palliative conference aimed at professional care givers next month.

The two-day conference on May 11 and May 12 is organised by Agape House and will give doctors, nurses and volunteers an insight into how best to alleviate the suffering of the terminally ill.

"We want to make sure Bermudians are assured we have educated all professionals in comfort giving,'' said hospice coordinator Mrs. Hilary Soares of the second annual conference.

"We want to educate all professionals in the care of the dying so they can be assured of dying peacefully and in comfort.'' Lectures by overseas and local doctors and care givers will cover topics including "the problem of pain'', "talking with patients'' and "breaking the bad news''.

Pain control specialist Dr. Yasin Kahn of Lee High Valley Hospital, Pennsylvania and Mrs. Gloria Murrant, volunteers director at Kasey House Aids Hospice in Toronto have been invited as guest speakers.

Local speakers are Dr. Eugene Harvey, Dr. Charles Dyer, Dr. Robert Vallis, former hospital anaesthetist Dr. Virgil Wright and nurse Mrs. Gaylia Landry.

They will address doctors and nurses on the first day of the conference.

Also speaking will be Mrs. Barbara Astwood on "reflective practices'', Mrs.

Jacqueline Basden on "the needs of patients and families'', Agape House nursing staff on "euthanasia versus palliative care'' and volunteers director at the hospice, Mrs. Terry Pearman-Castle.

The conference will begin with a cocktail party at the Bacardi International Building and end with dinner at Cafe Lido.

Places cost $125 which includes the course itself, lunch and dinner. The deadline for reservations is May 4.

For further information contact Mrs. Soares at 239-2025.