McGuinty Government Recognizes Hospital’s Success
May 28, 2010 Orillia: Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is being recognized for significantly reducing emergency room wait times and improving patient care in its emergency room (ER).
Soldier’s Memorial Hospital has reduced wait times by 50 per cent since April 2008 for patients whohave serious medical issues but who don’t need to be admitted to hospital. As part of its Pay-for-Resultsprogram, the McGuinty government is providing the hospital with one-time performance funding of $495,900 for sharing best practices with other hospitals to help them improve their emergency room
performance.
Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital was able to make this significant improvement by:
• creating a real-time picture of patient flow in the ER – who has been waiting for how long, and for what;
• getting blood work and x-rays started before the doctor arrives; and
• adopting best practices to improve patient flow on inpatient units.
Reducing ER wait times is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.
QUOTES
“Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital took real and meaningful steps to drive down ER wait times and improve the patient experience. I’m encouraged that they’re going to be able to share their success and innovation with other hospitals in Ontario.”
- Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
“Congratulations to OSMH on this significant contribution to the North Simcoe Muskoka healthcare system. The LHIN Board and staff are proud of Soldiers’ leadership, physicians and front-line staff, whose hard work and commitment to patient care made this happen.”
- Ruben Rosen, Chair, North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN
“I am very pleased that our team of staff and physicians has been recognized for their tremendous effort on this project. The Pay-for-Results program gave OSMH a kick start to look at process improvement not only in our emergency department but throughout our hospital. Receiving the one-time funding is just an added bonus for doing the right thing and making it successful. It has also been the springboard that has allowed us to take on the challenge of the LEAN methodology for the PIP process. ”
- Elisabeth Riley, President and CEO, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
QUICK FACTS
• Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital will be using the bonus funding to teach other hospitals about its successes and lessons learned and to take steps to further improve ER wait times.
• April 2008 wait time data showed patients with complex conditions spent 10.8 hours in the emergency room for treatment, today they are spending 7.2 hours.
• April 2008 wait time data showed patients with minor or uncomplicated conditions spent 3.5 hours in the emergency room for treatment, today they are spending 3.5 hours.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Saving Lives While Protecting the Environment
Midhurst/May 28, 2010 – The County of Simcoe is modernizing its emergency vehicle fleet to ensure they are well equipped to save lives while operating with reduced green house gas emissions.
The County, in partnership with Fleet Challenge Ontario, Simplicity Air and Demers Ambulance, have been working together since December 2009 to develop a prototype ambulance as part of the police and EMS vehicle idling reduction demonstration project.
The project, which is supported by the Ontario government, consists of a Hybrid Idling Reduction System (HIRS), an innovative application of existing green technologies that will revolutionize emergency medical service vehicle operations. HIRS maintains all onboard systems, and cab climate control as mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, without idling and with no compromise in performance. The result is that idling time is reduced along with greenhouse gas emissions.
“The County of Simcoe is committed to taking positive steps toward lessening our carbon footprint,” said Warden Cal Patterson. “This innovative partnership is another example of Council’s progressive thinking and its willingness to invest in a greener future.”
Currently, EMS and police vehicles idle from 35 to 65 per cent of their overall operating time. Vehicles are routinely left idling to prevent drugs, medication and specialized equipment from being damaged and to ensure the patient compartment is kept at normal room temperature. On scene, the vehicles are left idling to provide sufficient power for emergency systems and lights.
The County of Simcoe provided one of their new ambulances for the trial phase of the project. The University of Windsor will conduct environmental testing on the ambulance before it joins the County’s fleet in June. All testing is scheduled to be completed by December 2010.
Fleet Challenge Ontario (FCO) is a not-for-profit program of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance that helps fleet operators reduce their fuel consumption, operating costs and tailpipe emissions through sharing of modern fleet management techniques and proven best management practices.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
The County, in partnership with Fleet Challenge Ontario, Simplicity Air and Demers Ambulance, have been working together since December 2009 to develop a prototype ambulance as part of the police and EMS vehicle idling reduction demonstration project.
