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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2016-12-21, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, December 21, 2016 HPHA offers tips to avoid non -emergency hospital visits during the holidays At the Huron Perth Health- care Alliance (HPHA) the four hospital sites are not immune to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, most notably in their emergency depart- ments. With some healthcare providers closing offices or reducing hours over the holi- days, emergency departments such as those at the Clinton Public Hospital, St. Marys Memorial Hospital, Seaforth Community Hospital and Stratford General Hospital can be the only option for individ- uals seeking medical attention between Christmas and the New Year. This can lead to longer than usual wait times for healthier patients or for those who don't require immediate emergency care. "This time of year is defi- nitely challenging in terms of patient flow," says Anne Campbell, vice president of partnerships and patient experience. "Under guid- ance from the South West Local Health Integration Network we've put together a plan that will help us deal with higher volumes of patients, both those who are admitted into hospital and those who visit our Emer- gency Departments:' Dr. Phil Schieldrop, medical program director of emer- gency medicine at Stratford General Hospital, advises that by being prepared, an emer- gency visit may be avoided completely or result in an improved experience if emer- gency care is needed over the holidays. "Making sure that everyone in your family has enough medications (both prescrip- tion and non-prescription) to get through the holidays and making sure all medical equipment such as inhalers, respirators, glucometers and diabetic supplies are in good working order is helpful. Knowing your family doctor's office hours and any back-up coverage it offers and know- ing holiday hours of your local pharmacy can also help avoid a trip to the emergency department," said Schieldrop. Individuals should also note what degree of services are available from other agencies that they are asso- ciated with such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Alzheimer's Society or the Community Care Access Centre. "This time of year can be overwhelming and a source of stress for many as we try and keep up with the demands and pressures of the season. It can also be a time when sea- sonal depression and feelings of sadness or loneliness are increased. Those who are dis- tressed, frightened or unable to cope can reach out to our Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team via our Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-829- 7484;' said Campbell. Another resource availa- ble 24/7 is Telehealth Ontario. Those looking for health advice or information can call 1-866-797-0000 and I twAIJi t I x 1 1 HOLIDAY SEASON The fuewater Recycling Dissociation and all Its staff would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. During th holiday season' we normally postpone the regular collection of waste and re fables in corder to allow our staff to savour this joyous holiday with their family, but this year, Christmas and New Year'd lay take plate on a Sunday, soyour regular ca teticin will be uninterrupted throughout the holidays- -Pl.nei.et of l ymir rnatereals on your red .l lady scheduled day by am. 1 3 /A, E RE Y1i speak to a Registered Nurse. Telehealth nurses will not diagnose an illness or give medicine. Callers will be directed to the most appropri- ate level of care or be put in contact with a health profes- sional who can advise on next steps. This service is free and confidential. Of course, not all emergency visits will be avoidable and symptoms including pains or tightness in the chest, broken bones, wounds that may need stitches and shortness of breath are all reasons to go to the emergency department. "Our Doctors and Nurses are here if anyone needs us," said Schieldrop. Patients visiting the Emer- gency Department are asked to remember to bring their OHIP card or other medical insurance information along with a list or supply of current medications. Those bringing children are asked to bring diapers, blankets and other comfort items. If your condi- tion worsens while waiting in the department please notify a staff member immediately. As with every emergency visit, no matter what time of year, patients will be seen by a doc- tor based on the severity of their illness or injury. "We ask those visiting our Emergency Departments over the holidays to be patient," said Dr. Schieldrop. "We know that this is the last place many people want to be. As always we will see our sickest patients first. We are commit- ted to providing timely, safe quality care to all our patients and their families." Submitted Dr. Phil Schieldrop, medical program director of emergency medicine at HPHA - Stratford General Hospital, holds up "Your Holiday Health Checklist," a resource available in the HPHA Emergency Departments and at www. hpha.ca. Huron County Music Documentary available on DVD Just in time for Christmas, the DVDs of "Deep Roots: The Music of Huron County" is now available for purchase at select retailers. The documentary was shot over the summer and fall of 2015 and showcases the musical traditions of Huron County through interviews with master musicians and performance footage from Blyth Steam Threshers Show, Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, Tues- day Tunes, The Barn Dance and Brussels Fiddle Jamboree. The finished eighty-five minute documentary pre- miered at the Livery Film Festival in April, 2016. The film was produced by Huron Arts & Heritage Net- work and FauxPop Media with the support of the Gov- ernment of Canada, County of Huron, Blyth Arts & Cul- tural Initiative 14/19, Libro Imagine South Huron and Huron Business Develop- ment Corporation. The DVDs are $15 each and are available for sale at Contributed photo A photo of the DVD cover. Ernie King Music at both the Goderich and Wingham locations, Huron County Museum, Fincher's Books & Gifts, Goderich and The Cit- izen office in Blyth, during their normal business hours. 0RM -71 -7111-11-117710:7111.—St Trilliirrfril51-1V7irrkiro Handl • miter 1k0,1rd1:kr.1 .1311si_rd ``t.l:Irelsr Ontario Handi Quilter Retailer of the Year JA O E Janome Platinum Award Winning Dealer All Janome sewing machines, Sergers and Handi Quilter Longarms are priced for Christmas giving e'er Save Centre 149 Downie Street f, Stratford, ON 519-271-9660 Machines $198 starting at All of our sewing machines come with Free unlimited lessons Free service contract Knowledgeable experienced staff It's the local professional way LAYAWAYS ACCEPTED r �e www.sewandsavecentre.com Call for Christmas�#hours! ../g tie', r ". . '��e . f>:-� r.• - ' 4h�.t. #. =� M..° ° LET'S ALL DO OUR PART! PLEASE RECYCLE :.'".41---111111E4OTTLE S CANS vli