testing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on Sunday.

Thousands of well feeling residents crowded the main floor of KEMH taking advantage of a slew of free tests and medical information as they participated in the first Health and Wellness Fair.

Inadequate medical insurance may have played a large role in the high turnout according to some attending.

"I waited in line for three hours to get my blood glucose, pressure and cholesterol taken,'' said one woman.

"I felt I had to do it because I have HIP (Hospital Insurance Plan) insurance which does not cover this type of thing.

"And it's a good thing I came here today and waited because my readings were too high and the technicians said I should see my doctor soon.'' Other people expressed similar sentiments and despite long lines at most of the testing spots, people waited patiently.

Maxwell Burgess who was out introducing a very modern medical technique of electronic testing -- the Cadeus Health Care System, said the response was overwhelming.

In the Cadeus system, patients were electronically connected with a live lab technician in Halifax, Canada who was able to take the readings of their tests and give the results while they watched him on a TV monitor.

By 3 p.m. the technician was feeling tired as he had been reading a steady stream of people since 10 a.m. with only a five minute break.

The situation landed Mr. Burgess in a difficult position as the line at 3 p.m.

showed no signs of shortening.

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to disappoint some of these people,'' he said, "but the lab technician is very tired as he's been working flat out since 10 a.m. with only a five minute break.

"I had not anticipated that the turnout here would be this large.'' Mr. Burgess also noted that he is in negotiations with the local health insurance companies to cover the cost of Cadeus Care.

Attendees could avail themselves of a number of modern tests in several areas including bone densitometry and hearing. Dietitians physiotherapists, diabetes consultants, fitness trainers and sponsors Argus Insurance were all swamped with inquiries.

"We had no idea the turnout would be this fantastic,'' said Jackie Neath-Marie of the Diabetes Association, "I have to rush back to my post.'' "It is much more than I expected,'' said one participant, "it's very good but the waits have been long and I wish they had held it on a Saturday.

"A lot of people couldn't come until after church and now we're going to miss out on some of the tests,'' she added, "but it was worth the wait and they should hold this at least once a year.''