The project, which is supported by the Ontario government, consists of a Hybrid Idling Reduction System (HIRS), an innovative application of existing green technologies that will revolutionize emergency medical service vehicle operations. HIRS maintains all onboard systems, and cab climate control as mandated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, without idling and with no compromise in performance. The result is that idling time is reduced along with greenhouse gas emissions.
“The County of Simcoe is committed to taking positive steps toward lessening our carbon footprint,” said Warden Cal Patterson. “This innovative partnership is another example of Council’s progressive thinking and its willingness to invest in a greener future.”
Currently, EMS and police vehicles idle from 35 to 65 per cent of their overall operating time. Vehicles are routinely left idling to prevent drugs, medication and specialized equipment from being damaged and to ensure the patient compartment is kept at normal room temperature. On scene, the vehicles are left idling to provide sufficient power for emergency systems and lights.
The County of Simcoe provided one of their new ambulances for the trial phase of the project. The University of Windsor will conduct environmental testing on the ambulance before it joins the County’s fleet in June. All testing is scheduled to be completed by December 2010.
Fleet Challenge Ontario (FCO) is a not-for-profit program of the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance that helps fleet operators reduce their fuel consumption, operating costs and tailpipe emissions through sharing of modern fleet management techniques and proven best management practices.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Government of Canada’s Summer Jobs 2010 provides 67 summer jobs to Barrie students
Barrie, Ontario – May 21, 2010 - MP Patrick Brown is pleased to announce that the Canada Summer Jobs 2010 program through the Ministry of Human Resources and Skills Development has resulted in 67 summer jobs for students in Barrie. This program supports work experiences for students and helps provide important community services.
“By supporting organizations, Canada Summer Jobs provides work for students in not-for-profit and public-sector business enabling them to gain valuable experience and develop important skills for the future.” Brown added “Canada Summer Jobs 2010 is one of many initiatives our government offers to help students.”
Canada Summer Jobs 2010 will create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.
“There were 63 organizations that applied for funding in the Barrie area under the Canada Summer Jobs program and 33 were successful in obtaining funding.” said Brown. “I am pleased that 67 students this summer will benefit from employment opportunities and our community organizations will be provided with assistance in providing necessary services.”
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government increased funding by $10 million in 2009 and again provided an additional $10 million in 2010 for Canada Summer Jobs, to help create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world.
“By supporting organizations, Canada Summer Jobs provides work for students in not-for-profit and public-sector business enabling them to gain valuable experience and develop important skills for the future.” Brown added “Canada Summer Jobs 2010 is one of many initiatives our government offers to help students.”
Canada Summer Jobs 2010 will create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people 15 to 30 years old who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the next school year.
“There were 63 organizations that applied for funding in the Barrie area under the Canada Summer Jobs program and 33 were successful in obtaining funding.” said Brown. “I am pleased that 67 students this summer will benefit from employment opportunities and our community organizations will be provided with assistance in providing necessary services.”
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government increased funding by $10 million in 2009 and again provided an additional $10 million in 2010 for Canada Summer Jobs, to help create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Builder of new Barrie Condos ranked 28th largest in Canada
Barrie Developer gets recognized by prestigious On-Site Magazine
May 12, 2010 Barrie, Ontario – Mady Development Corporation, builder of Barrie’s newest Condo development, MarketTown, is ranked 28th largest in Canada and in the top 40 in Canada.
“Barrie is a business friendly city, which made expanding into Barrie an easy choice. Its location, convenient transportation system and quality of life were important factors in our decision to begin investing in Barrie,” said David Mady, President of Mady Development Corporation. “This new ranking by On-Site Magazine is a privilege and honour.”
The magazine lists Mady Development Corporation’s Construction division in the top 40 in Canada, with $125 million in sales for 2009.
“We are pleased with the ranking and are looking to Barrie for further expansion. It is an exciting time for Barrie and Mady Development Corporation,” said David Mady.
Mady Contract Division’s current projects include Barrie’s newest development, MarketTown Condominiums, located near Georgian College, off Highway 400. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums are affordable, beginning at $129,900 with spectacular views of little lake and multiple amenities which include state of the art workout facilities, yoga studio, billiards room, library and party room. www.MarketTowncondos.com Other projects include Wal-Mart expansions in Pickering, Ajax, Owen Sound and Kitchener and work for Rona, the City of Toronto and Canada Post.
