The Government of Ontario Investing $60,000 in Hospice Norwood
/New funding from the Government of Ontario is set to make a big difference for programming at Hospice Norwood.
photo courtesy of hospice norwood.
Peterborough Blogs
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Welcomes New Internal Medicine Specialist
/After a near-year-long search, Dr. Daanish Chippa has become the new internist and hospitalist for Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) announced on Monday.
Dr. Chippa completed an internal medicine residency at Detroit Medical Center and a geriatric medicine fellowship at the University of Buffalo. Before starting with CMH. He worked in internal and hospital medicine at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of the Campbellford Memorial Centre.
“Physician recruitment has been a key priority for CMH, and we are delighted to have Dr. Chippa join our physician team,” said Eric Hanna, CEH CEO and interim president. “Dr. Chippa brings internal medicine and hospitalist experience coupled with a patient-focused approach that is an excellent complement to the team and a great win for our patients and community.”
Dr. Chippa left his hometown Toronto in 2011 to start becoming a physician. He completed medical school at the Medical University of the Americas and moved throughout the United States for his training rotations, residency, fellowship, and staff positions.
“It was a challenge to be away from home, and after a long, hard journey, I am so pleased to be back in Canada and to have the opportunity to work with the Campbellford Memorial Hospital team,” shared Dr. Chippa, who started at CMH in December 2022. “The team has been welcoming and helpful, and I’m impressed with the collaborative approach to providing patient-centred care.”
Dr. Chippa is one of CMH’s hospitalists providing direct care to the admitted patients in the Inpatient Unit and offers internal medicine consultations to other CMH physicians when required according to a press release. He also is leading a new Discharge Clinic at CMH that will provide follow-up care and assessments for patients after they are discharged from the Inpatient Unit (mainly focusing on older adults who may not have a primary care provider).
“Part of my interest in CMH is that it’s a smaller hospital serving many geriatric patients. This allows me to cover all areas of medicine while also leveraging my internal medicine specialty and building on my geriatric medicine experience – I knew it would be a good fit,” said Dr. Chippa.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Chippa to CMH. These are the rewarding moments in physician recruitment, from initial contact to assisting with the licensing process to welcoming him on-site,” said Michele Haddow, CMH medical affairs coordinator. “Dr. Chippa will be an asset to our staff and the community, and I am thrilled that our hard work has now come together.”
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Local Service Clubs Launch ‘We Can’t Wait’ Campaign for Campbellford Memorial Hospital Redevelopment
/Various local service clubs have launched the ‘We Can’t Wait’ campaign, supporting the redevelopment of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) as part of a larger Campus of Care.
In Oct. 2021, Campbellford Memorial Hospital announced that local farmer Jim Curle had donated nearly 50 acres of land for the proposed redevelopment of the hospital. Photo courtesy of Campbellford memorial hospital.
In addition to a new hospital, the proposed development will also contain a new Long-Term Care home, a Community Mental Health Clinic, the Geriatric Assessment and Intervention Network and future plans for supportive senior housing.
With various plans to build a new hospital talked about for decades and formal negotiations with the Province nearing the ten-year mark, executive director of the Campbellford Memorial Hospital Foundation John Russell has seen his share of starts and stops when it comes to redevelopment in his ten years with CMH.
“It really feels different this time. We have the land secured, we have partnerships in place, a local Long-Term Care home ready to redevelop alongside us, and even leadership donors who are beginning to indicate their financial support,” said Russell. “Local governments across the region have expressed their support, we’ve really never been this prepared to move to the next step.”
That next step, CMH says, involves securing a planning grant and the Provincial Government’s approval to move the project forward. Although the approval will not only provide the funds required to plan and design the new facility, it will provide the needed regulatory authorization.
“Simply put, we’ve gone as far as we can without that planning grant,” Russell continued.
photo courtesy of CMH.
Lawn signs in support of CMH can be seen throughout Trent Hills and the Kawarthas, directing residents to visit the CMH website to learn how they can help support the redevelopment process and join the We Can’t Wait campaign.
“We’ve always been huge supporters of the hospital,” said president of the Rotary Club of Campbellford Dave Sharp. “We wanted to find a way to help and right now what we need most is to show the Provincial Government that our community is behind this project one hundred percent.”
Sharp and the Campbellford Rotary Club are one of the local service clubs behind the We Can’t Wait campaign.
This sentiment was echoed by president of the Campbellford Lions Club Don May. The Lions have also shown their support behind the campaign.
“We wanted to do what we could to support this project. The proposed redevelopment will be a huge benefit to our community and everyone who lives here,” said May. “Our population continues to grow, continues to age, and we need this project approved now.”
