Health

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

By Robert Washburn

The turmoil facing the Ontario Health Ministry is palpable. A recent column in a mainstream newspaper acknowledged the troubled waters being navigated by Health Minister Eric Hoskins. Over the past 18 months, he has been under siege as doctors fight fee reductions, hospitals cry out for more money and front-line healthcare workers demand better wages. Now, Community Care administrators are added to the list, as they appeal the decision to turn over their services to the Local Health Integrated Networks (LHINs). Meanwhile, patients and homecare workers say more services are needed under the current model, which involves minimal hospital stays, followed by uneven support once home that is either insufficient or does not exist. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health

By Robert Washburn

It appears consultants and bureaucrats are more important than you and me when it comes to any discussion of proposed changes to Northumberland Hills Hospital. And, any sense of transparency or public accountability has gone out the window, according to media reports last week. “A directive (was released late Monday) to defer internal and external engagement activities regarding 2016/2017…the first phase of the Hospital Improvement Plan,” according to the local news media. Meanwhile, the Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN) floated tidbits to the public in its own report on a consultant’s recommendations regarding $2.5 million in cuts to the hospital over two years. There will be changes to support services, medical and surgical units, as well as combining the restorative and palliative care units. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health

By Robert Washburn

Healthcare is the number one issue in this election a recent poll showed, period. Yet, it is being largely ignored on the national campaign trail. Local candidates gave brief statements in the media last week. But at a recent healthcare debate organized by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, Conservative candidate Adam Moulton did not participate, sending a clear message to voters. With the Northumberland Hills Hospital consultant’s review pending release later this month, the debate over healthcare in this riding seems even more urgent. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Columns, Health