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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1979-03-29, Page 31EMERGE NC Y ENTRANCE Emergency departments must be prepared to deal with every kind of medical emergency although the number of actual life- threatening emergencies may be very few. The emergency department at Goderich's Alexandra Marine and General ,Hospital is no exception. Between 900 and 1,600 people pass Busy...and getting busier through its doors each month with summer months bringing in the peak numbers. Lacerations requiring stitches are the most common cases here but every illness and injury is encountered from time to time. (Photo by Joanne Buchanan) It is a trend across all Ontari BY JOANNE BUCHANAN Less than one per cent of the cases going to a hospital emergency department are in fact true medical emergen- cies; but that does not mean that people are being frivolous in their use of the emergency department, says R. Alan Hay, Executive Director of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA). What is a true emergency? In hospital terms, an emergency patient is one who has ,a life-threatening con- dition. That is, someone who would probably die or suffer permanent damage- if there was not an immediate medical intervention. But because only a few patients who come to the emergency department are in such urgent need, this does not mean that all the others are being irresponsible or are abusing the system, says Hay. " Patients- should--n of be -- expected or encouraged to diagnose their own ailments and even physicians often refer non -emergency patients to the emergency department when their offices are closed." In other words, hospitals must expect to function as health centres for the whole community and generally they do. GETTING BUSIER The emergency department at Goderich's Alexandra General and Marine Hospital is no exception. Anywhere from 900 to. 1,.600 pass through the emergency department here . per month. Director of Nursing, Joyce. Shack, says she has kept graphs on the number of people using the emergency departments at every hospital where- she has worked over the years. From these graphs she has concluded that, hospital emergency departments are becoming busier each year. This is not only a trend in Goderich and area but a provincial one as well, she feels. At one time, says Miss Shads, people were in the habit of calling their doctors at their homes SUPERIOR • MEMORIALS ESTABLISHED OVER 50 YEARS Goderich Area Representative ROBERT McCALLUM 11 Cambria Road Goderlch 524-7345 Clinton-Saiaforth Area Represrliiative MICHAEL FALCONER 1S3 High Street Clinton 483-4441 after hours if there was an emergency but now they simply go to the emergency department where they know there is a doctor on call. Miss Shack would hazard a guess that the OHA's percentage figures for true or life- threatening emergencies are about the same for AM&G. But while the number of life- threatening emergencies which pass through the emergency department here are quite small, they do happen from time to time and the department must always be prepared. One of the most com- mon emergency -department cases here is that of a. person with ,lacerations requiring stitches, says Mable Clark, acting head nurse` in the emergency department. But she would emphasize that the department sees' every type of injury and illness and gets a -good Gross - section of all age groups. .Miss - Shack -and ,_Rothrs. Clark agree that whether a case is life- threatening or not, every individual who comes into the emergency department considers his or her own case an emergency and they are treated in this respect. Some people just come to the emergency department because they are new in town, don't have a family doctor and have nowhere else to go. Mrs. Clark says the doctors work very well with the nurses in determining which emergency cases are routine. Some patients have to be redirected. While hospitals '•are. prepared to treat non- emergency patients in the emergency depart- ment, these patients must recognize that preference will be given to true medical .emergencies or more urgent cases. People sometimes feel they have to wait too long for diagnosis and treatment in an emergency department. "Some patients