Consider This (https://consider-this.ca/tag/health/page/2/)
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 →
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit Medical Officer of Health Lynn Noseworthy discusses changes to the healthcare system affecting the relationships between public health and other providers on Consider This Live, as part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
Horizons of Friendship Resource Development Co-ordinator Debbie Morales explains a new partnership between Global Affairs Canada to provide a major Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) initiative in predominantly indigenous rural Guatemalan communities on Consider This Live as part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM. Continue Reading →
The Canadian sale of LAVs to Saudi Arabia and paying for plasma donations are two topics discussed on this version of Consider This Live as part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM Continue Reading →
Kitchener-Consestoga MPP Michael Harris talks about his proposal to create an all-party committee to review the funding and treatment of Ontarians with rare diseases during Consider This Live as part of the Drive Time with Dave Glover on Northumberland 89.7 FM. He makes his case for reform and talks about the crippling costs families are facing. Listen carefully for his view on Pharmacare, and how the changes will be funded in a time of hospital cutbacks. He also tells some heart-wrenching stories about families affected. It is a timely, compelling discussion. Continue Reading →
Northumberland Hills Chief Executive Officer Linda Davis and board chair Jack Russell discuss the impact of the final hospital plan, including layoff, long-term care and budget cuts on Consider This Live, part of the Drive Time on Northumberland 89.7 FM Continue Reading →
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 →
By Robert Washburn
Well, the moustache is beginning to grow, but it pretty rough. You can barely tell it is there. You need just the right light to see it. And, it doesn’t help that it is gray. There was a great chance this week to talk to students about stress management. Continue Reading →