HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1996-10-30, Page 2Page 2
Times -Advocate, October 30, 1996
THF NEWS
South Huron Hospital staff n, 4 o i shows people the x-ray department on
Oct. 20. The two-hour tour also at waiting room, emergency department
and lab renovations. Tour participants also got a glimpse of an ultrasound unit and filing
system as well as offices for health records, adminstration, payroll, computers, finances,
photocopying, storage and radiology reporting. The renovations began in the fall of 1994
and were finished with the completion of the lab six weeks ago. Following the tour, infor-
mation on a Hospital and Health Related Service Study was distributed.
Task force studying hospitals
Hospital Study Task Force pro-
cers is on schedule. Despite the
challenging time frame for the__
study, the Task Force remains on
schedule. The Task Force reviewed
working papers on the following: a
district Health Profile; the use of
the current hospital system; the re-
sults of the "banchmarking"
(Benchmarking refers to the pro-
cess of comparing hospital use date
for patients of similar ages within
similar ,sized hospitals across the
province. This process allows for
the identification of potential areas
for improvement.) analyses; and an
architectubl assessment of the
eight hospitals in Huron Perth. Al-
though these four working papers
are still in draft form, in brief, the
reports reveal the follo'ving:
Health Profile - Compared with
provincial average, Huron Perth
residents tend to be relatively
healthy. The population age struc-
ture and the rural nature of our dis-
trict will be important to consider
in order to ensure access to the nec-
essary hospital services.
The Current .HoopOul System
There are currently,,346 acute oai+•>;,
beds available within the district
with an average occupancy rate of
55 per cent. This rate is an average
across the eight hospitals in the dis-
trict; the actual occupancy rates
within each facility vary.
Benchmarking Report - Based
on average occupancy rates for
similar sized hospitals within the
province, 251 acute care beds are
required within Huron Perth. Fur-
ther benchmarking (using indica-
tors like hospital length of stay) in-
dicates a further reduction of 42
acute care beds can be accom-
plished. In total, the analysis re-
veals that approximately 209 acute
hospital beds are required with Hu-
ron Perth. The Task Force also
looked at the requirements for men-
tal health, chronic, and rehabilita-
tion beds. It was recommended that
mental health and chronic beds
should remain at •their current lev-
els while there should be an in-
crease of five rehabilitation beds.
Consideration will be given to the
feasibility of "repatriating" some
patients who go outside of Huron
and Perth for services that they
could reasonably receive within the
district.
Hospital Facilities Assessment -
t
The report of the architect who has
assessed each of the hospital facili-
ties indicates that all hospitals have
operating potential. No facility is so
outstanding that it dictates that it
should be used in the future, and no
facility is in such poor condition
that it could not be used in the fu-
ture. The physical condition of each
hospital will not be a decisive fac-
tor in developing restructuring op-
tions.
Hospital Study Task Force Meet-
ings will be "in -camera" on No-
vember 12 and November 21. As
the Task Force will be discussing
restructuring options on both of
these dates, these meetings will not
be open to the public. In order to
ensure that discussions around op-
tions are completely objective, the
Task Force has agreed that these
discussions should be held in -
camera. However, the Task Force
is committed to providing accurate
and up-to-date inforAitation to the
public immediately following each
of the November meetings. (Please
note: A press release will be issued
on November 13 and a press xioa-.t,
3 ference will be held the morning
Monday, November 25.
Phase three of preparing the new Huron County Plan involves
dealing with community, economic and land use issues. This is the
first of a series featuring local workshops on such topics.
County Plans: Employment and Economy
ZURICH - Held at Erb's Country Kitchen on
Oct. 15, this workshop focused on retailing,
business development, employment and economic
sectors.
For retailing the importance of shopping locally
was mentioned. It was felt there is a
need for unique businesses that don't
require a specific location. Some
people felt less govemment
intervention would also help local
retailers.
Concerning business development,
provision of start-up capital for
beginners was discussed. Overall, the
belief that business development should be
promoted while preserving the quality of life and
environment was expressed as was the need to
value each business development proposal on its
own merit.
