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Health
News from City of Lakes FHT website
February 01, 2010
Funding Granted for Clinical Learners
The Northern Ontario School of Medicine has approved infrastructure
funding for the City of Lakes Family Health Team to expand and upgrade
its clinical facilities for clinical learning purposes. Our clinics are
clinical teaching sites for NOSM students and residents as well as
learners from other disciplines such as nursing and pharmacy.
This initiative builds on an affiliation between the City of Lakes
Family Health Team and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in which
medical learners are educated in an interdisciplinary primary care
setting. The learners assess and plan for patient care in a
collaborative manner while learning about the role of each profession at
the clinic- such as nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social
workers and dietitians. Students and residents are guided by a family
physician preceptor.
A total of $126,000 has been granted for the provision of additional
exam rooms, medical equipment, information technology and
videoconferencing. The funding comes from the Northern Ontario Heritage
Fund.
November 07, 2009
Geriatrician makes Presentation to Health Team
Greater Sudbury's newest Geriatrician, Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, made a
presentation to the Family Health team on November 6th. The presentation
was entitled "Falls Prevention- What Does the Evidence Tell Us?".
Dr. Clarke's presentation represents one aspect of an evolving
partnership between the City of Lakes Family Health team and the the
recently opened Centre for Excellence in Seniors' Health. Our team is in
the process of implementing a Geriatrics Program that identifies falls
prevention as a health priority for many of our elderly patients.
September 29, 2009
Telemedicine is coming to our Clinics
We have been accepted by the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) as a
member of the OTN network. The Ontario Telemedicine Network is an
independent, not-for-profit organization that is funded by the
Government of Ontario.
"Telemedicine" is the delivery of health-related services and
information using telecommunication technologies. Using two-way
videoconferencing systems and tele-diagnostic instruments like digital
stethoscopes, otoscopes and patient examination cameras, OTN helps
deliver clinical care and professional education among healthcare
providers and patients.
OTN membership provides access to the world's largest collaborative
community of telemedicine-enabled organizations, enabling participation
in clinical, educational and administrative events. OTN has 336 partners
including: academic health science centres, community hospitals,
psychiatric hospitals, clinics, nursing stations, medical and nursing
schools, professional organizations, Community Care Access Centres, LHIN
offices, First Nations Communities, long-term care homes, educational
facilities and public health.
Watch our website for more information about how patients can access our
OTN studio!
September 24, 2009
City Council Approves Walden Clinic Funding
The City of Lakes Family Health Team (CoLFHT)
is one step closer to opening a brand new clinic in Walden. City Council
approved a motion last evening to provide capital funding to transform
the former Walden Town Hall into a medical clinic. A proposal will be
submitted to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care to match
the City’s share of capital funding so that the clinic can be ready to
receive patients in 2010.
In August 20009, the CoLFHT announced that four new family physicians
joined their team. The physicians, currently completing a Family
Medicine Residency at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, are as
follows: Dr. Sarah Duncan, Dr. Katherine Gasparini, Dr. Liisa Levasseur
and Dr. Monica Susil. “We are so pleased that City Council is supporting
the Walden Clinic,” said Dr. Gasparini. “It was really encouraging to
hear Councillors speaking so positively about our family health team.”
In 2005, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care approved a
CoLFHT proposal to open four clinics across the City of Greater Sudbury.
Two existing clinics are located in Sudbury and Val Caron. Future
clinical sites have been identified in Walden and Chelmsford. The Walden
clinic will be located in the former Town of Walden municipal building
located at 25 Black Lake Road. The properties are owned by the City of
Greater Sudbury.
“This is great news for thousands of people across our community who are
looking for a family physician,” said David Courtemanche, Executive
Director of the CoLFHT. “Given the current economic climate, Council’s
decision to support these physicians demonstrates their commitment to
improving the local healthcare system and making primary healthcare
accessible to citizens throughout the City.”
The City of Lakes Family Health Team is an interdisciplinary team of
family physicians and health care professionals working collaboratively
to provide comprehensive primary health care services to their patients.
