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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2004-11-10, Page 5News Local doctors unhappy about budget directive from province, says Jewson By Donal O'Connor Strafford Beacon Herald staff The chief of medical staff for the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance told the board last Thursday there's "a huge amount of unhappiness among physicians with the whole idea of the budget process." Dr. Fred Jewson was referring to the Ontario government's directive to hospitals to balance their budgets even if it involves reducing beds and cutting services. "Physicians in general are holding their breath and I would suggest they're not terribly happy with what they see on the horizon," he said, noting that area doctors are probably in a situation no different from those elsewhere. In his report to the board, Jewson mentioned that the credentials and manpower committee has a vision of looking not only at the quality of applicants but toward the personnel needs of the alliance, including the impact of services available beyond the hospital group's borders to see what's reasonable for the future. However, he suggested that's difficult under current circumstances, since "we have no idea how the environment is going to change around us." Jewson also praised the board for the decision-making process around the balanced budget plan. "During times of stress when the government hijacks the agenda and threatens our values, we can take pride in our thoughtful, informed debate, as well as the willingness to look to the horizon," he said in his written report to the board. "We need to keep our perspective and look for the opportunities that inevitably come with change. The lack of parochial interest, my site versus yours, was indeed heartening" Reinforcing Jewson's r 1, An drew lams Will report about doctors' concerns was a Dr. Peter Johnston, site chief at St. Marys Memorial Hospital, referring to the budgetary proposal • ecently submitted to the Ministry of Health. "It was telt, to a doctor, that these proposed cuts would severely and negatively impact upon the health care of St. Marys and area patients, both in accessibility of care and waiting times for services," the report said. Ironically, as hospitals scramble with plans to reduce certain services to balance their budgets for 2005, the provincial government has requested hospitals indicate their interest in expanding cataract report from and hip- and knee - replacement services. Alliance CEO Andrew Williams said it's the hospital group ' s intention to submit an expression of interest on a full -cost recovery basis. He referred to the request from the province as "somewhat counter intuitive" to the current discussions around balanced budget plans. Williams told the board that a formal response to the hospital's budget plan, submitted Oct. 29 to the Health Ministry, is expected by the end of this month and will hopefully outline the process the alliance will enter into during the review period. Quoted 'Physicians in general are holding their breath and I would suggest they're not terribly happy with what they see on the horizon,' -- Dr. Fred Jewson, chief of medical staff Child porn bylaw called stepping stone to federal action on issue From Page 1 Deputy -Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he supported the bylaw because it doesn't restrict local internet service providers from doing their business and because local police officers are in favour of it. "I think this is a good stepping stone. It's simple enough that other municipalities can use it but I'm hoping it doesn't stop at the local level. Hopefully, it ends up at the federal level," said MacLellan. Beaven said that while the intention of the bylaw was never to rid the country of child porn single-handedly, it will "start the ball rolling and other municipalities can take it up." "This is a federal jurisdiction and they have not gotten involved in the matter to the extent that we have here," said Beaven. "I will he very proud when this bylaw is null and void because the federal government has done what it needed to do," he said. Council also passes a motion supporting a resolution from the Canadian Association of Internet Providers promoting a national multi -faceted solution to the problem of online child explotation and the distribution of child porn over the internet. The resolution also encourages the National Working Group formed by the National Child Explotation Coordination Centre (RCMP), C'ybertip.ca and the Internet industry to work towards a viable solution to child porn on the intemet. Walking trails planned to promote fitness in Huron East's three urban areas By Susan Hun dart mark Expositor Editor Nine walking trails, three in each of Huron East's largest urban centres of Seaforth, Brussels and Vanastra, are being mapped out in anticipation of funding up to $13,500 from a Ministry of Tourism and Recreation grant. Huron East recently applied for funding for a walking trail project, to which Huron East has already pledged $1,500 and the Huron County Health Unit has also pledged $1,500. With the aim of improving the fitness level of Huron East residents and providing an activity for tourists who want to explore the municipality, the trail project plans to provide three walking trails in each community from one to five kilometres in length. "The marking of the routes is in progress and by spring we hope to have a brochure available," says Ralph Laviolette, economic development officer for Huron East. In Seaforth, the one - kilometre trail is tentatively planned for a route from town hall, past the cenotaph to Lions Park and back. The three -kilometre trail would run from the arena through Seaforth's residential area including its nursing homes and churches and back while the five -kilometre trail is planned to run down Main Street from the arena to Van Egmond House. In Brussels, the one - kilometre trail is planned to travel, around the Brussels, Morris and Grey Conmunity Centre, the three -kilometre trail is planned to run along the south bank of the Maitland River and the five - kilometre trail will run along the north bank of the river. In Vanastra, the one - kilometre trail will he