conditions from occupying beds in hospitals.

As part of series of reforms to the Hospital Insurance Regulations passed in the House of Assembly last night, money will be put aside for nurses to do home visits for treatment such as changing colostomy bags, stroke rehabilitation, changing bandages and administering medication.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown said the changes were supported by the Bermuda Medical Association.

He said: "We have a long way to go in treating stroke patients and a lot of Bermudians have strokes and they sit around hospitals for a long time, and it is important we provide treatment in a familiar environment, the home, and the patient will benefit from it.'' He said home care was a way of ensuring people did not use hospitals like hotels. Patients needing intravenous care every 12 hours could be seen by a nurse in the home rather than going to hospital, which would save the tax-payer.

The changes were welcomed by Shadow Health Minister Kim Young .

Government is also introducing a new asthma education programme aimed at preventive care.

Dr. Brown said the change, which was also backed by the UBP, may look like a minor adjustment but would have a "tremendous and clear impact on Bermuda''.