodges of Freemasons across the Island.

"One of our members suggested the hospital would benefit from one of these machines and it was decided we would purchase it from this fund. The Freemasons' Fund for Bermuda is delighted to know the machine will be well used and appreciated."

Jonathan Brewin, the chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, said he was also very happy with the donations of the two machines.

"The fact that organisations and individuals think so highly of the hospital is very encouraging. This type of surgery, total knee replacement, is on the rise in Bermuda so this donation couldn't be more welcome," he said.