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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-06-14, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2000. Walkerton crisis impacts hospital By Jim Brown Advance-Times Staff The Wingham District Hospital was kept busy by the recent E coli crisis in Walkerton. Site Administrator Margret Comack reported to the board that the hospital received a significant increase in activity in the emergency department and the out-patient labo­ ratory. She indicated the patients were coming in for assessment, advice or testing of water and stool samples. “We have had no patients in our hospital who have tested positive for E.coli." said Comack. Integrated leadership team mem­ ber Pat Pietrek reported the Walkerton crisis did impact the out­ patient services with a significant increase in volumes through the emergency department. She added the further water inci­ dent at Belgrave continued to create a demand for telephone triage and outpatient services. “The same impact has been experi­ enced in the lab." said Pietrek. She stated staff are processing numerous specimens for culture, performing blood tests needed to monitor patients, and providing the kits and explanations required for water testing. “Many of them have worked long hours and extra shifts in order to meet the demands and are to be com­ mended for their willingness to do so.” she said. According to Comack, the Ministry of Health has promised the London Health Sciences Centre they would cover the financial cost of the Walkerton crisis. Comack added the WDH will be tracking the activity increase in the ER and laboratory and work out an estimate of cost to. submit as an invoice to the MOH. “It will not be insignificant,” said Comack. She stated the Belgrave situation has also settled, but the hospital will continue to be watchful as there are still many patients from the Walkerton area in hospitals. As water is tested in surrounding communities, the public is more needy of information from hospital staff and physicians. RESTRUCTURING The Health Services Restructuring Commission report on the Huron Perth Hospitals Partnership was favourable in supporting the work done to date. Comack told the board. She said the ministry appears to be focusing on siting and sizing of the networked hospitals. She indicated this means a reduc­ tion in the number of chronic care beds from 18 to 10. “We are currently using approxi­ mately six beds or less." she said. Comack stated the allocation of additional rehab beds for the net­ work is good. She said they are negotiating with­ in the Clinic Program Plan to have part of the rehab bed increase (15 to 29) allocated for Stratford to be located at Wingham. Originally, the hospital had five rehab beds but they included with either chronic or acute beds. Comack stated they are negotiat­ ing for the return of the original five plus an additional five. According to the report, the total of 29 rehab beds may be appropri­ ately sited to more than the Stratford site depending on the configuration for acute care services and the avail­ ability of expertise. OPERATING PLAN Comack told the board the operat­ ing plan for 2000-2001 is on its way to the ministry. She indicated there would be ar integrated narrative for the Huror Perth Hospitals Partnership However, the budgets for each indi vidual hospital will be attached as < separate document. Due to the crisis in Walkerton, the hospital has not heard of any addi­ tional funding from the ministry, bui is expecting an additional two tc three per cent. She said the ministry promised tc do the recalculations for each operat­ ing plan after they are submitted. School and community effort While several Brussels Public School students helped plant the last few seeds in the schools Earth Friendly Garden, numerous families in the village will volunteer their time this summer to help look after the project. Earth Friendly Garden program co-ordinator Lynda Rotteau was on hand Monday morning to watch the children work. University of Guelph student Lorie Ann Black will speak with senior students about a landscaping project which will get underway at the front of the school next fall. Pictured are, from left: Nanci Ducharme, Janna Dodds, Eliza Dodds, Lindsay Watson, Kiley Deitner, Rotteau, Colleen Aitchison, Zach Hoegy and Joseph Kerkhof. WDH committee continues search By Jim Brown Advance-Times Staff Another mailing has been com­ pleted by the recruitment committee of the Wingham District Hospital Board. Verna Steffler reported that 400 letters were sent out to physicians in the Greater Toronto Area. She said they were advised to advertise in the Medical Post and to possibly use a brochure. The physicians they are contacting should be informed about what elec­ tives are available in Wingham. The next recruitment tour by the Huron Perth Hospitals Partnership is set for Sept. 21-29, with the group going to the medical school in London first, then Hamilton, Toronto, Kingston and finally Ottawa. She felt one of the new doc­ tors in town should accompany the tour. Steffler said a doctor from Newfoundland was to make his sec­ ond visit to the area yesterday, Tuesday. She added there is a doctor in Wallaceburg whose wife is a minis­ ter and has accepted a charge in Belgrave. “It would be nice to talk to him to see if he would come here and set up practice as a GP,” said Steffler. She stated it would be great if they could convince one or both doctors to stay. Got a Gad that's hard to buy for? Check out these Maintenance Service Packages Gas Car and Light Truck and maintenance service package • 2 lube, oil, filter •2 lube, oil, filter, tire rotate ’127 value for S99.95 plus taxes Diesel maintenance service package • 2 lube, oil, filter • 2 lube, oil, filter, tire rotate ’215 value for S 159.95 plus taxes Car Care Package • lube * oil • ftiter change • exterior wash • interior cleanup (dash, windows, vacuum, carpet & mats) $75 value for $59.95 plus taxes | Packages include a courtesy inspection form which includes a 39 point check and includes checking all fluid levels. With each tire rotation, you receive a free brake inspection and report. Getting it together The congregation of Brussels United Church was busy preparing food on Sunday for the annual garden party at the arena. Cutting buns were from left: Laura Barbour, Krysten Cardiff and Allyson Cardiff. (Vicky Bremner photo) 701 Campbell Street, Lucknow 528-2813 /