get very upset if the doctor is not sitting right there just waiting for them to come in," says Miss Shack. DOCTORS ON CALL She explains that there is a dutyroster for the emergency department with different doctors being on call on a 24-hour basis. These doctors may not necessarily he in the emergency department but they can easily and quickly be called to the deparment from their offices or elsewhere. The doctors on call are really only on call for those patients who don't already have doctors to go to. ,If a person already has a family doctor who is not the doctor on call and if that person is not in a life-threatening .situation, his family doctor will be summoned over the doctor on call if possible. The main reason for this, explains Miss Shack, is that the family doctor already knows the person's medical history and can therefore cope better with that person's situation. Sometimes when people come into - questions, he or she can be assessed for co- herence, co-ordination, breathing and general appearance so it can be determined what degree of urgency with which he or she should be seen, bearing in mind the condition of other patients waiting. Also, if the secreatary has the information, she cancall the person's doctor or the doctor on call, have a medical chart of preliminary information ready and reduce the person's waiting time. If a person's condition is really serious, he or she will be taken directly into see a doctor and the in- formation requested can be received from the family. There's a legal situation here too, says Miss Shack. A person has to be charged correctly according to his in- surance or OHIP and the emergency, they are right doctor must be quite upset -and forget to informed. - mention that they are allergic to certain medication or that they have certain other medical problems. If that person has a family doctor, he generally already knows of these • problems. Onweekends some doctors' come from London to work in they' emergency department at AM&G for the ex- perience of working in a smaller centre. This helps relieve the local doctors who already work long hours, explains Miss Shack. Summer months are the peak busy months in the AM&G emergency. ward because ' of the in- flux of tourists, she says. The diagnosis process starts as soon as a person enters the emergency room door. One of the first people to speak to emergency patients is the emergency department secretary who asks such questions , as OHIP number, whether you have been in the hospital before, who your doctor is, details of your injury, etc. • Although many people complain - about the number of questions asked, they are necessary for a number of reasons. While a_ person is answering the In April, a small quantity of Nor- way Maple (Emerald Queen), ,Crimson King Maple, Mountain Ash, Flowering Japanese Cherry and Flowering Crab will be plan- ted on Boulevards on request. Please call the Town Hall at 324-4344 before Apr1112,1979. TOWNOF GODERICH PARKS DEPARTMENT If an emergency. patient needs a hospital bed, one will be found. This is a legal• as well as humanitarian respon- sibility `.of the hospital. Even though hospitals are in a state of severe financial restraint as a result of Ontario Government policies, emergency patients are still given top priorities, says the OHA. However, if one is an elective or not - so -urgent patient, service may not bethat speedy. In the face of hospital bed cutbacks, Miss Shack says she can foresee the emergency department becoming even busier. People may be kept there longer if a bed can't be found. But, she states, those on the medical staff at the hospital are determined to find room for those patients who need to be admitted. "If people need to come into the hospital, we'll get them in," she says with determination. During the day, there are two nurses and an.. RNA on duty in the emergency department at AM&G but at night there is only one night supervisor (nurse) on duty. In the larger cities, emergency departments are fully manned around the\clock but Miss Shack explains that AM&G can't afford the luxury of having someone sit around when not busy. When not dealing directly v'`ith an emergency case, those who work in 'the depar- tment are kept busy with behind -the -scenes jobs