As for employment, workshop participants pointed
out the importance of promoting entrepreneurial
opportunities and incentives as well as seeking out
quality work. Some felt youths need to be supplied
with meaningful employment information. Others
suggested the need to maximize education
and training rather than creating new
programs.
Regarding economic sectors, it was
agreed agriculture and tourism have the
greatest potential in the county's economy.
Also, it was stressed opportunities exist for
tourism expansion, niche manufacturing and
service deliveries.
Draft statements of direction from the Zurich
meeting will be the basis for developing policies and
actions at the second meeting scheduled for Nov. 13
in Goderich.
Twenty bucks buys you a lot
at Exeter's rummage sale
A profit of $9,380 was raised
at the rummage sale held at
South Huron Recreation Cen-
tre last week. The funds will
be donated to the South Hu-
ron Hospital Auxiliary. Above,
Angela Pickering displays
items she purchased for $20.
By Angela Pickering
T -A Co-op Student
EXETER - If you were given $20
and told to spend it at a rummage
sale, what would you buy? This is
the question I was faced with
Wednesday night at the South Hu-
ron Recreational Centre. The mon-
ey was donated to me by the com-
mittee members who organized the
sale. With that amount, I ventured
out to purchase items I would ac-
tually use.
i began my search at the jean§
table. Being a jeans fa-
natic, it's hard for me
to pass up the op-
portunity to get them
so cheap. I ended up
throwing two pairs into
my black garbage bag
and then hurried to the
coat racks. There i hap-
pened upon some won-
derful jackets and a
corduroy winter coat.
By this time the
crowd was piling in and I was be-
ing bumped left and right for my
position in line. Finally gaining
steady ground, I began to sort
through boxes. i pulled out some
nice sweaters and dressy shirts,
which I stuffed in my handy bag. It
seemed to be getting heavier by the
moment, so I decided I would head
to the kitchen where the ladies
Ib
searc
jeans ta
ing aj
natic,
for m
up
portun
them s
would help me tally the bill. When
everythiqg hadbeen added, I was
shocked to hear I had only spent $9
out of my $20. So back I headed in
to the crowd of people in hopes of
retrieving more bargains.
After a struggle, I finally made
my way to the book table, but
didn't see anything I was interested
in, so I decided to move
on to the shoes. This
proved unsuccessful
and getting through the
crowd became quite the
challenge for me, yet I
was determined to
spend my $20.
Another half an
hour breezed by and i
found myself enjoying
the hustle and bustle of
the busy shoppers. i
rummaged through box after box in
search of something pleasing to the
eye, while trying not to hold up a
line of impatient people. After two
hours passed, I found myself with
yet again another full garbage bag
of clothes, so I headed back again
to the kitchen where my purchases
totaled $17.50.
Exhausted, I laughed and said
$17.50 was close enough to $20 for
me. Personally i didn't think i
could go back out there and start
over again. The ladies were helpful
in packing my stuff and were very
generous in donating the money.
As I skipped on past people in the
check- out line, i flashed my pass -
to -get -out -free -receipt and headed
for the exit doors. The cool breeze
was comforting compared with the
hot, crowded arena.
Since this was my first rum-
mage sale, I hadn't before ex-
perienced what it was like to see
every day people so anxious for a
bargain. Let's just say it was inter-
esting...
egan my
h at the
ble. Be-
eans fa-
it's hard
etopass
the op-
ity to get
o cheap.
Public input encouraged
ow Continued from front page
der -serviced and very large, not
only geographically but dem-
ographically if this hospital wasn't
here."
He said eliminating institutional
care in Exeter would create an obvi-
ous gap. He added Exeter is one of
the few communities that is grow-
ing and said a report presented by
Town Administrator Rick Hundey
to council supports the view that
population growth will continue
into the future.
As well, South Huron Hospital
draws from the catchment area sur-
rounding Grand Bend in Lambton
County where studies have also in-
dicated population growth is an-
ticipated.
