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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-02-10, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2005. Hospital reps at Morris-Turnberry meeting By Jim Brown Citizen staff' Representatives from the Wingham and District Hospital were at the first February meeting of Morris-Turnberry council. Chief executive officer Margret Comack and chairperson of the board Verna Steffler attended to make their annual pitch for funding assistance. This year they came prepared. Last year. Morris-Turnberry had requested, if possible, a percentage breakdown of where the users of the hospital resided. According to statistics supplied, there were 1.196 patients from Morris-Turnberry. which was about 7.8 per cent of the hospital users. Following the presentation, council agreed to make a donation of $1,250 to the hospital, which was equal to the fixed cost based on the percentage utilization of the municipality. During the presentation. Comack and Steffler touched on topics such as physician recruitment. Local Health Integrated Network (LH1N) along with the master plan for the hospital. Steffler said as far as physician recruitment is concerned, an annual budget has been developed, but added it will cost more if they get someone. She noted Drs. Shaun and Bonnie Marshall and Mark Moores are bringing in students on a regular basis, to let them get to know the community as well as a small rural hospital setting. Comack had indicated in a letter that they had received approval on their re-application for under­ serviced designation from the Ministry of Health. She indicated the new designation adds North Perth to the existing area. She reported there are a total of 22 physicians in Listowel and Wingham — 12 in Listowel and 10 in Wingham — which means each community is under-serviced by three physicians. Steffler said this would be a good time to inform the council as to what is happening at the hospital and in terms of the whole of health care. Council asked about the LHINs. Steffler said each LH1N would have its own CEO and board in place by April, with the LHIN for Wingham extending from the top of the Bruce Peninsula to Lake Erie. The three largest hospitals would be in London, Stratford and Owen Sound. She stated that Lambton, Kent and Essex Counties were also in the LHIN at first, but a separate area was set up for the hospitals in those three counties, including Sarnia, Chatham and Windsor. Comack said although they are not quite sure what the LHINs are going to look like, they do know they will be responsible for all the health agencies in the area. “This will help promote a better integration of the services.” she said. According to Comack. Ontario is the only province in Canada that has not gone to regional health care. Not only does it improve the way the agencies work together, but it also prevents the gaps that are currently in the system. Steffler is really in favour of this system, noting it looks at the patient as a whole person when it comes to health care and not just one specific area. “This is a good move,” she stated. She indicated she had attended a meeting with six of the agencies serving WDH and found they had a good communication system and they did help each other. Comack interjected they are still supporting strong local governance for each individual hospital in the LHIN. Steffler said the LHINs will also help hospitals recruit more professionals, not just physicians, but others in the medical profession. It will also help in the amount of layoffs, especially of nurses. “1 wouldn't go into nursing now for love nor money,” she said. Comack indicated the hospital has completed a master program that identifies core services and volume projections to 2008 and 2017. The core services are acute care, ambulatory care, emergency care, surgical care, diagnostic imaging and lab services, obstetrics, complex continuing care and rehabilitation. The program utilizes population demographic data and health determinants by age groups to predict health services needs. She said the program provides a comprehensive planning document for programs and services and guides the development of the facility to meet program space requirements. Steffler indicated the emergency department is for emergencies,' but the oncology department has been added to that part of the building resulting in not much room in the emergency department. “When you put one department within another department, there is not enough room,” she stated. Comack added they are working on a master plan which will provide a design development plan for the facility well into the future. She said phased redevelopment is underway, with the priority areas being emergency, ambulatory care, diagnostic imaging and surgical care. Councillor Lynn Hoy asked about a new ambulance garage for Wingham. Comack said they have offered to extend the lease at WDH, but have not heard back from the county. She said any decision on the location would be up to the county. Steffler said when the master plan has been finalized, they will start looking at what has to be done to bring the facility up to current standards. She indicated the operating room was built in 1947 so it is important to update that facility. The Summer Company is back flate.ntine’& The Summer Company is an opportunity for youth to realize their dream of operating a business and bt'ng their own boss, and winning an award of up to $3,000 at the same time. This program, sponsored by the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) is entering its fifth year in Huron County. Be your own boss. Since its and returning to school on a full- time basis in the fall. The business must be a new, first-time venture for the applicant and the completed application form requires a comprehensive business plan. Assistance in the preparation of the plan is available from the Huron Business Enterprise Centre. An information session on the program is being offered on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Huron Business Centre in Seaforth. Find out what’s involved in developing an effective business plan. Pre-register by calling Lisa at 527-0305. For youth 18-29, not in school on a full-time basis, who arp interested in setting up a new business, another MEDT program. My Company, provides training and support in obtaining a loan (not a grant) of up to $15,000. Contact the Business Enterprise Centre in Seaforth at 527-0305 for further details. Remember the deadline for applications is April 4 and your application includes a complete business plan. You must apply online www.ontariocanada.com/summerco mpany Beautiful Spring Bouquets from Luann’s Country Flowers & Gifts Blyth 523-4440 inception. 23 Summer Company awards have been granted in Huron and 23 young people were allowed to spread their, wings and try out a new.business idea. Applications can be accepted online after Feb. 17 and approved in early April. The final deadline for applications is April 4. Training and mentorship is provided during the summer by a volunteer group of Community Mentors. Financial assistance with start-up costs (up to $1,500) is available and, upon successful completion of the program requirements, the student will be eligible for an additional award of up to $1,500. Participants must be aged 15-29 at the time of their application, attending school on a full-time basis (either secondary school or college) Looking for local heroes Last weekend, Bob invited his friends over to help lacquer his floors. It was a blast. The vapours from (C flammable solvents can easily ignite if they come into contact There are so many people out there who do so much to improve their community. Now you have a chance to say thanks. Nominate that special person for the 20th Annual Citizen Citizenship Awards, Each year a committee chooses an outstanding citizen from each of the Blyth and area and Brussels and area communities to receive an award for contribution to the community. If you know someone you think should be honoured, please fill in the ballot and send it in. You may attach a longer explanation of why you think your nominee should win, if you like. If you have nominated someone before and he or she didn't win, please feel free to try again. I nominate------------------- as Citizen of the year for □Blyth & area □ Brussels & area I feel she/he deserves this award because__________________________________________________ with sparks or open flame. They should only be used in well ventilated areas that are free from all ignition sources - including pilot lights. Nomination Deadline April 30, 2005. Name and phone number of nominator______________________________________________________________________________-—