such as paper work, cleaning and preparing for emergencies. Those in the depart- ment are tuned into the ambulances' radios. Therefore, the am- bulance attendants can call ahead about what type of emergency they are bringing in so 'the emergency department staff knows what type of emergerr t to prepare for. Dr. David Walker is presently in charge of the emergency department. Hospital bylaws say each department must have a chief, says Miss Shack. If there are any changes in the organization of the department to be con- sidered, they would' be brought before Dr. Walker. AM&G is proud of its efficiently run emergency department. The staff strives to keep it serving the important needs of this community. Administrators estimate that 40 to 50 per cent of the people who come to hospital emergency departments arein need of some type of urgent treatment, says the OHA. The role of the emergency department may have changed over th years but it is still a friend to those who need its services. THANK YOU THE GODERICH LIONS CLUB YOUNG CANADA WEEK WISHES TO THANK ALL WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE THE 3OTH'TOURNAMENT ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS • SUPPORTERS AT THE ARENA • BILLETERS • ST. JOHN AMBULANCE • REFEREES • ARENA STAFF GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 1979—PAGE 9A Knox WMS Will host Synodical The afternoon group of the WMS of Knox Presbyterian Church, Goderich met in the church parlour on Tuesday, March 20 at 2:30 p.m. Mrs. G. Kaitting, the president, welcomed those present and read two poems, "Spring", and "Y Have Faith." The theme song, "Unto the Hills" was sung, followed with prayer by Mrs. Kaitting. Minutes of the regular meeting and an executive meeting held in February were read by Mrs. Jas. Horton` secretary. Twenty-eight members and one visitor answered the roll call. The various secretaries gave their reports and Mrs. G. G. MacEwan gave the treasurer's report. Plans were finalized for the London -Hamilton Synodical meeting to be held in Knox Church on April 10 and 11. Mrs. A. Enright was appointed as delegate to the Synodical assisted by Mrs. Dickie. Mrs. Kaitting read the agenda for the Synodical sessions. Dr. Margaret Kennedy, for 39 years a missionary to India, is to be the guest speaker. All the ladies of the church are urged to at- • 1 tend any or all of the sessions as observers. In September the group will celebrate its ninety- fifth anniversary and plans are being made for that important occasion. Mrs. A. Erskine con- ducted the meditation and an offering was taken for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. All joined in singing the hymn, "Hallelujah, Hallelujah," while the offering was received. The program was in the charge of Mrs. Ron McCallum and Mrs. G. C. White. Mrs. McCallum read a paper dealing with events leading up to Christ's crucifixion. Mrs. Robt. McCallum sang two beautiful solos, "What will you do with Jesus?" and a number requested by one of the members, "Gethsamane." Mrs. G. C. White read - the Easter message as found in St. John's gospel and gave a meditation entitled, "Chosen Wit- nesses" which dealt with Jesus' resurrection appearances. .He appeared first to Mary Magdalene whose only claim was love. She personifies the love and devotion of one who owed .... 11_. P • 11_11. ._. .05 .._..1. BEREA-BY-THE-WATER LUTHERAN CHURCH everything to Jesus and knew it. His next appearance was to Peter who had denied Jesus, but was promised forgiveness. On the road to Emmaus He appeared to two disciples and gave their lives new meaning. He appeared to Thomas the doubter, and his search for truth was answered. W. J. Denomme FLOWER SHOP "One Hundred Huntley Street" Help us promote Christian Television in this Area Meeting 8 p.m. Thurso Mar. 29 at MacKay Hall Goderich ,�.._.._..�..�.._..,...�.._.. �..-_..�..�..�..-�:::--_1111-,..�.:._. Gibbons St. at Suncoast Drive SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1979 9:15 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP SERMON: "THE CLAIMS OF, THE CROSS" March 28,LENTEN SERVICE AT 7:30 P.M. Marvin L, Barz, Pastor 524-2235 "Preaching -peace by Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all" Acts 10:36 i.. _.._.._.