The Citizen, 1986-12-10, Page 35THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1986. PAGE 35.
Auxiliary hears about hospital finances
Mr. Gordon Baxter, Director,
Finance & Services, Wingham and
District Hospital, spoke to the
November meeting of the Hospital
Auxiliary on Monday, November
24 on the subject of “Billing and
Funding’’.
The 19 members and two guests
who were present were impressed
to learn what a large operation the
financing of the hospital is. Total
anticipated expense for 1987 is
$7.1 million. To meet these costs,
the hospital receives an allocation
from the Ontario Ministry of
Health of $5.9 million, represent
ing 86 per cent of its income, along
with $700,000 from a number of
sources such as OHIP and Work
men’s Compensation, and a furth
er payment from the Ministry of
Health specifically to operate the
Ambulance Service and the Nurs
ing Assistants’ School.
Expensesexceed revenue,and a
deficit for the year is forecast.
Seventy-five percent of the cost of
running the hospital goes to
wages, salaries and benefits.
Rates for liability insurance and
Workmen’s Compensation are up
greatly, and new equipment is
constantly needed to keep up with
high tech progress. It is clear that
the finance department has an
exacting task in its efforts to
minimize expenses while main
taining high standards of service.
‘ ‘The Ontario Ministry of Health
has announced a 7.4 per cent
increase in funding for hospitals, ’ ’
Mr. Baxter says. “In actual fact,
the global increase each hospital
will receive in its operating budget
will be four per cent, the same as
last year. The remaining 3.4 per
cent will be selectively allocated by
the Ministry to hospitals for special
purposes and growth in utilization
costs.”
In speaking about billing, Mr.
Baxter gave figures which showed
that the actual costs are far in
excess of what most of us who have
OHIP coverage realize. For some
services, co-payments are requir
ed to help offset some of the costs.
He said that the office welcomes
questions if the billing is not
understood.
Marilyn Wood conducted the
meeting’s business session. Cor
respondence had been received
from the Hon. Murray Elston and
from the Huron County Health
Unit in response to concern about
the need for greater public aware
ness and training in first aid for
victims of choking.
Sharon Long reported for the
committee which had acquired
several new toys for the pediatrics
department. She showed a variety
of attractive, practical toys which
had been purchased for $119 and
said that donations of board games
and puzzles in good condition
would be welcome.
The next Blood Donors’ clinic
will be held on April 2.
Seventeen tables of ladies are
now participating in the marathon
bridge in Lucknow, Teeswater and
Wingham.
Audrey Ritter reported for the
gift shop that $ 154 was raised at the
table at the Legion craft sale. Since
Nov. 1 the gift shop has been open
from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in addition to
the afternoon hours, and sales
have been going well. A sign
advertising the gift shop will be
placed near the elevator on each
floor.
It was with great pleasure that
the convenor of nominations,
Noreen Gnay, announced that
Marie Phillips of Wingham has
consented to become the next
president of the Auxiliary beginn
ing at the Annual Meeting in June,
1987.
A successful fall rummage sale
was reported, and a message of
appreciation from Goodwill Indu
stries was passed on to the
Auxiliary.
The Teen Volunteer group now
includes both male and female
volunteers, and their help with the
first floor patients is very much
appreciated by the staff who really
count on themforregular atten
dance because their assistance is
so much needed.
Margaret McVittee reported
that the work of 12 helpers on the
emergency desk project is much
appreciated by outpatients and by
medical and nursing staff. A
number of new workers will soon
receive their orientation course.
The craft group will resume its
work after Christmas. They have
one small quilt for sale at this time,
and would like to do custom
quilting. If you would like to have a
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quilt made by this group, contact
Marilyn Wood.
Six members who attended the
Fall Conference in Goderich on
Sept. 29 brought back information
and ideas from the four workshops
which were held on that day. The
Spring Conference will be held in
Fergus in April.
At the FEMSS Commencement
exercises on Nov. 7 the Auxiliary
award was presented to Cheryl
Stafford of Wroxeter. Cheryl is
now studying nursing at Fanshawe
Community College. Her letter of
appreciation was read to the
meeting.
Season events include a window
painting contest at the hospital
THURS., FRI., SAT
5P.M.-12A.M.
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523-9381
with first, second and third prizes
of $15, $10 and $5. Also, coffee and
cookies will be served to the
hospital staff on Wednesday, Dec.
10. A novel gift for Christmas
babies and their mothers will be
tried this year, and the New Year’s
baby will be remembered with a
baby sweater set. The possibility of
outdoor Christmas lights at the
hospital was investigated, but it is
not feasible at this time.
The next Auxiliary meeting will
be held on January 26, at which
time Mr. G. Folkhard of the
hospital staff will speak on “Occu
pational Health and Safety Mea
sures.”
The Canadian
Red Cross Society
Brussels was able to put on a happy face, dressed as a Raggedy Ann
doll on one of the floats in Brussels annual Santa Claus Parade last