The Times Advocate, 2008-06-04, Page 3Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Times -Advocate
3
New drug policy for South Huron Hospital
By Scott Nixon
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — South Huron Hospital will no longer
renew prescriptions for narcotics or sleeping medica-
tions.
The new policy came into effect May 1 and signage
has been placed in the hospital informing patients of
the change.
Chief of emergency Dr. Jaime Pereira told the Times -
Advocate last week that patients are increasingly see-
ing the emergency room as a place to get renewals for
their prescriptions. He said it's a growing problem and
while there are a number of positive uses for narcotics,
there is a risk of excessive sedation and possible addic-
tion.
On the skins — Midwestern Adult Day Services held a Caregiver Retreat Day May 22 at the Grand Bend Area
Community Health Centre. Caregivers were invited to a day of information and pampering.Topics covered included
how to cope with stress and frustrations, a chance to learn how to drum and line dance to an interactive and partic-
ipatory approach through the art of yoga, reflexology, massage, exercise and healing touch. Caregivers learned that
there are professionals in this community who can help them maintain their general health so they can help their
loved one remain in their home for as long as possible. Pictured above from left on the drums are Chris Davidson,
Sherry Bieman and Judith Dow.The Grand Bend and AreaWomen's Institute provided a healthy lunch for partici-
pants. (photo/submitted)
Youths allege robbery, then vandalism
GRAND BEND — Lambton OPP Crime Unit report that two 15 -year-old boys face charges following a twisted
investigation that first led to the arrest of four men, but ended with the complainants facing charges. Sometime on
the evening of May 17, the two boys allege that they were approached by four males while walking on Lake Road.
Indications are that the four demanded money from the pair and threatened violence. The youths turned over $45
to them. The alleged suspects then fled. OPP followed up their complaint and acting on the boys information
arrested four men in their 20's from Mississauga for the offence of robbery. Follow up revealed that the two boys
did approach them earlier and recruited them to purchase alcohol for them. The men complied and allowed the
pair to consume the purchased liquor at the cottage the men had rented. The young boys then left and attempted
to take an additional amount of alcohol. When they were refused, they left, only to return later. Upon their return,
they are alleged to have gouged several scratches into three vehicles parked at the cottage. Damage to the vehicles
could exceed $10,000. Investigation revealed that the pair had damaged the vehicles prior to alleging the robbery
to police. The boys face charges of public mischief and mischief exceeding $5,000. The men were released uncon-
ditionally following a two hour investigation into what really occurred. The investigation is continuing.
Trac survey conducted in Lucan Biddulph
By Nina Van Lieshout
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
LUCAN BIDDULPH — At Lucan Biddulph council
Monday, Ward 3 Coun. Alex Westman updated council
on a new project the Policing Committee is focusing on.
Middlesex OPP Const. Doug Graham asked the com-
mittee to conduct a traffic survey.
The committee visited area residents living near high
risk collision roadways or intersections.
"We went around to local residents asking them if they
knew of any fatal or serious accidents that occurred in
the last five years," says Westman, adding, they were
then asked for ideas and suggestions to help reduce the
amount of vehicle collisions.
"We received some very interesting feedback," says
Westman
Some suggestions from the residents included new
lighting, signage and road design.
Ward 2 Coun. Paul Hodgins questioned whether or not
the OPP would do anything with the feedback.
Mayor Tom McLaughlin says he "thinks something
will be done," explaining the OPP have shown a lot of
incentive with reducing the amount of vehicle collisions
in the area, especially since the number is high.
Last week at council, Const. Graham and Middlesex
OPP Staff Sgt. Bill Watkins shared the Lucan Biddulph
2007 Year End Report with council.
Watkins explained Middlesex County was "absolutely
horrific" in 2007 with 24 motor vehicle collisions and 28
fatalities. Ten people were not wearing seatbelts.
"It is a significant problem and probably the worst
place to drive in the whole province," says Watkins,
adding "It is the highest amount of fatalities and injuries
in the province."
Seaforth woman dies in local car crash
BLUEWATER — A 42 -year-old
Seaforth woman driving a mini van
was killed in a motor vehicle colli-
sion May 30.
Ronalee Allen was pronounced
dead at the scene.
The one -year-old passenger in the
vehicle was taken to London Health
Sciences Centre in critical condition.
A 59 -year-old truck driver, who
was not injured, has been charged
with Careless Driving under the
Highway Traffic Act.
The head 011 collision occurred on
London Road (Highway 4) south of
Kippen in Bluewater.
Members of the Huron OPP includ-
ing Technical Collision Investigators
and the Hensall Fire Department
were on scene around 2:30 p.m.
London Road was closed between
Walnut Road and Kippen Road.
There are a number of doctors at South Huron's ER
and Pereira said it's better for a patient to have their
prescriptions made by one doctor.
He added other hospitals are implementing a similar
policy, including in London. South Huron used the
model put forth by Quinte Health Care in Belleville.
Clinical resource nurse Brenda Palsa says in imple-
menting the new policy, South Huron is trying to main-
tain consistency. She said it's better for the patient if
they receive their prescription from a doctor who
knows their medical history.
Pereira added the hospital will still provide such
medications in emergencies.
Forum studies future of
local economies
By Pat Bolen
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
GODERICH — Oil and its future was one of the
topics on Saturday in Goderich as the Lake Huron
Learning Collaborative (LHLC) hosted a commu-
nity forum called Peak Oil and the Relocalization
of Our Economy.
But Economist and speaker John Thompson said
rebuilding the local economy was the most impor-
tant topic on the day which also featured Huron
County planner Scott Tousaw, as well as Lucknow
organic farmers Fran and Tony McQuail.
Thompson said peak oil isn't about running out
of oil, but running out of easy to get oil.
He says his first degree was in economics and as
the years have gone by, he has become more
interested in the business of resources.
"The key concept here is energy return on
investment," says Thompson who added for most
of the 20th century, oil was cheap to find and
extract.
For much of that time, says Thompson, there
was a favourable ratio of how much energy had to
be put in to get some out.
In areas such as the Alberta tar sands, though,
Thompson says the ratio is down to one in for
three out.
"There is a sense that there is a lot of hydrocar-
bons left in the ground, but they are going to get
harder and harder to get to, so they are going to
get more and more expensive."
With much of the economy based on the idea of
cheap energy, Thompson said the real focus of the
forum is to look at ways to cut back on our
demand although he added it will be difficult
because most people don't want to.
"We have a pretty comfortable life...There are a
lot of decisions that have to be made and people
will have to decide how important their own com-
fort is compared to those who come after us."
One solution Thompson said he has studied is
the "relocalization" of the economy.
"Globalization kind of rode on cheap oil. And
when transportation becomes more expensive and
slower, that really changes the equation."
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