Mady Development Corporation was founded in Windsor, Ontario more than 35 years ago by Charles Mady. Offices are located in Windsor, Markham and Dallas.
To view the ranking, see www.on-sitemag.sartech.ca For more information: David Mady, (519) 252 2500
May 12, 2010 Barrie, Ontario – Mady Development Corporation, builder of Barrie’s newest Condo development, MarketTown, is ranked 28th largest in Canada and in the top 40 in Canada.
“Barrie is a business friendly city, which made expanding into Barrie an easy choice. Its location, convenient transportation system and quality of life were important factors in our decision to begin investing in Barrie,” said David Mady, President of Mady Development Corporation. “This new ranking by On-Site Magazine is a privilege and honour.”
The magazine lists Mady Development Corporation’s Construction division in the top 40 in Canada, with $125 million in sales for 2009.
“We are pleased with the ranking and are looking to Barrie for further expansion. It is an exciting time for Barrie and Mady Development Corporation,” said David Mady.
Mady Contract Division’s current projects include Barrie’s newest development, MarketTown Condominiums, located near Georgian College, off Highway 400. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums are affordable, beginning at $129,900 with spectacular views of little lake and multiple amenities which include state of the art workout facilities, yoga studio, billiards room, library and party room. www.MarketTowncondos.com Other projects include Wal-Mart expansions in Pickering, Ajax, Owen Sound and Kitchener and work for Rona, the City of Toronto and Canada Post.
Mady Development Corporation was founded in Windsor, Ontario more than 35 years ago by Charles Mady. Offices are located in Windsor, Markham and Dallas.
To view the ranking, see www.on-sitemag.sartech.ca For more information: David Mady, (519) 252 2500
TUNE IN TO SUPPORT RVH
Larche Communications Inc. (LCI), parent company of KICX 106 (CICX-FM) and 104.1 The DOCK (CICZ-FM), will be hosting the Radio for Radiology radiothon at Georgian Mall, May 26 and 27. This two-day event aims to raise awareness and funds for the Radio for Radiology campaign that is presently underway. Both radio stations will broadcast live from the Grand Court area at Georgian Mall from 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. The two-day broadcast will also feature interviews with RVH physicians, patients and volunteers.
LCI announced in December 2008 that both radio stations would work to fulfill a $500,000 pledge to the I Believe capital campaign and the radiothon is just one of several events designed to meet that goal. Other initiatives including a cook book, golf tournaments, a Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings concert and an upcoming Colin James concert at Casino Rama are a few of the ways the two stations are meeting their pledge. Once the pledge is met, the funds will go toward the purchase of a new Interventional Radiology suite in RVH’s expanding Imaging Department. Major expansions and renovations to the Imaging Department are part of the Phase 1 Expansion Project, which also includes the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre
“Our Radio for Radiology Campaign will help to fund a new Interventional Radiology Unit, allowing people in Orillia, Midland, Barrie, and all of Simcoe County and Muskoka to get treatment close to home and we are determined to have KICX 106 listeners and 104.1 The DOCK listeners from across the region get engaged and support their Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre,” says LCI president Paul Larche. “The reality is that most of us, or a loved one, will have to deal with cancer in our lives. It’s a very stressful time. I lost my mother to cancer when she was only 4. It’s critical that residents in our region have the best, most convenient and timely care available. With help from our many listeners and clients, funding a new IR Unit that will support the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, will do precisely that.”
An Interventional Radiology (IR) unit permits doctors to perform procedures by making tiny incisions, often the size of the tip of a pen, through which small catheters, wires, and other instruments are passed under x-ray guidance to the area of interest within the body. This allows the use of local anesthesia and light sedation rather than the general anesthesia that is required for conventional surgery. In most cases, patients are able to go home the same day, or the day after the procedure. Not only are IR procedures typically less expensive than surgery, patients return to normal activities much faster than and the risks, pain and recovery are significantly reduced. Royal Victoria Hospital currently has the only Interventional Radiology unit in Simcoe County.
