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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-04-01, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987. Doctors want link with ambulance The new centralized system for dispatching ambulances was again a topic of discussion for members of the Wingham and District Hospital’s board of governors. At the board’s March meeting, Dr. Brian Hanlon, chief of medical staff at the hospital and board vice-chairman, said doctors had lost the opportunity to communi­ cate directly with the ambulance drivers since the changeover to a central dispatching system in February. During a recent emergency involving an accidental shooting, emergency room medical staff was aware of the incoming patient, but were unable to speak directly with the ambulance personnel to deter­ mine the seriousness of the injury. Predetermination would have aid­ ed doctors in preparing for treat- mentof that case, Dr. Hanlon said. Before the new system was put intoplace, thehospital did have direct radio contact with the ambulances and Dr. Hanlon asked if there were a way to return that important communications link to the emergency room medical staff. Executive Director Norman Hayes reported that although the hospital has plans to install a radio in the ambulance, he believed that equipment would be for monitor­ ing ambulance calls only. Howev­ er, he promised to investigate the possibility of having two-way equipment installed and report on that investigation at the April meeting. The new system was also discussed during an earlier meet­ ing of the public relations commit­ tee, the board was told. Chairman Shirley Garniss said the consensus of the committee appeared to be that problems surrounding the sent to homes in that area, the board was told. Mrs. Garniss also mentioned that the committee felt some of the other problems resulting from the changeover could be worked out internally with hospital staff. It is believed these problems involve the unfamiliarity of some personnel with the new system. changeover will solve themselves in time. Most of the confusion seems to result from the unfamiliarity of the new ambulance telephone num­ ber, “but it will eventually work itself out,” she said. The commit­ tee plans to make available information stickers, with the new ambulance telephone number, which can be picked up at the __ hospital. 1“ Although the stickers had been distributed by mail earlier this year, some people continue to call theoldnumberonly to be told to hang up and dial the new one. In addition, post offices at Belgrave and Bluevale were miss­ ed in that mailing, which could have contributed to the confusion. However, stickers have now been Hanging up the skates Canada”, he says. There would have been no opportunities for him to build a business in Europe as he has in Canada, he said. Although they have travelled back to the Netherlands several times in the intervening years they’re always glad to “get home” to Canada. Travel is one of the items on their agenda for the coming years. The other bigjoy Pietwill have more time to enjoy is his love of the outdoors. Continued from page 3 many people but “It’s time to hang up our skates.” Piet says he enjoyed being in business, recalling something his father once said that “an ounce business is better than a pound of work.” “ We ’ re a team, he says of he and Ann. “If we weren’t we wouldn’t have lasted.” “I thank God that I came to Local men remanded on break-in charges Continued from page 1 damage under $1,000 by breaking a window at the office last December. Allan Richards of RR 3, Brussels and Daniel John Kirk of RR 3, Zurich, were jointly charged with four counts of breaking, entering and theft involving residences in WestWawanosh, Morris and Grey Townships. The pair were remand­ ed to April 22 for election of plea. William Siegrist of Brussels has been sentenced to nine months in jail after pleading guilty to several counts of breaking, entering and theft at residences in and around Brussels over the pastyear, as well as being ordered to make restitu­ tion in excess of $3,200 for jewellery allegedly taken in some of the break-ins. Mr. Sigrist was also sentenced to a three-month consecutive jail term after plead­ ing guilty to one count of posses­ sion of a narcotic. Robert Walker of Walton was commanded to stand trial before a county court judge in Goderich on a family-related matter arising from an incident which took place last summer. No date has been set for the hearing. Hilbert Van Ankum of RR 2, Wroxeter appeared at Wingham District Court on a charge of failing to provide adequate care for a mule, and was remanded to April 22 for plea. The case has been the target of a number of letters to the editors in several papers, from farmers who have lept to the defence of Mr. Van Ankum after the charge was laid by the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane So­ ciety in February. Wingham Hospital anticipates surplus It appears likely the Wingham and District Hospital will end its currentfiscal year with an anticipa- ted surplus of at least $250,000, members of the hospital’s board of governor’s were told last week. News of the anticipated surplus was disclosed by Robert Pike, finance and audit committee chair­ man, during presentation of his report to the board’s March meeting. Mr. Pike told the meeting a number of factors have contributed towhat has proved to be a complete turnaround from the board expect­ ations of a year ago when it approved the current budget. At that time, the board had prepared itself for the possibility of facing a fairly substantial deficit at the end of its fiscal year. AttheendofFebruary, 1986, the hospital’s financial statement showed a surplus of $275,000, but this figure reflects a short-month situation where monthly expenses were slightly lower than normal because of fewer days in the month. However, Mr. Pike said that by the March 31 end of this fiscal year, the anticipated surplus should still be at least $250,000. Of the factors contributing to the surplus situation, some were beyond thecontrol of the board, while others were the result of discretionary action taken by the governors throughout the year. Among the contributing items listed by Mr. Pike are: •Increased revenue from a $150,000 government grant for increased activity. Although the hospital had been hopeful in applying for this grant, its award was not taken for granted, he said. •Increased interest on hospital accounts as the result of working from a surplus position rather than a deficit. •Increased donations In addition, a number of expend­ itures were lower than anticipated to also enhance the surplus. Savings generated by these items include: Continued on page 27 for Earl & Marg Caldwell fortheir 50th Anniversary Saturday, April 11 2-4p.m.&7-9p.m. attheir home on Queen Street Blyth Best Wishes Only A Call to Action on Primary Education Attention all teachers, principals, vice-principals, administrators, board members, parents, and interested persons. You are invited to a PUBLIC MEETING on Early Primary Education Guest Speaker: Fran Poleschuk Director - Early Primary Education Project Place: Clinton Public School Time 8:00 p.m. Date: Monday, April 6, 1987 Sponsored by Federation of Women Teachers’ Associations of Ontario and Huron Women Teachers’ Association An open house will be held to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of Isabel and Bill Elston at the Wingham Golf & Curling Club from 2 - 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. Everyone welcome. Best wishes only. 1832 Open6a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. & Sat. till 12:00 PHONE 523-9381 for information l94JosephincSt. WINGHAM 357-3341 Licenced LLBO occasions. Use our facilities or we will cater 275 Mitchell Road 291-2901 Your Host: John Visser Triple K Restaurant BLYTH 523-9623 Welcome To BLYTH THELITTLEINN q/BAYFIELD For reservations 519-565-2611 Blytp Ipp ROADHOUSE 23 RESTAURANT The Home for Everyone Let us cater to your needs Banquets, meetings, special in your home or hall of your choice •Breakfast specials Special meals every day Maitland Restaurant Everyday Special Award winning dining room Open year around Open: 6 days a week 6:30a.m.-7p.m. Closed Sundays [ Highway 23 S. ] Listowel