Peterborough Regional Health Centre Calls On Province of Ontario to Fund Hybrid Operating Room

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) urgently requested funding for a hybrid operating room in the Level 2 Vascular Centre as they addressed the Province of Ontario during a Pre-Budget Consultation on Friday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PETERBOROUGH REGIONAL HEALTH CENTRE.

Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s President and CEO, says the hospital should already have a hybrid operating room in accordance with the Ontario Health standard.  

“We do more than 1,000 vascular procedures each year, and nearly three quarters of our patients come from outside of Peterborough City and County,” she said. “But our vascular operating room is not properly equipped. According to standards set by Ontario Health, we need a hybrid operating room.”

In 2017, PRHC identified the construction of a hybrid operating room as a key priority for the 600,000 patients it serves across the region. In 2019, the hospital began self-funded construction costing $21 million to create space for several regional program expansions, including the hybrid operating room. Mikula reports that the hospital has been waiting years for approval and the $10 million in funding needed to build the hybrid operating room.

Vascular surgeons perform procedures essential to the hospital's cancer care, dialysis and cardiac programs. According to the PRHC, this time-sensitive care can often require multiple surgeries. A hybrid operating room allows specialized teams to perform multiple open and minimally invasive procedures on the same patient, on the same day, in the same room.

“We’re still unable to provide the appropriate level of care for a Level 2 Vascular Centre, meaning we need to send more complex patients further from home to get the care they need,” said Mikula. “Last year alone, nearly 200 patients were sent to other centres for procedures we should have been able to do at PRHC. This puts our patients and our vascular program at risk.”

PRHC says that Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP noted at the committee proceedings that establishing a hybrid operating room at the hospital requires a comparatively small investment by the Ministry of Health, as the space and the equipment are already funded by the hospital and the PRHC Foundation, which have committed to raising $6 million toward the project as part of the $70 million campaign.

“We believe that in the context of hospital capital projects, which now tend to run into the billions of dollars, that a $10 million ask would be a huge win for a relatively very small price tag,” said Mikula. “This investment will yield a huge leap forward in vascular care for our patients, and it’s what my colleagues and I need to do our job to the best of our abilities. It will help us save lives.”

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Photos: Students Gain Understanding Through Council For Persons With Disabilities ‘A Day in My Shoes' Event

Over 160 Kaawaate East City Public School students gained understanding, inclusion and respect for people of all abilities as they attended the Council for Persons with Disabilities’ (CPD) ‘A Day in My Shoes’ event at the YMCA on Wednesday morning.

Alexandra Clay (left) with her guide dog Oliver, putting on a demo for Grade 6 student Jaja Might (right). All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Students in grades 5, 6 and 8 participated in hands-on activities that simulate the daily experiences of people with disabilities.

The event’s goal is to encourage empathy, awareness, and respect for individuals of all abilities according to Cody McIntyre, CPD Chair.

“As someone who grew up with a hearing loss and who started wearing hearing aids at the age of 6 that meant I would sit closer to the teacher in the classroom, watch mouth for cues and worked harder to follow every word that was being said,” he said. “By educating and opening conversations with the students of Kaawaate East City Public School about what it is like to live with a disability we are creating a more inclusive and respectful environment at their school and for the entire Peterborough community.”

The students participated in realistic simulations that engaged them in meaningful discussions about mobility, vision, hearing and inclusion.

@ptbo_canada To experience daily life of having a disability, students took on challenges such as trying to toe a shoe with oven mitts. #ptbocanada #journalism #news #fyp #internationaldisabilityday ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

The event coincides with International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which the City of Peterborough recognized.

“On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to building a community where everyone is included, valued and able to participate fully in daily life,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. This day reminds us of the importance of removing barriers, both seen and unseen, and of working together to create a city that is accessible to all.”

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53rd Easter Seals Telethon Looking to Raise $100,000 With Live Event For March 23

The 53rd Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser is aiming to raise $100,000 for children with physical disabilities with their live event broadcasting on March 23 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., announced at Lansdowne Place on Thursday morning.

Stu Harrison, Easter Seals Telethon honest (left), talks to Mitchell McMcoll (middle) and Yvonne McColl about how Easter Seals has benefitted their family. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mayor Jeff Leal was in attendance and proclaimed March to be Easter Seals Month in Peterborough.

Stu Harrison is returning as Telethon host and Graham Hart, former CHEX TV on-air personality, is doing his 51st Telethon.

Easter Seals is its 103rd year with the 53rd as a fundraiser. Proceeds provide support for children and youth with physical disabilities. This includes mobility and accessibility equipment, communication devices and attending summer camps.

“I honestly call the Telethon a legacy event,” said Jenn Bheemsingh, Easter Seals community engagement officer. “Easter Seals is such a signature event, especially in this community. In Ontario, we're doing the Telethons all across the regions but Peterborough, you guys are expecting the Telethon to come, it's a great community-based event. 

The televised event celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families and recognizes donors and sponsors.

“We're going to be showcasing a lot of the Peterborough families that are in the area,” said Bheemsingh. “We've got over 75 families that we serve just to Easter Seals alone so we're hoping to have quite a few of the families come in, share their stories and see their journeys.”