Family Health Teams are a key component of the Ontario Ministry of
Health and Long-term Care’s plan to build a health care system that
delivers on three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait
times and providing better access to physicians and nurses.
Unattached patients seeking a family physician should not contact the
Family Health Team or its physicians until the Walden clinic has been
opened in 2010.
August 07, 2009
FOUR NEW PHYSICIANS TO JOIN FAMILY HEALTH TEAM
GREATER SUDBURY - The City of Lakes Family Health Team (CoLFHT)
announced today that four new family physicians have agreed to join
their team. The physicians, currently completing a Family Medicine
Residency at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, are as follows:
Dr. Sarah Duncan, Dr. Katherine Gasparini, Dr. Liisa Levasseur and Dr.
Monica Susil.
"I am so pleased that these four young physicians have chosen to
establish a practice in our community", said Dr. Tom Crichton. "It is a
tribute to their commitment to the north as well as to the vision of the
Northern Ontario School of Medicine to address the physician shortage in
our community." Dr. Crichton is the CoLFHT's lead physician and
Assistant Dean of Family Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of
Medicine.
Their arrival to the team will coincide with the opening of a new Family
Health Team clinic in Walden. In 2005, the Ontario Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care approved a CoLFHT proposal to open four clinics
across the City of Greater Sudbury. Two existing clinics are located in
Sudbury and Val Caron. Future clnical sites have been identified in
Walden and Chelmsford. The Walden clinic is targeted to open in 2010
pending capital funding approval by City Council and the Ontario
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. "Family Health Teams are
improving the delivery of primary health care in Greater Sudbury and
across Ontario." said MPP Rick Bartolucci. "I welcome these new
physicians who will work to provide the best, most comprehensive care to
the people of Walden."
"This is great news for thousands of people across our community who are
currently without a family physician." said Dr. Chris McKibbon, Chair of
the CoLFHT Board of Directors. "Locating another clinic in the outlying
area of the City will make primary healthcare more accessible for those
patients." The Walden clinic will be located in the former Town of
Walden municipal building located at 25 Black Lake Road. The property is
owned by the City of Greater Sudbury.
The City of Lakes Family Health Team is an interdisciplinary team of
family physicians and health care professionals working collaboratively
to provide comprehensive primary health care services to their patients.
Family Health Teams are key component of the Ontario Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care's plan to build a health care system that delivers on
three priorities - keeping Ontarians healthy, reducing wait times and
providing better access to the physicians and nurses.
Unattached patients seeking a family physician should not contact the
Family Health Team or its physicians until the Walden clinic has been
opened in 2010.
Flu
Clinic Opens(pdf)
Hi Everyone,
It has been quite a while since I sent out information and updates on
the Canadian Diabetes Association. Please see below some exciting
information about the partnership between the NHL and the Canadian
Diabetes Association (below), as well as information on World Diabetes
Day.
Together, the Canadian Diabetes Association, JDRF and Novo Nordisk
Canada have created a new website for World Diabetes Day -
www.worlddiabetes.ca. We
are encouraging everyone to visit the newly created website – and also
encourage family, friends and clients to visit – to share your stories
about being a Diabetes Champion. Champions are people living with
diabetes; their friends and family; diabetes researchers; healthcare
practitioners; volunteers; diabetes educators; advocates; life science
partners; community leaders; role models; mentors; and elected officials
to name just a few. I know that everyone on this mailing list is a
Diabetes Champion!
Many people have been posting their own personal stories – please read
and consider posting your own story.
If you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a line.
Thanks,
Jennifer
We are very excited to let you know that the Canadian
Diabetes Association and the NHL Canadian Clubs will help raise
awareness of the seriousness of diabetes together throughout the month
of November.
