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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-03-12, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2003. Clinton Family Health Network 15th in Ontario By David Emslie Clinton News Record With its official launch last Thursday, the Clinton Family Health Network (FHN) became the 15 th such network to open in Ontario. Clinton physicians were excited earlier this year to announce the formation of the FHN locally, which will see seven doctors working together in a group practice. In a January interview, Dr. Keith Hay, the lead physician in the FHN, said that the advantages that the network will offer “is really exciting for us as physicians.” Dignitaries and guests packed the conference room at Clinton Public Hospital on March 6 to take part in the launch of the Clinton Family Health Network. Peter Brown, vice chair of the Ontario Family Health Network (OFHN), the agency mandated by the provincial government to implement networks across Ontario, began the proceedings, noting it was a pleasure to be there to see the network open its doors. Interest in the FHNs, he suggested, is high, as some 1,200 family practitioners have contacted the provincial body to ask for analysis showing their earning potential in an FHN. OFHN staff, he added, have met with more than 1,800 doctors to discuss network models.“ The message is simple,” Brown said, noting that an FHN allows doctors more time to commit to patients than they previously could, “which of course is the best medicine...” Huron MPP and Minister of Agriculture and Food Helen Johns was on hand for the ceremony, on behalf of Health and Long-Term Care Minister Tony Clement. She said she wanted to commend some of the people involved in the project, including Dr. Keith Hay and his colleagues; Brown, who she sqid she knows is a very capable vice-chair of the OFHN; Dr. Wayne Parson, a board member of the OFHN; and Janet Cameron, “who does great work as board chair of this facility.” Commenting on the seven doctors who will be working within the local network, the agriculture minister said that she knows they want to ensure their community has the best possible health care. “I’m very proud of them.” She later added, “It is quite a vision by the doctors and quite a vision by the hospital to be involved in this.” Stating that she thinks the patients in this area will be very happy with the health network, Johns said it will r ensure 24-hour care, the ability to see a doctor when needed, and improved computer systems to aid the doctors in their work. The doctors involved, she said, 11 Listowel physicians form Network will make the FHN work, and once the network is all set up, she said she will work to get a nurse practitioner to practise in the area. Dr. Hay, during his address, said that he was not there to tell people the family health network reinvented the wheel, but it does provide a model for health care. For years, the doctor said, family physicians have worked under the fee-for-service model, but this model has not always been the best for doctors or patients. I would like to recognize the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,” Hay said, adding he also wanted to acknowledge the support of Clinton Public Hospital and its staff. Residents of North Perth and the surrounding area will now have access to “enhanced primary care” following the opening of the Listowel Clinic Family Health Network recently. Perth-Middlesex MPP Bert Johnston commended the 11 area doctors who had created the network which will provide 24-hour, seven- days-a-week care for enrolled patients. This service will be in addition to 24-hour, seven-day-a-week care offered by Listowel Memorial Hospital and Listowel Clinic. Dr. Barry Neable, lead doctor in the network, said the new endeavour will help bring more funding to the comunity and make the recruitment of new physicians easier. Though patients may not see much change in care, provincial reports state that the network will allow doctors to “offer more accessible, more co-ordinated care to patients and be paid appropriately for it.” The altered funding model may also create more work for nurse practitioners and other physician­ support personnel. Some doctors are unable to bill for hired nurse practitioners while the network receives funding for such positions. Doctors in the network will use information technology to connect to other