About RVH: Royal Victoria Hospital is a 299-bed community hospital in Barrie, Ontario, located 80 kilometres north of Toronto. As the largest
hospital in the region of Simcoe Muskoka, it provides specialty services to almost half a million Central Ontario residents. RVH’s team of over 280 physicians, 2,200 employees and 1,100 volunteers provide exceptional health care, specializing in emergency services, cancer care, surgical services, intensive care, mental health, interventional radiology and rehabilitation. RVH has embarked on a Phase 1 Expansion Project which will double the size of the existing hospital, while adding capacity for 165 new inpatient beds and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. For more information, visit our website at www.rvh.on.ca.
LCI announced in December 2008 that both radio stations would work to fulfill a $500,000 pledge to the I Believe capital campaign and the radiothon is just one of several events designed to meet that goal. Other initiatives including a cook book, golf tournaments, a Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings concert and an upcoming Colin James concert at Casino Rama are a few of the ways the two stations are meeting their pledge. Once the pledge is met, the funds will go toward the purchase of a new Interventional Radiology suite in RVH’s expanding Imaging Department. Major expansions and renovations to the Imaging Department are part of the Phase 1 Expansion Project, which also includes the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre
“Our Radio for Radiology Campaign will help to fund a new Interventional Radiology Unit, allowing people in Orillia, Midland, Barrie, and all of Simcoe County and Muskoka to get treatment close to home and we are determined to have KICX 106 listeners and 104.1 The DOCK listeners from across the region get engaged and support their Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre,” says LCI president Paul Larche. “The reality is that most of us, or a loved one, will have to deal with cancer in our lives. It’s a very stressful time. I lost my mother to cancer when she was only 4. It’s critical that residents in our region have the best, most convenient and timely care available. With help from our many listeners and clients, funding a new IR Unit that will support the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, will do precisely that.”
An Interventional Radiology (IR) unit permits doctors to perform procedures by making tiny incisions, often the size of the tip of a pen, through which small catheters, wires, and other instruments are passed under x-ray guidance to the area of interest within the body. This allows the use of local anesthesia and light sedation rather than the general anesthesia that is required for conventional surgery. In most cases, patients are able to go home the same day, or the day after the procedure. Not only are IR procedures typically less expensive than surgery, patients return to normal activities much faster than and the risks, pain and recovery are significantly reduced. Royal Victoria Hospital currently has the only Interventional Radiology unit in Simcoe County.
About RVH: Royal Victoria Hospital is a 299-bed community hospital in Barrie, Ontario, located 80 kilometres north of Toronto. As the largest
hospital in the region of Simcoe Muskoka, it provides specialty services to almost half a million Central Ontario residents. RVH’s team of over 280 physicians, 2,200 employees and 1,100 volunteers provide exceptional health care, specializing in emergency services, cancer care, surgical services, intensive care, mental health, interventional radiology and rehabilitation. RVH has embarked on a Phase 1 Expansion Project which will double the size of the existing hospital, while adding capacity for 165 new inpatient beds and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. For more information, visit our website at www.rvh.on.ca.
Monday, May 17, 2010
OPP PARTICIPATES IN 2010 NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK CAMPAIGN
Making Canada’s Roads the Safest in the World
MIDLAND, ON – All 165 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachments across the province are making preparations to fully participate in the annual Canada Road Safety Week which gets underway from May 18 through to May 24.
This National road safety campaign is in partnership with police services and other road safety partners from across Canada and supports Transport Canada’s “Canada Road Safety Vision 2010” which has the goal of making our nation’s roads the safest in the world.
Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong, Regional Commander of Central Region has stated “Canada Road Safety Week aims to make our roads the safest in the world by increasing public compliance with safe driving measures and ultimately to save lives “We will be targeting aggressive drivers, those who drink and drive and those who don’t buckle up. We will also be watching for motorists who don’t slow down or move over safely where possible when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road with its emergency lights flashing.”
Provincial Constable David Hobson Community Services Officer for Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment states that for many years our detachment, along with police agencies from across the country, has participated in Canada Road Safety Week. Our increased presence will help raise awareness regarding issues of public safety on our roads,” “We also use this campaign to demonstrate our commitment to public safety and community wellness in the Southern Georgian Bay area.”
