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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News Record, 2016-12-21, Page 5Wednesday, December 21, 2016 • News Record 5 HPHA offers tips to avoid non -emergency hospital visits during the holidays At the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) the four hospital sites are not immune to the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, most notably in their emer- gency departments. With some healthcare providers closing offices or reducing hours over the holidays, emergency departments such as those at the Clinton Public Hospital, St. Marys Memorial Hospital, Seaforth Community Hospital and Stratford General Hospital can be the only option for individuals seeking medical attention between Christmas and the New Year. This can lead to longer than usual wait times for healthier patients or for those who don't require immediate emergency care. "This time of year is defi- nitely challenging in terms of patient flow," says Anne Campbell, vice president of partnerships and patient experience. "Under guid- ance from the South West Local Health Integration Network we've put together a plan that will help us deal with higher volumes of patients, both those who are admitted into hospital and those who visit our Emer- gency Departments." Dr. Phil Schieldrop, medical program director of emer- gency medicine at Stratford General Hospital, advises that by being prepared, an emer- gency visit may be avoided completely or result in an improved experience if emer- gency care is needed over the holidays. "Making sure that everyone in your family has enough medications (both prescrip- tion and non-prescription) to get through the holidays and making sure all medical equipment such as inhalers, respirators, glucometers and diabetic supplies are in good working order is helpful. Knowing your family doctor's office hours and any back-up coverage it offers and know- ing holiday hours of your local pharmacy can also help avoid a trip to the emergency department," said Schieldrop. Individuals should also note what degree of services are available from other agencies that they are asso- ciated with such as the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Alzheimer's Society or the Community Care Access Centre. "This time of year can be overwhelming and a source of stress for many as we try and keep up with the demands and pressures of the season. It can also be a time when seasonal depres- sion and feelings of sadness or loneliness are increased. Those who are distressed, frightened or unable to cope can reach out to our Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team via our Cri- sis Line, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-829- 7484," said Campbell. Another resource available 24/7 is Telehealth Ontario. Those looking for health advice or information can call 1-866-797-0000 and speak to a Registered Nurse. Telehealth nurses will not diagnose an illness or give medicine. Callers will be directed to the most appropri- ate level of care or be put in contact with a health profes- sional who can advise on next steps. This service is free and confidential. Of course, not all emergency visits will be avoidable and symptoms including pains or tightness in the chest, broken bones, wounds that may need stitches and shortness of breath are all reasons to go to the emergency department. "Our Doctors and Nurses are here if anyone needs us," said Schieldrop. Patients visiting the Emer- gency Department are asked to remember to bring their OHIP card or other medical insurance information along with a list or supply of current medications. Those bringing children are asked to bring diapers, blankets and other comfort items. If your condi- tion worsens while waiting in the department please notify a staff member immediately. As with every emergency visit, no matter what time of year, patients will be seen by a doc- tor based on the severity of their illness or injury. "We ask those visiting our Emergency Departments over the holidays to be patient," said Dr. Schieldrop. "We know that this is the last place many people want to be. As always we will see our sickest patients first. We are commit- ted to providing timely, safe quality care to all our patients and their families:' Contributed photo Dr. PhD Schieldrop, medical program director of emergency medicine at HPHA - Stratford General Hospital, holds up "Your Holiday Health Checklist," a resource available in the HPHA Emergency Departments and at www.hpha.ca. OPP UPDATES OPP participating in province -wide "Lock It OR Lose It" campaign (HURON COUNTY, ON) — Huron County Ontario Provin- cial Police (OPP) is remind- ing motorists and passen- gers to "Lock it OR Lose it" when it comes to their vehicles and valuables as part of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police's (OACP) annual "Lock It OR Lose It" campaign. Ontario police services have launched this year's "Lock It OR Lose It" campaign during the holiday season because it's easy to be distracted and leave vehicles unlocked or valuables in plain sight during the holiday File photo hustle -and -bustle. During the "Lock It OR Lose It" campaign, police officers and auxiliary officers will be check- ing vehicles throughout vari- ous centres in Huron County to confirm vehicles are locked and that no valuables have been left in plain view. Mem- bers will place a small notice on vehicles checked indicat- ing what safety precautions were neglected and offer sim- ple prevention tips for drivers to protect their vehicles against theft. The notices also congrat- ulate drivers who have secured their vehicle. This year, police are partic- ularly concerned that auto theft rates are up for the sec- ond consecutive year. Accord- ing to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, there were nearly 79,000 incidents of motor vehi- cle theft reported by police in 2015. Between 2014 and 2015, the rate of motor vehicle theft in Canada increased 6%. This was the second consec- utive increase in the rate fol- lowing ten years of declines. Huron OPP has also noticed a recent spike in the number of vehicle thefts, in particular pickup trucks and recreation vehicles. Motorists and passengers are also urged not to keep per- sonal documents such as vehi- cle ownership, insurance slips, credit card invoices, or other documents containing per- sonal information in their vehi- cles. Identity thieves are look- ing for such documents so they can assume identities, secure credit card accounts, lease vehicles for export, and even take out a mort- gage against victims' proper- ties without their knowledge. Huron OPP officers have also recently investigated cases of vehicle theft where firearms and expensive power tools have been left behind in inse- cure vehicles. Please protect your vehicle and valuables from theft with a few simple precautions. The attached graphic contains the Top 10 Tips provided by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Driver rolls vehicle then refuses roadside test (CENTRAL HURON, ON) — A 20 -year-old from Strathroy- Caradoc Township is facing a charge of "Refuse to Pro- vide Breath Sample" stem- ming from a single motor vehi- cle collision that took place last week. Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on December 9, 2016 Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the scene of a single motor vehi- cle collision that took place on Harlock Line north of Hullett- McKillop Road. Upon arrival officers noticed a Chevrolet pickup truck had left the road- way and came to rest on its roof in a creek bed. Police were able to identify the driver and upon speaking with the driver the investigat- ing officer detected alcohol on the driver's breath. A demand was subsequently made for the driver to provide a sample of his breath into a roadside screening device. Ultimately the driver refused to provide a sample and was arrested for refusing. As a result, the 20 -year-old was charged with Refuse to Provide Breath Sample. He has been released from cus- tody with a court appearance scheduled for January 16, 2017 at the Ontario Court of Justice — Goderich. He also received an automatic 90 -day driver's licence suspension and his motor vehicle was impounded.