•-••-. _1111_. _ 11_11._• Bethel Pentecostal Tabernacle Affiliated with,the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Corner of Elgin and Waterloo Street . • Pastor: C. Fred Day SUNDAY AT TEN Christian Education Hour SUNDAY AT ELEVEN Worship Hour SUNDAY AT SEVEN Choir Singing Communion of the Lord's Supper COMING TO GODERICH.- APRIL 8 "MR. EDGAR BAILLIE" 1 7 p.m. Don't miss this ChristianstBusinessman t CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH IAYFIELD ROAD AT BLAKE STREET EVANGELISTIC — FUNDAMENTAL REV. R. BRUBACHE.R Pastor 10:00 A.M. - FAMILY BIBLE SCHOOL, 11:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP MONTHLY COMMUNION SERVICE 6:00 P.M. WORD OF LIFE CLUB 7:30 P.M. EVENING FELLOWSHIP SPECIAL MUSIC - GREAT SINGING THE PASTOR.SPEAKS AT BOTH SERVICES Wed. 7:30 p.m. Prayer & ,Bible Study WELCOME TO THE FRIENDLY CHURCH !1111_.._..-�.._.._.._.._..-,1111_.._.._.._...,..._..�,._.._.._.._.: ;••••. a•-_••-_1111_..- -_1111_ ,. liristi�tll 3 i'ftirittrl Llltlrr(1 Services held each Sunday at Robertson Memorial School 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. -_-_-_.<f2EV. W.A. LUDWIG Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Listen to CKNX Radio Sunday at 10:30 a.m. for the "Back to God Hour" 524-9084 FIRST -BAPTIST CHURCH Baptist Convention of Ontario andiQuebec Montreal Street (near the Square) Edward J. Anderson, Pastor Organist Mrs. Leonard Warr 9:45 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP 11:00 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL EVERYONE WELCOME 11,11.._ . .._.._..-_.�..-�.._. . Knox Presbyterian Church THE REV. G. LOCKHART ROYAL, B.A.; M. DIV.Ministe, 1 1 THE REV. _R_ONALD_.C. M_cCALLUM, Ass istan_.. LORNE H. DOTTERER, Director of Praise 1 1 1 - ! SUNDAY, APRIL 1,.1979 i i 1-. 10:00 a.m. Communicants' Class 11:00 a.m. Divine Worship Sermon: "WE .WOULD SEE JESUS"' (Nursery Facilities) (Sunday, School Retires from the Service 'Enter'to Worship Depart to Serve ._.._..�.._.._. 1111-_1111_. ._.._...._.. _.._.._.._..,.. ' ^ North Street United Church The Rev. Ralph King, B.A.; B.D., Minister -,Miss Clare McGowan, Visiting Assistant •Mr. Robert Blackwell, A. Mus., M. Mus. Director of Music SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 1979 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for Grades 7 and over Church School for ages 4 through Grades 6 from worship at 11 a.m. ,SERMON: "WHAT WE EXPECT - AND WORSHIP 11 A.M. WHAT WE GET!" c THE SALVATION ARMY Anthems: "He That Shall Endure to the End (Men delssohn-) - - Nursery Facilities Come and worship with us. I l (ii 1 1 ii 1 1le� ^l 7 1.•11,1441,•••..0.5.......,...1....•-•._.._......._..�^.._.._.11._11._..._..-...._.._.1 (._...... :.�..................11-51115. •••-..... 1111._ .._...1....- 1111_.... i HOLINESS BIBLE MISSIONARY CHURCH c Sunday school 9:50 a.m. 7 Classes for all ages (77 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. 3 ( Prayer 6:30-7:00 p.m. tt ll Evangelistic Service 7:00 P.M. la 7'' Wednesday Night Prayer and Praise Blessed are the pure in heart for they Shall see God 1. Huron St. & Walnut St. Matthew 5:8 1 i i,. G. Clair Sams , Pastor 5241 2785 i i C11®11..........>.e�..�... .-.,.......-....-..,.-....-�..,� WHY NOT ATTEND CHURCH ? . 9:45 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL 11:00 A.M. FAMILY WORSHIP 7:00 P.M. PRAISE & TESTIMONY ADVANCE ANNOUNCEMENT "JESUS FOLK" A DRAMATIC MUSICAL APRIL:21, 1979 - 7:30 P.M. AT NORTH STREET, UNITED CHURCH (The hand of God in the Heart of Goderich) Officers Lieutenant & Mrs. Neil Watt I All Are Cordially Invited To Join Our Fellowship • ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH Rector: The Reverend Robert J. Crocker 'Organist -Choirmaster: Joseph B. Herdman Fifth Sunday in Lent April 1st, 1979 PASSION SUNDAY '8:30 a.m: Holy Communion 11:00 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion Sermon: "A Ransom for Many" -St. Matthew 20:28 Wednesdays in Lent: 18:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion - You are always welcome at St. George's = Victoria Street United Church Minister: l ev. John D.M. Wood, B.A.B.D. Organist and Choir Director: Mr. W. M. Cameron MORNING WORSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL. 10:00 A.M. VICTORIA STREET 11:15 A.M. BENMILLER 1