In 2009, there were 59 people killed on Central Region patrolled roads, which sadly is an increase of 8 from 2008. In 2008, there were 1783 personal injuries crashes and in 2009, this number increased to 2080.
In 2010, 6 people have lost their lives due to traffic fatalities with Central Region and during the recent Spring Seatbelt Campaign, 188,441 seatbelt and child safety seat related checks were conducted and 1157 seatbelt related charges were laid.
Canada Road Safety Week supports Canada’s Road Safety Vision 2010, a plan to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2010.
MIDLAND, ON – All 165 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachments across the province are making preparations to fully participate in the annual Canada Road Safety Week which gets underway from May 18 through to May 24.
This National road safety campaign is in partnership with police services and other road safety partners from across Canada and supports Transport Canada’s “Canada Road Safety Vision 2010” which has the goal of making our nation’s roads the safest in the world.
Chief Superintendent Mike Armstrong, Regional Commander of Central Region has stated “Canada Road Safety Week aims to make our roads the safest in the world by increasing public compliance with safe driving measures and ultimately to save lives “We will be targeting aggressive drivers, those who drink and drive and those who don’t buckle up. We will also be watching for motorists who don’t slow down or move over safely where possible when passing an emergency vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road with its emergency lights flashing.”
Provincial Constable David Hobson Community Services Officer for Southern Georgian Bay OPP Detachment states that for many years our detachment, along with police agencies from across the country, has participated in Canada Road Safety Week. Our increased presence will help raise awareness regarding issues of public safety on our roads,” “We also use this campaign to demonstrate our commitment to public safety and community wellness in the Southern Georgian Bay area.”
In 2009, there were 59 people killed on Central Region patrolled roads, which sadly is an increase of 8 from 2008. In 2008, there were 1783 personal injuries crashes and in 2009, this number increased to 2080.
In 2010, 6 people have lost their lives due to traffic fatalities with Central Region and during the recent Spring Seatbelt Campaign, 188,441 seatbelt and child safety seat related checks were conducted and 1157 seatbelt related charges were laid.
Canada Road Safety Week supports Canada’s Road Safety Vision 2010, a plan to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world by 2010.
Monday, May 3, 2010
ONTARIO’S WATERWAYS: CAUTION - COLD WATER
(ORILLIA, ON) – A mild spring has opened up Ontario’s waterways and many are eager to get their boating season started. Tragically, in the past week, two fatal boating incidents have been investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
The OPP is cautioning boaters and those working near water that, while air temperatures are warm, water temperatures remain very cold. Cold water immersion is a significant risk that should not be taken lightly. Hypothermia is a serious condition that can be prevented with proper preparation before heading out.
Wear a lifejacket. You will not have the time or the ability to effectively put on safety equipment in a sudden and unexpected man-overboard situation.
Boaters are advised to wear clothing and equipment that protects them against the effects of cold exposure.
Ensure your boat is equipped with the required safety equipment.
Check water and weather conditions before heading out and be vigilant to changes in conditions.
Tell others of your plans and your anticipated return.
Don’t take unnecessary risks with your life of the lives of your passengers. To learn more about cold water immersion visit www.coldwaterbootcamp.com
Contact:
Sgt Karen Harrington
OPP Marine Programs
Office: 705 329-6125
Cell: 705 330-2860
The OPP is cautioning boaters and those working near water that, while air temperatures are warm, water temperatures remain very cold. Cold water immersion is a significant risk that should not be taken lightly. Hypothermia is a serious condition that can be prevented with proper preparation before heading out.
Wear a lifejacket. You will not have the time or the ability to effectively put on safety equipment in a sudden and unexpected man-overboard situation.
Boaters are advised to wear clothing and equipment that protects them against the effects of cold exposure.
Ensure your boat is equipped with the required safety equipment.
Check water and weather conditions before heading out and be vigilant to changes in conditions.
Tell others of your plans and your anticipated return.
Don’t take unnecessary risks with your life of the lives of your passengers. To learn more about cold water immersion visit www.coldwaterbootcamp.com
Contact:
Sgt Karen Harrington
OPP Marine Programs
Office: 705 329-6125
Cell: 705 330-2860
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