The Clubs will support the Association’s Diabetes Champion Campaign in
several ways, including:
• Arena public announcements
• Arena jumbotron ads
• Web banner ads
Below is a list of games where there will be in-arena diabetes
awareness:
Date
NHL Club
November 3
Vancouver Canucks
November 5
Edmonton Oilers
November 10
Montreal Canadiens
November 14
Ottawa Senators
November 14
Toronto Maple Leafs
November 17
Calgary Flames
In addition, on Saturday, November 14th the Ottawa Senators and the
Toronto Maple Leafs have provided us with table top display areas so we
can distribute educational materials, promote the mission and good works
of the Canadian Diabetes Association, as well as request donations to
help us continue supporting the 3 million people in Canada living with
diabetes. Also, through their relationship with the Vernon Minor Hockey
League, the Vancouver Canucks have asked Nik Wasylyk – a 13 year old boy
newly diagnosed with type 1 – to join the team on the ice for the
pre-game skate and to remain on the ice for the singing of the National
Anthem. Nik’s relationship with the Canucks will be announced as will
their support of World Diabetes Day.
For 25 years, the Association and the NHL have partnered together
through the NHL Awards which has resulted in $4 million to support the
Association in our mission of leading the fight against diabetes. We’re
very proud to have the NHL support Diabetes Awareness Month and the
Diabetes Champion Campaign this year by helping to educate fans and
encourage them to inspire and raise awareness about the seriousness of
diabetes.
Please spread the word of the NHL's support of our very important
message this month to your friends and family
Jennifer MacKinnon
Regional Director, North East Ontario
Canadian Diabetes Association
2141 Lasalle Blvd, Unit F, Sudbury, ON P3A 2A3
T: (705) 670-1993 ext 6
diabetes.ca | 1-800-BANTING | Setting the world standard
SudburyROCKS!!! Race, Run or Walk for Diabetes - May 2, 2010
www.sudburyrocksmarathon.com
Hospital supports ‘fair and equitable
access’ to PET scans - Carol Hartman
Oct 19, 2009
By: Guest Northern Life Columnist
The discussion around bringing a Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
scanner to northeastern Ontario has heightened public interest in PET
and its benefits to patients as a leading edge diagnostic tool that
helps to identify and guide the treatment of serious illness.
It has also mobilized many concerned members of our community to
advocate for what is an equity and access to care issue for residents of
our region.
The Hôpital regional de Sudbury Regional Hospital (HRSRH) supports fair
and equitable access for people living in the northeast to this valuable
diagnostic tool. The hospital’s role is to advocate and determine the
resource requirements that will allow us to respond to the needs of our
people. You have been clear in your desire to have access to this
advancement in care. This is why the board of directors passed a motion
to create a Northeastern Ontario PET Scan Advisory Group.
We believe this Advisory Group represents a significant step forward in
the goal of creating equitable access to PET Scan technology for the
patients we serve. The group will ensure we have the appropriate
community support, clinical and financial expertise for the development
of a business case for a PET Scan in the northeast from a clinical,
research, operational, and financial perspective.
The purpose of the business case is to inform the HRSRH’s board, our
health care partners and people across the region as to what will be
required for the acquisition of a PET Scanner for Sudbury and
northeastern Ontario. It is important that we be able to clearly
demonstrate for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care the need in
our region for this investment.
We know there will be significant challenges in bringing a PET Scanner
to northeastern Ontario. Limited OHIP approvals, capped clinical
volumes, one-time and recurring operating costs and funding limitations
are some of the issues we will need to address.
Nevertheless, the hospital has a stated responsibility for being
accountable to its patients and the communities we serve by constantly
advocating for and seeking resources to provide the best, safest and
most appropriate health care services.
We take our responsibility to the communities we serve with the utmost
gravity. Through the Northeastern Ontario PET Scan Advisory Group, we
have set ourselves on the path to achieving the goal of fair and
equitable access to PET Scan technology for northeastern Ontario.
To view the presentation given to the HRSRH board of directors on Oct.
13, please visit www.hrsrh.on.ca.
Carol Hartman is the chair of the Sudbury Regional Hospital Board of
Directors.
From Sudbury
District Health Unit Website
H1N1 Influenza
Questions and Answers
What is H1N1
influenza?
