In fact, the ECU depends so much on volunteers that it has implemented a community service programme.

"The number of volunteers in ECU has grown tremendously in the last few years,'' said Mrs. Debbie Byrd, activity volunteer coordinator of the Extended Care Unit. "Many people interested in nursing or medicine volunteer their time. But we also get a cross-section of volunteers from the community.'' Volunteers are involved in most aspects of the unit. "We have a group of about 50 who come in on a regular basis,'' explained Mrs. Byrd. "And not only do they assist in resident activities but they help the staff by running errands or answering the phone.

"Some volunteers clothe and feed the residents and take them for walks.

Others mend the elders' clothes or assist us in taking them to church.'' Many church groups also provide the unit with church services, among them the Seventh Day Adventists, Salvation Army, Hamilton Citadel, St. Paul's Gospel Choir and the Richard Allen group.

"Ministers also volunteer their time on a rotational basis,'' said Mrs. Byrd.

"And several people from the Bermuda Electric Light Company come over during their lunch hour two or three times a week to assist us with meals.'' Secondary schools have been involved in volunteer work with the hospital for several years. As part of the school curriculum, students must commit themselves to ten hours of community work.

"They do the work required of them,'' said Mrs. Byrd. "Frequently we get students who choose to keep up with their volunteer programme. Some have even dedicated up to 60 or 70 hours of their time.'' The majority of students come from Whitney Institute. But others attend the Bermuda High School, Northlands, St. George's Secondary School and Sandys Secondary School.

"Almost all of the secondary schools in Bermuda are represented,'' said Mrs.

Byrd. "They're a tremendous help to the ward.

Students provide at least two hours of volunteer work a week, often more.

"They assist with feeding, transportation and making beds. But more than that, they are a friend to the residents. And some strong relationships are being built between residents and students.

"It's a great opportunity for the elderly to relate to young people and it dispels some of the myths students have about the elderly.

"I think it's a real learning experience for the students because the residents share their knowledge of history in Bermuda and talk about their lives growing up.'' Children from pre-schools, including St. Paul's Nursery and Kids Kollege, also visit the ward regularly. "They sing or play out skits,'' said Mrs. Byrd.

"The residents love it -- they come alive when they see the children.'' In addition, musicians like Gene Steede, Stan Seymour, George Simons and Voorhees Tucker visit the ward and perform for the residents.

"Several people from probation services or teen services have worked in the ward,'' added Mrs. Byrd. "Individuals from the community also contribute; one volunteer runs a bible study and another comes in especially to groom the residents.'' Donations are a huge part of the community service programme. The Junior Service League frequently provides the unit with activity prizes as well as cakes and baked goods. "And the League gives us magazines or any other small items that we need,'' said Mrs. Byrd. "People in the community donate arts and crafts or bibs and lap-robes for the residents.'' "Volunteers bring extra hands to the ward.

"They are companions to the residents and they provide quality service to them.'' VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR -- Mrs. Debbie Byrd organises all volunteer activities at the hospital's Extended Care Unit.