Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2013-05-23, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013. Victim Services fundraiser coming Central Huron looks to help physician recruitment A new year, a new executive Earlier this month the Blyth Legion and the Blyth Legion Ladies Auxiliary installed their new executives. Above, the Legion’s officers for the coming year are, back row, from left: Executive Darrell Wood, Executive Shirley Wood, Executive Susan Hubbard, Executive Thelma Johnston, Second Vice-President Crystal Taylor and Executive Mel McBurney. Front row, from left: Treasurer Elaine Fraser, First Vice-President Ric McBurney, President Andy Lubbers and Secretary Donna Govier. Below, the Ladies Auxiliary’s new slate of officers is, back row, from left: Executive Janny Fear, Second Vice-President Susan Hubbard and Secretary Denise Morris. Front row, from left: Treasurer Val Pethick, President Brenda Finlayson and Past- President Janice Henry. Absent were: First Vice-President Deb Stryker, Sports Officer Kim Oster, Sergeant at Arms Dawn Climic and Executive Sandra Elliott. (Vicky Bremner photos) A Clinton-based group is hoping the Municipality of Central Huron is willing to give a hand up when it comes to tackling the task of physician recruitment. Members of the Clinton Physician Recruitment Committee, including physician recruiter Gwen Devereaux, Clinton Public Hospital Foundation representative Darren Stevenson and Kim Van Wyk, executive director of the ClintonFamily Health Team, appeared before Central Huron’s Committee- of-the-Whole session May 13 to ask councillors to consider making a financial commitment to the two group’s efforts at recruitment. During a multi-pronged presentation, Stevenson reported that while there are incentive programs, including an $84,000 four-year grant for doctors that choose to commit to under-serviced areas, there are still challenges when it comes time to recruit doctors.“That is why we are looking for municipal partners,” he said. In illustrating the case, Van Wyk reported today’s younger doctors typically take on a significantly lower patient load than senior physicians. She noted two new doctors will be needed to replace someone like Dr. Peter Salsbury who has a notably large patient roster. In endorsing the idea, Councillor Alison Lobb said while there have been no municipal dollars budgeted for the cause this year, somethingcould likely be worked out if the need arises.“I am in favour of establishing a fund,” said Lobb. “I think that’s a good idea.” Deveraux noted the battle against urban centres when it comes to recruiting physicians continues to be a challenging one given statistics show even with incentives, only 12 per cent of new medical school graduates choose to work in rural communities. Meanwhile, Van Wyk said working in a rural practice is also different since physicians are expected to take on a number of roles, including assisting at long- term care homes, being on call for emergency rooms and handling their own practices. While wrapping up the delegation’s presentation, Van Wyk said that even though two newdoctors in Clinton bring the complement to seven, which is closed to the ideal number of eight, there are still some special factors to consider. “All of them have significantly smaller practices than the physicians on the other end,” she said. Deputy- Mayor Dave Jewitt said while Central Huron has wrapped up its budget for 2013, some consideration could still likely be made if the need arises. “We may be the first ask for next year’s budget,” said Van Wyk. Mayor Jim Ginn urged the committee to approach council again if the need arises in the coming months. “Should something come forward, I am sure we could consider something at least,” he said. KENNETH NELSON PATTERSON Mr. Kenneth Patterson of Kitchener, and formerly of Blyth, passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener on Wednesday, May 15, 2013. He was in his 78th year. Ken was the loving father of Shelley and Keith Howatt, Calgary, Alberta; Barb and Rick Gervais, Kitchener and Kent Patterson and Lori Sands, Blyth. He was the cherished grandfather of Michael and Matthew Howatt, Megan and Geoff Renda and Kaitlyn (Spencer) Gervais and the great-grandfather of Mckinley Renda. Ken was the dear brother of Shirley and Darrell Wood and Bill Patterson. He was predeceased by his daughter Gayle Patterson (1977). Friends were received at the Falconer Funeral Homes, Blyth Chapel, on May 17. The funeral service was held May 18. Interment was in Blyth Union Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Palliative Care at Grand River Hospital, Freeport Site, Kitchener would be greatly appreciated. Condolences for the Patterson family may be forwarded to www.falconerfuneralhomes.com This year Victim Services of Huron County is celebrating its 10th anniversary of service in Huron County. Victim Services of Huron is dedicated to providing short term emotional support, practical assistance and community referrals to victims of crime, trauma and tragic circumstances in partnership with community and emergency services. This year’s Dancing With the Stars Fundraiser will be held Oct. 5 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Goderich will have five professional dancers teamed up with local celebrities preparing to entertain and dazzle you with their performances. Tickets will be available in early summer. As in past years, they expect to sell out quickly. Stayed tuned for details. Sponsorships of all sizes are available. Victim Services depends upon this fundraiser to enable them to continue to provide continued support, both emotional and practical to victims of trauma throughout Huron County. Without Community support, Victim Services would not be able to provide the level of service that they are proud to offer. This year a Silent Auction is also planned. Donations for the Silent Auction will also be gratefully appreciated. Contact Jan Vogel jan@victimserviceshuron.ca for more information. REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. ALL ARE IN COLOUR 4x6 - $4.00 5x7 - $5.00 8x10 - $8.00 Phone to order ~ 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 North St. West, Wingham Mac & Donna Anderson 519-357-1910 A cemetery is a history of people, a perpetual record of yesterday and a sanctuary of peace and quiet today. A cemetery exists because every life is worth loving and remembering - always Distinctive Memorials of Lasting Satisfaction BOX 158 WINGHAM ONT NOG 2W0 Obituaries Have A New Addition? Call for prices and details 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 Let everyone know about your new bundle of joy! The Citizen By Cheryl Heath Special to The Citizen