H1N1 influenza is a strain of
influenza that originated in swine, but can also make people sick. It
is a respiratory illness that causes symptoms much like those of the
regular seasonal influenza.
What are the symptoms of seasonal and
H1N1 influenza viruses?
Flu viruses result in similar
symptoms, which range from mild to severe. Symptoms include sudden
fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and muscle aches. In children
under the age of five, vomiting and diarrhea are more common and fever
may not be prominent.
What can I do to prevent the spread
of illness?
-
Wash your hands thoroughly and often with hot water and liquid soap,
and assist children in your care to do so as well.
-
Use
hand sanitizers if water and soap are not available.
-
Sneeze and cough into your sleeve, and encourage children in your
care to do so as well.
-
Stay at home if you are sick, and reduce contact with family members
and the public.
Will the
seasonal flu shot protect me against H1N1 influenza?
There are many types of influenza
viruses. The seasonal flu shot does not provide protection against the
H1N1 flu virus.
Will there be a vaccine to protect me
against H1N1 influenza?
Yes.
When will the H1N1 and seasonal flu
vaccines be available and to whom?
Local clinic dates and times for
both vaccines are being revised and will be communicated once the
details are finalized. (See “Vaccines”
for updates)
Seasonal flu vaccine --
Immunization in
October
-
Persons 65 years and over
-
Residents of long-term care homes
H1N1 flu vaccine -- Immunization in
November
For those who would benefit most
from immunization and those who care for them:
-
People with chronic medical conditions, under age 65
-
Pregnant women
-
Healthy children from six months to five years old
-
Persons residing in remote and isolated settings or communities
-
Health care workers involved in pandemic response or the delivery
of essential health care services
-
Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who
cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines
Others who would benefit from
immunization include:
-
Adults 65 years of age and over
-
Healthy children five to 18 years of age
-
First responders
-
Swine and poultry workers
-
Health adults between 19 and 64 years of age
Seasonal flu vaccine – Immunization
in December 2009 and January
2010
For all people six months or age
and older who live, work, or attend school in Ontario
Will schools
and other community facilities be closed if there is a case of H1N1
flu virus?
Public health officials will
consider each situation, but at this time, closures are NOT
recommended for this virus, just as they would not be recommended for
seasonal influenza. This measure is not necessary at this time.
Should I be staying home or keeping
my child at home?
Children and adults who are healthy
should go to school or work or take part in other activities as they
normally would. There is no reason to withdraw from normal activities
at this time. Healthy people who are close contacts of people
diagnosed with H1N1 virus are advised by public health to limit their
activities in the community to what is essential, such as work and
school.
Should people returning from travel
to other areas affected by H1N1 flu virus be asked to stay at home?
If people who return from such
travel are well, they should continue to go to school or work and
continue to participate in other activities as usual. If these
individuals begin to have symptoms of illness, they should stay home
and call a health care provider for advice. If the health care
provider suspects H1N1 flu they may order a test (nasopharyngeal swab
– or nose and throat swab) and are asked to report this to public
health. The health unit then follows up with the person directly and
provides them with advice. If a person is diagnosed with this virus,
they should stay home until 24 hours after their symptoms are gone or
for seven (7) days following illness onset, whichever is longer. This
will prevent transmission of the virus to others.
I think I have been in contact with
someone who was ill with this virus. What do I do?
If you are feeling well, you can
continue regular activities. There is no need to be under “quarantine”
but you should watch for any symptoms. Public health advises that
people be especially watchful for symptoms for the first seven (7)
days following exposure
to someone who is ill with H1N1 virus.
What should I do if I'm sick or
someone in my home is sick?
Read
here
to find out more
Are there any medications available
to prevent this flu?
Antiviral medications are not
recommended for the prevention of H1N1 flu infection. Antiviral
medications may be recommended by a health care provider for the
treatment of persons diagnosed with this virus.
Should I wear a mask?
It is NOT recommended that members
of the general public wear masks to protect themselves from
contracting the H1N1 flu virus. Evidence shows that this is not an
effective public health measure for the general public.
Should I avoid drinking from water
fountains?