health care providers caring for a patient. The electronic health care records are currently going on-line. People win with Eat Smart! From all comers of the county, people have been finding out that there’s more than one way to WIN ... when you Eat Smart! The Eat Smart! restaurant contest, running from Feb. 1 to March 31, is half-way through and ready over 1,500 ballots have been entered. The eight Eat Smart! restaurants are Bluevale Kountry Kitchen, Bluevale; Burger Bar, Goderich; Lil’ Miss Muffins, Goderich; Deli- Licious, Clinton; Fireside Cafe, Wingham; Riverboat Restaurant, Wingham; Harbour Restaurant, Bayfield and Redwood Restaurant, Clifford. Along with Eat Smart! restaurant gift certificates, contest winners have received passes or coupons towards recreational activities such Elaine Fabian, Barb Forbes, Clayton Groves, Uretta Harris, Peggy Hatherley, Tracy Hill, Merv Hoy, David Ingles, Joe Johnson, Allan Krotz, Hugh Litt, Bob MacArthur, Bev McBride, Warren McLeod, Teegan Muggridge, Penny Mulvey, Cathy Percival, Bill Rawlings, Nyle Soehner, Marita Taylor, Edith Walker, Millie Westley. When visiting the county’s eight Eat Smart! restaurants, customers have found not only the chance to win great prizes, but the opportunity to make healthier eating choices when dining out. Each eatery offers healthy menu choices, has more non-smoking seating than is required by law, and has an exceptional record in safe food handling practices. A little help please When the students from Blyth Public School took a little time away from classes last week for some fun at the rink, this young man decided a pylon was the perfect balancing instrument. (Janice Becker photo) Stating that the doctors in the network are looking forward to working with the ministry, CPH and the community, Dr. Hay concluded, “Thank you for this opportunity.” • O O® f°r (faceted, 1& (Janette "Mtefcae at the Brussels, Morris & Grey Community Centre on SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 2003 9 pm to 1 am Music by D.J. Lunch provided Age of majority required Tickets $5.00 For tickets, contact Jason © 357-4041, Aaron © 357-2738 or Mike © 357-3045 J Stag & Doe .6 ® for 3" Jenny Haines && □ Kevin Hallahan « Saturday, March 15 # 9 pm -1 am Blyth Community Centre O Ji Music by Party Patrol Tickets: $5 in advance, $6 at the door • Age of majority* Lunch provided Buses from Wingham & Belgrave Jjja For bus or ticket info Lg| Sarah 357-1098 or Beau 357-4686 *W| as golf, swimming, bowling, squash and more. February’s Eat Smart! winners were: Karen Burke, Jeff Cardiff, XVI hosts supper, euchre The Majestic Women’s Institute held a delicious casserole supper followed by euchre in the Brussels Library on Thursday evening with a good attendance. , The 50/50 draw was won by Marie Park of Blyth. At the lucky table were Dona Knight, Les Knight, Elnued McNair and Helen Gallop. The high prizes were won by Mary Huether and Marie Park. Lows were Jean Bewley, Mary Davidson and Bill Craig. Most lone hands were Viola Kirkby and Allan Edgar. Tally prizes went to Vera and Kay Hesselwood, Emerson Mitchell, Stewart Musgrove, Leona McDonald, Viola Adams, Joann MacDonald, Isabelle Craig, Lois and Mervyn Schneider, Jim Knight. The next euchre party will be held in April with the proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society. For more information about the Eat Smart! Restaurant program or contest, please contact the Huron County Health Unit at 482-3416 or if calling long distance, dial 1-877- 837-6143. Take Heart Huron's Annual Women’s event ITALIA BELLA CCrADTCR TPlI ID -u- tbuUK I tU I UUrv ^tlJORLD 9 days / 7 nights - Air Included Rome * Naples * Pompei Sorrento * Capri * Palermo Monreale * Trapani * Marsala * Erice * Agrigento * Piazza Armerina * Taormina * Catania $1899 CAD p.p./dbl Departs Thursdays, May 8 - June 12 Air from Toronto via Air Tranaat, Terms & conditions apply See World ol Vacations ltal-a Sela brochure. Prices subject to change Taxes & travel totaled lees are extra. Subject to avaitebrity Carlson Wagonlit Ellison Travel Exeter 235-2000 or 1-800-265-7022 Goderich 524-8692 or 1-877-847-1272 Exeter open Saturdays and evenings by appointment www.ettravel.com Goderich open Saturday 9am-1pm For tickets call Huron County Health Unit 482-3416 or if long distance 1-877-837-6143 Juno nominated Rosalie Moscoe Thursday, April 3 6:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus Hall, WINGHAM $5