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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-01-27, Page 20PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2005. Hospital board member reports to M-T By Jim Brown Citizen staff Margaret Stapleton. the southeast region representative on the Wingham and District Hospital Board, gave a report to Morris- Tumberry council on Jan. 18. She reported the eight-hospital Huron Perth Hospital Partnership was dissolved in 2003. with the Wingham and District and the Listowel Memorial Hospitals forming an alliance. During the five years of the HPHP. Wingham and Listowel hospitals had forged a close relationship, even sharing administrative staff. According to Stapleton. the two hospitals were similar in size and scope so found it necessary to work together. “The alliance has allowed the two hospitals to develop a shared vision and strategy for providing health into Tai chi A tai chi program is being offered at the Anglican Church hall every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:45 to 10:15 a.m. Program co-ordinator Jan Vodden, right, leads a group in tai chi for arthritis during an open house this past Tuesday morning. (Jim Brown photo) the 21st century." she said. While there are a number of on­ going issues for the alliance, such as physician recruitment and staffing, she said there have also been a number of accomplishments over the past year. The recruitment of physicians will continue now that all of Huron and Perth Counties have been declared under-serviced areas. Stapleton noted that recruitment for all professional staff, including nurses, laboratory and diagnostic technicians, speech and physiotherapists is also on-going. “All hospital professionals are in short supply and their recruitment continues to be a challenge." she said. A lot ot nurses at both hospitals are getting near retirement, and the two hospitals could end up sharing nursing staff. Stapleton said presently 50 percent of the nursing staff is full time at the WDH, and they would like increase that to 70 per cent. In order to reach that goal, nurses may have to work at both hospitals to get full-time hours. She added that unions would have to come on-side. She said each hospital has proceeded with a comprehensive planning process to define the future health needs of the communities, including both in-patient and out­ patient services. “Listowel is continuing with its redevelopment project. while Wingham's master program has been completed, defining health services in the community to the year 2017." said Stapleton. “This planning process will provide both sites with comprehensive plans for redevelopment over the next 20 years to meet expected standards for patient care.” Even though the emergency area is only 20 years old. she said there are some areas that are under-utilized and they are looking at ways to use Change in funding for NH By Pauline Kerr Windham Advance Times A recent press conference was held at the Morris-Turn berry council chambers to announce federal and provincial funding for various water projects in Morris-Turnberry and North Huron, primarily for the Belgrave system which involves both municipalities. At the time of the announcement, a press release was issued by the federal and provincial more of the emergency department. She indicated each site successfully completed an accreditation process in 2004, with Wingham receiving a three-year accreditation and a favourable report being received. Both Wingham and Listowel sites operate state-of-the-art diagnostic digital imaging equipment through the financial assistance of both communities. “Last fall’s radio-thon provided funds for equipment purchases at both hospitals,” stated Stapleton. She noted that both Wingham and Listowel hospitals have submitted balanced budgets to the government for approval, but will still be aided by the province's most recent announcement of additional funding to hospitals. “Right now, we are above water,” she said. The District Health Councils are being dissolved and replaced by Local Health Integrated Networks representatives indicating North Huron's application for additional funding was included in the total. Now it appears such was not the case. During the Jan. 18 meeting of council, treasurer Donna White said a clarification from the province and federal government stated the money did not include the extra amount. White later said she anticipated no difficulties with the municipality's application for funding to cover the (LHINs) and Stapleton indicated Wingham is part of the southwest region which extends from Tobermory in the north to Lake Erie in the south. There are three larger hospital sites in the region - London, Stratford and Owen Sound — and it is hoped the smaller hospitals won't get lost in the shuffle. She indicated the LHINs will be responsible for distributing health care funding and services, although their exact role has yet to be defined. Mayor Dorothy Kelly stated someone from this area should be appointed to the LH1N. Stapleton said the Wingham-Listowel Alliance has submitted Murray Gaunt’s name for appointment. In concluding her report. Stapleton said the WDH is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2006 and with several events being planned. Morris- Turnberry residents and council representatives are encouraged to take part and attend. difference between initial estimates and the actual cost of the water projects in Blyth and Wingham. North Huron is still awaiting receipt of a substantial amount of money for water improvement projects already completed. In a previous interview, White noted that while the municipality has had to borrow money to complete the projects, the interest charges are not considered eligible expenses for federal and provincial funding. SCRIMGEOUR’S Food Market FT 209 Drummond Street, Blyth Onen 7 Davs A Week. Tel: .‘>19-523-4551 MMWRMIHMM l>,!..!.!Open 7 Days A Week. 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