assistance from a UK hospice.

Hilary Soares, a nurse with 20 years experience in palliative care, told Hamilton Lions last week that education in caring for the dying had helped the services on offer in Bermuda.

She said assistance given by St. Christopher's Hospice in England, which was established decades ago, had been vital in keeping the Island at the vanguard of care.

"Here in Bermuda we have several specialised palliative care venues -- we have community-based cancer care through the good offices of PALS. Some of their patients opt to live out the remainder of their lives at home,'' she said.

"And then we have Agape House which is an inpatient facility belonging to the Hospital.'' In addition, there is a dedicated palliative care doctor, who assists the hospice in their work.

"Terminal illness,'' she said. "is a time in one's life when all of the medical, nursing, social and pastoral skills must be brought to bear so that a patient may end his life, not focusing on the abject misery that he has heard about from others.'' She said the person must concentrate on things that really matter, like comfort, peace of mind and pain-free existence.

"The dying person is losing everything near and dear to him in this world every bit as much as his family and friends are losing him.

"This is a time when there are many questions about God, the fear of punishment, meeting the unknown, feeling very isolated and beginning to withdraw from the world.'' Mrs. Soares said.

Mrs. Soares noted that when you visit a terminally ill person they seem withdrawn and quiet.

"They're focusing,'' she said, "on the inside of themselves.'' Mrs. Soares also reminded the public of a concert to raise palliative care or hospice awareness.

On October 14 at 7.30 p.m., the Bermuda Philharmonic Orchestra with massed singers and five soloists, will perform as part of a worldwide concert of Handel's "Messiah''.

At 7.30 p.m. in every time zone, a new choir will begin singing the musical piece. Over 500 venues are expected to join.

Tickets are $20 and will be sold at the Music Box and Opus.

Hospice: Hilliary Soares at Agape House