Huron Expositor, 2009-01-28, Page 14Page 14 The Huron Expositor • January 28, 2009
Heritage homes
could be affected
From Page 9
The density of the housing being higher than the sur-
rounding neighbourhood is also a concern in Datema's
letter.
A letter from Helen McNaughton, Mark and Shannon
Calder and Derek MacDonald also raises the concern
that multi -family housing units could "have a negative
effect on the value of our heritage homes in the area.".
McLachlan said the municipality will submit a pack-
age to the OMB including a history of what's happened
from the time the zoning change application was made
and wait to hear when the hearing will be scheduled.
In the meantime, he said mediation could occur between
the two parties to see if a resolution can be found.
Susan Hundertmark photos
Clones of Hannah Montana, Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers performed and invited kids to sing
along Saturday afternoon at the Vanastra Rec Centre. At top left, Katie Shea, of Huron Park and Abby
McComb, of Exeter sing along with Demi Lovato, performed by Joanna Ariotta and at top right, Kaitlin
Reid performs as Hannah Montana. Below, kids crowd the stage to listen to a Jonas brother.
•
Seaforth: Community Hspital Emergency Department to
adjust hours of operation until staffing issue resolved
The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) has advised the South West Local Health
Integration Network (LHIN) and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care that after
exhausting all available staffing options, the Seaforth Community Hospital site's
emergency department will move forward with an interim adjustment to its hour& of
operation effective February 7th, 2009.
"Given our current staffing reality, this is the most responsible decision we can make,"
stated HPHA CEO Andrew Williams. "The fact that we have been able to maintain
uninterrupted service for as long as we have is a testament to the dedication and
commitment of the entire HPHA team, most notably the nursing staff in Seaforth," said
Williams. "We are working toward a long-term sustainable solution, but in the interim
it's just not feasible, nor fair to our staff or the community, to continue the way we have
been."
According to Mary Cardinal, Site Administrator, the Seaforth Site has been challenged
for the last 2 1/2 years to meet baseline .nursing needs, specifically with respect to RN
coverage; this is largely a reflection of retirements and departures outpacing recruitment.
Nursing staff have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to sustaining staffing levels,
working considerable overtime, and foregoing vacations.
"The Seaforth Physicians understand the need to adjust ER hours at this time and,
although not preferred, support the decision," stated Seaforth Site Chief Jason Datema.
"We will continue to work closely with the hospital to do all that we can to help address
the staffing challenge over the coming weeks," he concluded. •
The South West LHIN, Dr. Lisa Shepherd, South West LHIN Emergency Department
Lead and the HPHA are working together to ensure that the reduction in hours of
operation has a minimal impact on the communities served by the Seaforth Community
Hospital by notifying the affected communities and providing alternate emergency
services options.
Over the next week, the HPHA will work to confirm exact hours of operation and will
ensure that the Emergency Department remains open during those times of the day when
it is used most often.
Emergency departments across the province are facing similar and significant staffing
challenges. The lack of available personnel is putting incredible pressure on existing
staff, increasing patient wait times and driving the need to make difficult decisions about
service delivery.
•
•
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