Further support for the future of
the hospital includes a recent archi-
tectural study that indicates the
building is in very good shape as
is the equipment used.,
"I'm awful proud of the quality
of the staff here for small town hos-
pital."
While Currell supports com-
munity action in the form of par-
ticipating in focus groups and the
like, he warns people to be cautious
about rumors circulating.
"Any scenario put forward might
cause undue anxiety among some
sector of the society and 1 don't
think that's fair."
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ROYALe CANADIAN LEGION
REMEMBRANCE SERVICES
1{2 E. 1 L i c 1 1 O iV
"1 ■ EAE
THE
ROYAL.
CANADIAN
1.1G10N
reir
How can we remember...
The ear shattering thunder of
flack,
when this we have not heard?
How can we remember
The Searing heat of a bullet,
When this we have not felt?
How can we remember?
The blinding flashes of
shellfire,
I I 1H 1 , 1' 1 .'., 1 .1A I% 1 It
The 7th. Sense
When these we have not seen?
How can we remember
The sour -sweetness of our
blood as it trickled across our
lips?
When this we have not tasted?
How can we remember
The thick suffocating stench of
smoke and decay,
Hensall Branch 468 262-2948
Bryan Fink. President. Larry Uyl,
Poppy Chairman
Thursday, November 7th - Poppy
Campaign begins between 6-9 p.m., with a
door to door canvass In Hensall. The support
of the public for the annual Poppy Appeal
will be greatly appreciated.
Sunday, November 10th- Remembrance
Service
All Veterans, members, ladies auxiliary,
Hensall and Area residents are cordially
invited to attend our service at the Hensall
United Church at 10:00 a.m. Medals to be
wom.
Meet at the Legion Hall at 9;30 a.m. and
parade to Church with the service conducted
by Rev. Henry Annen and Rev. Dan
Roushome. After the Church service, the
parade will go to the Cenotaph for the laying
of wreaths, and the Last Post.
Following this ceremony, refreshments will
be served by the Ladies Auxiliary. We trust
that members of the community and area will
make a special effort to attend these
services.
Monday, Nov. 11th - Remembrance Day
The annual Banquet will be held at the
Hensall Community Centre. Social -5:00
p.m., Dinner - 7:00 p.m. Guest speaker will
be Claus Breeds, Curator, Huron County
Museum. Everyone welcome. Tickets
available from Legion Members, the Branch
When this we have not smelt?
We cannot...
...because we have been spared
the Agony,
the Terror,
the Hellish sensations,
of War....
...by those who can.
Mike Roszko
Mayerthorpe, Alberta
Exeter R.E. Pooley Branch 167
235-2962
Norm Eveland. President
Ted Wales, Poppy Chairman
Wed. Oct. 30th - Poppy Campaign begins at
6:30 p.m. with Members of the Branch and
assistance of the Huron -Middlesex Army
Cadet Corps. Your support for this appeal is
greatly appreciated.
Sunday, November 10th- Members,
Veterans, Ladies Auxiliary, all Service Clubs,
Organizations and interested persons are
invited to our Remembrance Service at the
Cenotaph. The parade forms at the Legion
at 10:40 a.m., marches to the Cenotaph for
the laying of wreaths and Last Post. Medals
to be worn. The Church service will be held
at the Caven Presbyterian Church with Rev.
Dan Roushome conducting the service.
Fellowship will follow at the Branch, with
refreshments and snacks provided by the
Legion.
Monday, Nov. 11th - School visits
Services will be held at all local schools,
starting with S.H.D.H.S. at 9 a.m. All
veterans, members and Ladies Auxiliary,
who wish to take part should meet at the
Branch by 8:30 a.m. Please check with your
local school for service times.
Mon., Nov, 11th - Remembrance Day
banquet - The banquet will be held at the
Branch with Rev. Dan Roushome as the
guest speaker. Social 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., with
supper starting at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $7.
and are available to all veterans, members,
spouses and guests. Tickets will be on sale
at Stan Frayne's General Store, Dinney
Furniture, Executive members and the
Branch until Nov. 10th.
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