NO. Regular practices and
precautions should be followed. Avoid touching the drinking fountain
spout.
Will community activities be
cancelled?
There is NO recommendation to
cancel community activities. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly
and use good personal hygiene. Avoid sharing food, beverages and other
personal items. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, stay home
until you are well.
Please check out Sudbury District Nurse
Practitioner Clinics web site for
regular updates re our Lively clinic site.
http://sdnpc.ca/about-us/lively-clinic-gallery.html
Marilyn Butcher RN(EC)
Clinic Director
Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics
359 Riverside Dr, Suite 107
Sudbury, ON P3E 1H5
phone (705)671-1661 ext 204
fax (705)671-0177
Web Site www.sdnpc
Walden Family Health
Team on track
September 25, 2009 - Rachel Punch - Sudbury Star - p. A3
City council decided last fall to put the breaks on spending $500,000 to
help accommodate proposed health-care clinics in Rayside-Balfour and
Walden.
Council wanted to wait until they could be assured the investment would
bring health services to those areas.
They got that assurance Wednesday night when two of four new doctors who
have agreed to join the City of Lakes Family Health Team attended a
council
meeting.
Council agreed to contribute $345,000 to help the health team develop
the
Walden site. Council also agreed to have a budget option prepared for
the
development of the Rayside Balfour site.
"This is great news for thousands of people across our community who are
looking for a family physician," stated David Courtemanche, executive
director of the health team.
"Given the current economic climate, council's decision to support these
physicians demonstrates their commitment to improving the local
health-care
system and making primary health care accessible to citizens throughout
Greater Sudbury."
The team is made up of family physicians and other health-care
professionals
who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive health-care services
to
patients.
The teams are part of the provincial government's plan to reduce wait
times
and provide better access to doctors and nurses.
Dr. Katherine Gasparini and Dr. Sarah Duncan watched as council approved
the
recommendation. The two doctors, as well as Dr. Liisa Levasseur and Dr.
Monica Susil, will be joining the family health team in 2010 after
finishing
the Family Medicine Residency at the Northern Ontario School of
Medicine.
Coun. Jacques Barbeau, who represents the Walden area, said he would not
support "something that wasn't there for the taking."
"I was adamant about getting doctors into the community that didn't have
an
existing slate," he said.
These new doctors are "100% committed to working full time at this
clinic,"
Barbeau said.
It will bring health-care services to the community and create about 10
good-paying
Family health
* Four new doctors, Dr. Katherine Gasparini, Dr. Sarah Duncan, Dr. Liisa
Levasseur and Dr. Monica Susil, will be joining the family health team
in
2010 after finishing the Family Medicine Residency at the Northern
Ontario
School of Medicine.
* The plan is to open the Walden clinic in July 2010 and the Chelmsford
site
in 2012, given the successful recruitment of more physicians.
* The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is expected to provide 50%
of
the money to renovate the building.
jobs, he said.
"We are absolutely excited to have these new doctors move in," Barbeau
said.
The Walden clinic will be located in the former town of Walden municipal
building at 25 Black Lake Rd.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is expected to provide 50% of
the
money to renovate the building. The ministry, the health team and the
physicians will be responsible for operational costs.
It is estimated the city has more than 30,000 patients who do not have a
primary health caregiver, according to a report presented to council.
The City of Lakes Family Health Team has a current patient roster of
more
than 12,200. About 2,700 of these patients were orphaned patients when
the
health team first opened its doors in 2008.
The Walden site will enroll 6,000 new orphan patients. It is estimated
that
Walden will require six new family physicians (including the four that
have
already agreed to join the team) and Chelmsford will need four.
Now that the health team has secured funding from the city, it will go
after
capital money and a transitional funding agreement for staffing and
operations from the ministry.
The goal is to open the Walden clinic in July 2010 and the Chelmsford
site
in 2012, given the successful recruitment of more physicians.
rpunch@thesudburystar.com
http://forums.greatersudbury.ca/sudburynews/messageview.cfm?catid=156&threadid=10170
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