Health

Recent Posts

Health unit responds to elimination of Basic Income pilot project

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Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservative government terminated the Basic Income program started by the Liberals during the summer session at Queen’s Park. The pilot program was meant to last one year, but it is cut short, leaving the recipients stranded. In response, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit wrote a letter urging the government to change its mind. Public Health nurse Kristina Nairn talks about the impact of the changes on the people and public health, along with the contents of the letter on Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Live, Health, Politics

Frozen budget thaws after lobby efforts by health unit and county, director explains

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Mary Catherine Masciangelo, Director of Finance and Corporate Services, for the Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides insight into the recent budget concern discussed at Northumberland County Council and how the lobby efforts led to an increase in basic funding from the provincial government following four years without additional money during an interview on Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Live, Health, Politics

Unique health service serves some of the most vulnerable in community

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Northumberland Community Health Services Executive Director Duff Sprague discusses the unique services and approaches his organization uses to provide care to those who face chronic illness and other challenges due to low incomes, mental health issues, addictions, youth or are seniors on Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Live, Health

Community counselling centre looking for needed funds and merited recognition

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In the mix of local mental health agencies sits a little-known non-profit organization struggling to make ends meet while trying to provide an array of services with little recognition, both in profile and funding. Northumberland Community Counselling Centre Executive Director Janet Irvine recently completed a tour of the county and municipal councils looking for funding. The centre was formed in 2007 after agencies and physicians realized the need for accessible, affordable generic counselling services. While many offer counselling for certain clients under specific criteria, the average person struggling with relationships problems or mourning the death of a family member or dealing with a problem child cannot always afford private rates. After a decade, the centre has grown to meet the expanding needs of the community offering referrals, education, support, advocacy and clinical services for every age group from children to seniors. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health

Health service integration needs to be led by local organizations

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Coming off of a spate of imposed reviews led by the Central East Local Integrated Health Network (LHIN) over the past few years, the Northumberland Hills Hospital is currently in the midst of its strategic planning process, having consulted with more than 450 stakeholders. In a recent interview, board chairman Jack Russell and Chief Executive Officer Linda Davis agree the strategic plan is a logical next step. The smidgen of a budget surplus announced in early March is unquestionably a highpoint and bodes well for the future. So, where are the dark clouds? A couple of things jump to mind. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health, Politics

Men’s health at heart of discussion during Movember

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Men’s health is a lively topic for discussion as part of Movember, a fundraising initiative to increase awareness and help fight prostate cancer, mental health, and other male illness. Journalism student Nick Ogden, who heads a group of students at Loyalist College raising money, joined Krista Skutovich and Kristin Chodoriwsky from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit on Consider This Live, as part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Consider This Live, Health

Great news for hospital, but with a grain of salt

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Well, finally some really good news for Northumberland Hills Hospital came last week when the provincial government decided to lift the fiscal jackboot and provide an additional $613,700 to its annual funding. Unlike previous grants, which are given to shore up expenses for a particular purpose or short-term, which alleviates the financial pain only briefly, this money is annualized, meaning it will come every year from now on. The sighs of relief were almost audible, as Chief Executive Officer Linda Davis says the hospital will now be closer to balancing its budget. Margaret Risk, acting chairperson for the Central LHIN (Local Health Integrated Network) was also present, taking a bow. With all the reports filed over the recent years, there was undeniable evidence the local hospital was being underfunded. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health