Supporters can donate during the Telethon or at anytime online.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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City of Peterborough Celebrates National AccessAbility Week

The City of Peterborough is celebrating National AccessAbility Week until Saturday and several events are being held to mark the occasion.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

This year’s theme is ‘Forward Together: Accessibility and Inclusion for All,’ emphasizing the need for a collective effort to create a barrier-free Canada.

“Our country’s strength lies in the diversity of people – all its people – and we can all contribute to this vision,” as stated by the Government of Canada on its website. 

National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, the work of allies and organizations that are removing barriers and the ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive Peterborough according to the City.

The following are events to help celebrate the week: 

Wednesday, - Red Shirt Day 

In support of Red Shirt Day, the City of Peterborough encourages residents to wear red on May 29, 2024. Established in 2019 by Easter Seals Canada, Red Shirt Day is about making a commitment to remove physical, attitudinal and systemic barriers to accessibility and inclusion. More information about Red Shirt Day is available at www.redshirtday.org. City Hall will be lit red on Red Shirt Day to create a visual display of solidarity and support for people with disabilities. 

Saturday - ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All’ talk with Nicole Flynn 

Join Nicole Flynn, author of ‘A Life Worth Living’, at the Peterborough Public Library on June 1, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. for a talk about the experiences of people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Refer to the Peterborough Public Library calendar of events for more information on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All talk with Nicole Flynn.    

Peterborough Public Library – cloudLibrary 

CloudLibrary is a continuously growing collection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, and comics that allows users to enjoy digital library materials anywhere they go. With a Peterborough Public Library card, people can access thousands of new and popular titles for all ages and interests on cloudLibrary. An introduction to the cloudLibrary video on the city's YouTube channel teaches you how to make cloudLibrary suit your accessibility needs, such as editing fonts and colours. Library staff will provide an in-person demo or a one-on-one coaching session upon request. 

2024 to 2028 Accessibility Plan 

Following National AccessAbility Week, Peterborough City Council will review the draft 2024 to 2028 Accessibility Plan at the June 3, 2024 General Committee meeting. The Accessibility Plan will be a new five-year plan to help make Peterborough more accessible and welcoming for everyone. The plan will be up for approval at the June 10 City Council meeting. All Council reports are available at www.peterborough.ca/councilmeetings. 

Rotary Greenway Trail Crossing at Hunter Street East 

Upgrades are coming in 2024 to the Rotary Greenway Trail crossing at Hunter Street East. The improvement will accommodate a general increase in trail usage and demand related to the recently constructed mixed-use developments immediately south of the crossing location. 

The project, which was endorsed by Peterborough’s Accessibility Advisory Committee includes enhanced crossing features, surface markings and lighting to ensure people of all abilities can use the crossing independently. 

“Upgrades to the Rotary Greenway Trail crossing demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to create a barrier-free community,” said Councillor Kevin Duguay, the Council representative on the City’s Accessibility Advisory Committee. “We’re listening to the needs of the community, value the role of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the many disability-related organizations in our community who are collectively contributing to create a more inclusive Peterborough.” 

Other community events 

A variety of community events will be taking place during National AccessAbility Week, such as a Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities hosting a wheelchair and mobility device maintenance clinic and an all-abilities pickleball event. The week concludes with Peterborough Council for Persons with Disabilities hosting a free Capable Con Event on June 1, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Venture North parking lot. Capable Con is an event to celebrate everyday superheroes living with disabilities, held in a safe space to learn, share and promote inclusivity. Residents are encouraged to visit the CPD website at www.pcpd.ca for information. 

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Selwyn Township Receives $60,000 Grant For Installation of Accessible Kayak and Canoe Docks

In an effort to improve recreation accessibility, Selwyn Township has received $60,000 through the Inclusive Community Grants Program to install accessible kayak and canoe docking systems announced at The River Den in Lakefield on Thursday afternoon.

Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township mayor (left); Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility (middle) and Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP (right). Cho hade made three appearances in Peterborough City and County during his visit that including Peterborough, Lakefield and Havelock. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The announcement was made by Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility; Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP; Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden and Sherry Senis, Selwyn Township mayor.

The installations are part of the ‘Creating an Inclusive Waterfront in Lakefield’ project which aims to improve the enjoyment of water-based activities for older adults and anyone with limited mobility.

They will be installed at Lakefield Beach and Isabel Morris Park and are expected to be completed by early spring of this year.

The installations provide barrier-free access to recreational water activities along the Otonabee River.

“Our government proudly supports Selwyn Township in removing barriers to recreation through the Inclusive Community Grant,” said Cho. “Both projects will help people of all abilities stay active and close to home so they can continue to live healthy and independent lives.”

“There remain considerable barriers to participation in recreation and cultural activities for people with disabilities,” said Senis. “This is also true for seniors, people with limited mobility, and/or health-related issues. To achieve inclusivity for all, parks and recreation services must be accessible to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.”

