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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2006-08-03, Page 20Meeting the Minister George Smitherman, Minister of Health visited Huron County recently and dropped into the Wingham and District Hospital to announce funding. From left, John Lowe, RN; Smitherman; Jennifer Goetz, RN and Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. (signal Star photo) Canada Grade "AA" "VALU PAC" STRIP LOIN STEAKS Schneider's 450 g RED HOTS WIENERS Schneider's 500 g SIDE BACON Fresh store ground LEAN GROUND BEEF Cott 12 x 355 ml CANNED POP Italpasta 28 oz. TOMATOES Compliments Valu POTATO CHIPS Dare 350 g COOKIES Compliments Valu FRUIT SALAD CUPS $299 case • 8 9tin 4/300 $99 II pkg. .99pkg. 2 $500 $g 69 tin $ 1 99 2/$ 7 00 $1 69 is pkg. v$ 7 00 2/$7 00 S=99 gkilr lb. 179 pkg. (Reg. $5.69 pkg.) 7 00 $111 99 lb. a SC UM Product of USA 1 lb. Clam Shell STRAWBERRIES-5 4 99 Product of Canada BLUEBERRIES Compliments Valu 8's HOT DOG OR HAMBURG BUNS Schneider's 500 g OKTOBERFEST SAUSAGE Folger's 1 kg GROUND COFFEE Aylmer 1 LT. 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Other initiatives include : • Increasing operating grant funding to hospitals to $12.9 billion in 2006/07, $13.4 billion in 2007/08, and $14 billion in 2008/09. • Reducing wait times for five-key health care services (hip and knee joint replacement, cataract surgeries, MRI exams, cancer surgeries and cardiac procedures) with a recent investment of $222.5 million • Issuing requests for proposals for 11 new hospital projects in 2006/07 worth $2 billion. This initiative is part of the McGuinty government's plan for innovation in public health care to build a system that delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and providing better access to doctors and nurses. Province announces more funding for community care The McGuinty government is improving access to health care services for the Wingham community • by supporting redevelopment plans at Wingham and District Hospital, Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman announced recently. "We are on the side of Ontario families who want the best health care, including quality hospital care," said Smitherman. "The $250,000 funding we're announcing means there will be even better emergency, ambulatory care, diagnostic and surgical services to serve the needs of Wingham area residents." The government's investment will go toward plans to renovate and expand an aging facility. The redevelopment will focus on expanding the hospital's capacity for primary and ambulatory care, which will result in better access to quality hospital services for people in and around Wingham. "We are pleased with the government's support for our redevelopment plans," said Margret Comack, chief executive officer of the Wingham and District Hospital." This funding is another step towards upgrading and modernizing the hospital." "Our government has a vision of a. health care system that is going to help keep Ontarians healthier, get them good care when they are sick, and be there for them for generations to come," said Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell. "Today's "When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, my father decided he would like to die at home surrounded by family. This was made possible largely through the care provided by the CCAC team. The care flowed smoothly. There was a familiarity yet it was never intrusive." Susan Bowman is describing her father's last days between December 2005 and March 2006. She was the featured speaker at an event on July 13, when Minister George Smitherman visited Seaforth to announce additional funding for community care. This announcement was part of a $118 million province-wide increase in funding for community care, including funding directed to respond to Elinor Caplan's review of CCACs published in May 2005. "Home care is a cornerstone of the government's plan to transform health care," the former federal cabinet minister wrote in her report. "Providing more skilled care in the community allows Ontarians to leave hospital sooner or even avoid hospitalization, which reduces wait times for hospital services. Ontario is committed to providing high quality home care." In his remarks, Smitherman acknowledged the important place of CCACs in Ontario's health system. "The best health care," he said, "is the health care you find close to home." He also noted the key role that CCACs can play in reducing hospital wait times. "To perform their roles optimally, hospitals need partnership with community health care. At the community level we must complement the work of hospitals, freeing up their resources to do the work they need to do." Smitherman, whose sister trained as a PSW, explained their role by saying, "They bring the love." Four hundred people are employed by CCAC for Huron and its contracted service provider agencies, serving some 4,000 clients each year. "We are here to help support people in their homes and in their lives, including the end of life," said Kathy Scanlon, CCAC executive director, after thanking the Minister. "We are all truly touched when we are able to make a difference in people's lives." Bowman's father received regular visits from a nurse and personal support workers, and occasional visits from an occupational therapist and nutritionist, as well as his family doctor. Bowman said her young children felt more comfortable visiting their grandfather at home than in the hospital. "We were holding each other when the end came:' she said. "It was a privilege to be there at the moment of passing." • The new funding will ensure that more patients can choose to die at home, with dignity and comfort. After listening to Bowman's story, Bob Pike, a member of the Huron board, commented, "This is why I became a board member — to work with very special people who do important work, always with caring and compassion."