located around the recreation centre complex, the three -kilometre trail will run through the residential area and the five -kilometre trail will go through both residential and industrial sections of the community. Laviolette says the idea began after he spoke to bed and breakfast owners in Seaforth who complained that their visitors weren't certain where to walk when they visited Huron East. "The trails will give them an idea of where to go after walking downtown and it will be an exercise route for all," he says. Fitness stations could also be placed along the trails, with instructions for exercises ranging from beginner to advanced. The trails are planned to be marked with animal footprints painted on the sidewalks, with a rabbit print for the short trail, a tiger print for the medium trail and a horseshoe print for the long trail. And, brochures will includes points of interest along the trail, such as churches and historic buildings. "We're hoping it will become a tourist attraction," says Laviolette. He adds that walking clubs could also be encouraged for seniors. That's why some of the trails will travel past the local retirement homes. "Of Huron East's total population of 9,680, more than 24 per cent are over the age of 55. In a rural community, there is also a higher than average amount of seniors in the small urban areas of the community. Walking programs are currently being offered through recreation programs but there is a need for more variety and marked trails to encourage independent physical activity," says the funding application. Paul Steckle never regretted being Liberal, he tells class From Pogo 1 and make it real for them," said Ducharme, adding that the students learned about the structure and responsibility of the government Ducharmc said that some of the children were really excited about the visit and wanted Steckle's autograph. "I didn't realize how excited they were," said Ducharme. "There were a few that wanted to wear tuxedos or wondered if they should get dressed up." Steckle said that getting students informed about government is very important to him. "I think that young people need to get a sense of citizenship early on," said Steckle. "i have made this a very important part of my working time in the riding," he said. Road Watch Huron is a community initiative empowering people to save lives. If you observe an act of impaired or aggressive driving on the roads of Huron County please fill in a citizen report form. ROAD WATCH' Forms are available at ihe following locations: Bayfield • Bayfield Garage Blyth • Scrimgeour's Food Market Brussels • J.R.'s Gas Bar & Take Out Clinton • Moore's Knechtel Food Market • Wink's Gas Station Exeter • Hansen's Your Independent Grocer • Municipadty of South Huron Hensall • Bob Erb's Garage Seaforth • Mac's Milk • Seaforth Food Market Zurich • Erb's Country Kitchen For more information call Huron County Health Unit 482-3416 or if long distance 1-877-837-6143 THE HURON EXPOSITOR, Nov. 10, 20044 9 Looking Glass 4 Malts St., Seaforth _ .. 527-1783 *Reflexolo *Deep Muscle Therapy *Ear Candling OReiki In Home Services Provided gift Certificates Available Jennifer McClinchey o. Rr 41' Egmondville Unite Church Presents `SUGAR PLUM" TEA & BAZAAR Saturday, Nov 13, 2004 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Preserves, Gift Items Crafts, Baking, Christmas Cakes Visit our Tea Room and put your name in the draw on the Doll house r- 97 west William St Seaforth, ON NOK IWO Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company Exeter, Ontario NOM ISI (Established in 1876) Provides Full Insurance Coverage for Farm Properties New Applications Are Welcomed DIRECTORS & ADJUSTORS Joe Chaffe, R.R. 5 Mitchet 348-9705 Ron Feeney, R.R. 2 Dubin iany Gardner, R.R. 2 Stafta Jack Hodgert, R.R.1 Kirkton Michael O'Shea, R.R. 3 Granton Moms Wks, R.R. 2 St Pauls AGENTS Wayne Maver, Exeter David Moore, Dublin Barb Worden, Dubin Joseph Uniac, Mitdnell Head Office, Exeter 345-2360 345-2678 229.6152 225-2600 393-6548 235-1915 345-2512 345-2512 348-9012 235-0350 etes We are pleased tp invite you to a FREE Demo Day on Friday, Nov. 19th, 2004 From 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Healthcare Professional will teach patients with diabetes and family membersthe importance of choosing the right foods, and how a healthy diet can help you control your blood glucose levels. Components of this Demo Day will include:: • Following a healthy diet • Controlling your blood glucose levels • Using the Accu -Check blood glucose monitors Make an appointment now to participate in this Demo Day! KEATING'S PHARMACY 67 Main St., Seaforth 527-1990 Church Services BEREAN COVENANT CHURCH A BRANCH OF GRACE TRINITY COMMUNITY CHURCH Orange Hall, Seaforth 527.0029 4 pm Worship Servlss Pastoral Taam: Pastor Bob Penh crow Pastor Ron Matthews Pastor Royal Hemel You are invited to attend these area churches St. Thomas Anglican Church A Congregation 01 the Pariah of fie Holy Spirit Jarvis 8t. Seaforth Fr. Michael Atkins Parish Office 527-1522 Sunday, November 14 Sunday Worshl - 9:30 am Mondays - Prayer Group at 7 pn Grows Group at 7.30 pn Chancel Ositi les - Nov 13. al 10-30 am 15om Ann/wary 7Ccvi nee - pm Nov. 16 al Catholic Church St. James RC Church 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 527-0142 Weekend Masses: Sat 5:15 pm Sun. 11:00 am St. Columban RC Church Saturday Mass at 7:30 pm Father Lance Magdzfak Bethel Bible Church An Associated Gospel Church 128 Main $t. Seaforth 527-0982 Sunday Worship Hour 11 am Sunday School 9:45 am Jim Wylie - Pastor NORTHSIDE - CAVAN UNITED CHURCHES Cavan 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Northside Winthrop 54 Cioderich St. W. Minister Rev. John Gould Su.vy, November 14 11:00 a.m. A Famine In Nearing the Word of the Lord N.S. Glitter & Gifts Gala - Sat. Nov.13 Egmondville United Church Sunday, Novembe►14 Worship Service at 11 am Sunday School • Ages 6 & up . 10 am Steve Hildebrand Lay Pastoral Minister In Training Everyone Welcome Sugar Plum Bazaar Saturday, November 13 gam -4:90 pm First Presbyterian Church Goderlch St. W., Seaforth SUN., NOVEMBER 14 Guest Minister Rev. Leslie Files 11:15 am Service SUN., NOVEMBER 21 will be our anniversary service with special music by Jubilation