“Those with disabilities and limited mobility are often faced with obstacles or unwelcoming environments when they try to use outdoor spaces,” said Dave Smith. “This funding will allow individuals to have access to waterfront that will enable them to enjoy activities with their friends and families for years to come.”

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52nd Easter Seals Telethon Kicks Off With Live Event For March 24; Higher Ambitions With $100,000 Goal Set

The 52nd Easter Seals Telethon fundraiser has kicked off for March with their live event broadcasting on March 24 on YourTV and Global Peterborough from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(From left to right) The Growdens Tara, Teddy, Dan and Ambassador Sawyer sharing a moment as the 52nd Easter Seals Telethon Kicks Off. Sawyer is returning as a regional ambassador after being announced as a new one last year. She was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The announcement was made at Lansdowne Place with Deputy Mayor Joy Lachica proclaiming March to be Easter Seals Month in Peterborough.

Telethon host Stu Harrison is returning as well as Graham Hart, celebrating his 50th year volunteering. Actress Linda Kash and Energy Morning Show’s Brian Young are hosting the Wheelchair Challenge where small teams come on the Telethon to contact everyone they know for donations.

”They're calling and reaching out to their contacts list of corporate supporters, family members, employers, that kind of thing and basically drumming more donations for us,” Coralie Jacobs of Easter Seals Ontario “It's sort of a neat and little competitive little edge to the show.”

Easter Seals is its 102nd year with the 52nd and is a fundraiser that provides support for children and youth with physical disabilities. The televised event celebrates success stories, showcases Easter Seals kids and their families, recognizes donors and sponsors.

Jacobs credits everyone involved in the event and/or its promotion on why the event has been successful for over a century.

“A lot of that has to do with who's involved with it and they're putting the word out for us,” she explained. “It's really valuable for people to understand and help them understand what it is that we're doing.”

For the 52nd edition of the Telethon, a goal of $100,000 was set, an increase of $80,000 in years prior.

“We've never had that as our goal, it's always been 80,” said Jacobs. “We're very good at exceeding 80 and I'm comfortable with that but this year I thought, 'you know what, let's go for it,' 100 grand, I know this community can do it.”

Also returning to the Telethon is regional ambassador and seven-year-old Sawyer Grace Growden who has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder which affects the 15th chromosome. She uses a wheelchair and a walker to help with her mobility.

“She loves the attention, loves being on camera,” said Dan Growden, Sawyer’s father. “You can tell by the laughing and giggling that she loves to be here.”

Last year, the family participated in the Easter Seals Family Camp and have already applied to participate for 2024. The camp gives families an opportunity to meet other families, have an accessible family vacation with overnight camping. The camp has a wide range of programs that are geared to various age groups for families to partake in.

“It was an incredible experience to be there as a family, meet other families,” said Dan. “Teddy got to meet siblings of other kids with physical disabilities so it just a great time all around.”

Supporters can donate during the Telethon or at anytime online.

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Unknown Events Occuring During Spring at Peterborough Memorial Centre No Longer Proceeding; City Says They Will Arena Users of Facility Availability

The City of Peterborough has made the Peterborough Memorial Centre (PMC) available for events again from May 20 to June 10 after an undisclosed event running during that timeframe is not happening anymore according to a public statement made on Friday afternoon.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The City’s website said that the event that was expected to be held at the PMC during that period is ‘no longer proceeding.’

The City of Peterborough is reaching out to arena users to inform them of the facility availability which includes organizers of the Lakers Classic lacrosse tournament according to a press release.

The Lakers were previously told to look for an alternate spot to do their home opener for May 20.

The team’s social media account have responded to the City’s statement, saying that it is‘A good day for lacrosse in Peterborough’ from a Facebook post.

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Preliminary Results of Referendum Show Majority of Peterborough County Residents Vote No for the Privatization of Hospitals

The preliminary numbers show a total of 9,345 citizens from across Peterborough City and County voted NO for the privatization of public hospitals in the cross-Province citizen-led referendum held on May 26 and 27 and online.

file photo.

“The numbers are great. It was a massive effort that far exceeded our expectations,” said Peterborough Health Coalition co-chair Marion Burton.

Volunteers counted the in-person votes on Sunday, which saw No votes totalling 4,866, and Yes votes totalling 65. These totals include some workplace votes.

Online voting results from Douro Dummer, Keene, Lakefield, Millbrook, Peterborough and Selwyn totalled 4,479 No votes and 35 Yes votes.

At press time, Peterborough’s preliminary total of No votes is 9,345 and 100 Yes votes.

There are still some workplace votes that remain to be counted.

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Peterborough Zoo Constructing Sloped Wheelchair-Accessible Walkway Beginning Monday

The Riverview Park and Zoo are beginning construction on a sloped wheelchair-accessible walkway connecting the north parking lot to the playground with work scheduled to begin on Monday.

File Photo.

The zoo estimates its completion on May 12 according to a press release.

Access to existing accessible parking spaces is maintained at all times but alternate spaces and detours will be provided during this time. Access to the Electric Charging Stations are not affected but the public will be notified if this changes.

Funding for the project has been supported by Enabling Accessibility Fund, Employment and Social Development Canada.

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