Neighbouring Rotary Clubs in Stirling-Rawdon and Brighton are also supporting the campaign, and CMH says We Can’t Wait signs will soon start popping up in those communities.
photo courtesy of CMH.
A recent analysis of CMH showed that over the next ten years the hospital will need between $25 and $30 million in renovations and repairs to keep the facility up to current standards, and even if approval of a planning grant comes, it will still take up to seven years until a new facility is ready to open.
Over the past year Public Health has closed admission at the hospital twice during COVID-19 outbreaks as the hospital lacks the infrastructure to maintain private rooms and meet modern outbreak control standards. CMH says certain parts of the facility are 70 years old and as a result lack the accessibility, technology and patient flow designs that would typically be found at newer hospitals.
“It really comes down to one of two things; do you continue to spend money maintaining a limited facility, or do you invest that money to build a modern, state of the art hospital that will be able to recruit top talent and continue to provide the exemplary care our community needs,” explained Russell.
Residents who wish to learn more or get involved with the We Can’t Wait campaign can visit the website.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Warning After Weekend Responses
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings over the weekend, announced on Monday.
File photo.
There were seven drug-related poisonings were responded to by 911 first responders and the Emergency Department. PPH presumes this is a result of an opioid product that is pink in colour and has an increased level of toxicity according to a press release.
Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal.
Give naloxone if you suspect an individual is experiencing drug poisoning. This may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. Call 911 and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.
If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:
Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., days a week.
If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888-688-6677.
Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.
Avoid mixing drugs.
Test your drug by using a small amount first.
Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.
PPH has released a list of signs of an opioid overdose and what to do in case of one:
Skin is cold and clammy
Fingernails or lips are blue or purple
Body is very limp
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.
Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.
Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’.
Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.
Local Pharmacies To Prescribe Free Medication For 13 Common Ailments In New Year
/The Ontario Government launched a way for local pharmacists to prescribe free medications to anyone with a health card for 13 medical ailments announced on Thursday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The prescriptions are available as of Sunday.
This service is meant to remove the need for a doctor’s office visit and provide convenience.
“Stopping by your local pharmacy for quick and easy access to treatment for some of your most common ailments increases your access to the care you need closer to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Expanding the ability of pharmacists to provide care is one more way we’re putting people at the centre of our health care system, making it easier, faster and more convenient to access health care in their community.”
Pharmacists will be able to offer prescriptions for:
hay fever (allergic rhinitis);
oral thrush (candidal stomatitis);
pink eye (conjunctivitis; bacterial, allergic and viral);
dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact);
menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea);
acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD));
hemorrhoids;
cold sores (herpes labialis);
impetigo;
insect bites and hives;
tick bites (post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease);
sprains and strains (musculoskeletal); and
urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Closed Until 7 P.M. Wednesday Due To An Unexpected Physician Shortage
/The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is temporarily closed until 7 p.m. on Wednesday due to an unexpected physician shortage.
File Photo.
The announcement was made on Wednesday morning. Patients requiring Emergency Care during this time are advised to call 911 or to attend the closest hospital that offers emergency services:
Northumberland Hills Hospital, 1000 DePalma Dr., Cobourg
Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King St., Trenton
Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Belleville General Hospital, 265 Dundas Street E., Belleville
Peterborough Regional Health Centre, 1 Hospital Dr., Peterborough.
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department Reopened After Being Temporarily Closed From Staff Shortages
/The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) which was closed on Christmas due to a nursing staff shortage has now reopened announced on Monday.
File Photo.
Hometown PTBO: Dr. Lynn Mikula Becoming the New PRHC President and CEO and Her Medical Career in Peterborough
/
This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with PRHC CEO and president Dr. Lynn Mikula about her Peterborough medical career after coming in 2011, her family's sports background, her favourite food spots and recent promotion at PRHC.
Campbellford Memorial Hospital Emergency Department to Close Temporarily on Christmas Day
/The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be temporarily closed from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Christmas Day (Sunday) due to a nursing staff shortage.
File Photo.
A contingency plan has been implemented to deal with this temporary closure to ensure the impact on patient care is as minimal as possible. EMS and other emergency services are aware of the temporary closure and during these hours ambulances will take patients directly to the closest area hospital that offers emergency medical services.
“While every effort was made to keep the ED open, including reaching out to our regional partners, the ongoing Province-wide shortage of health human resources continues to put a strain on healthcare operations throughout our region,” said CMH in a press release.
Patients requiring Emergency Care during this time are advised to call 911 or to attend the closest hospital that offers emergency services:
Northumberland Hills Hospital, 1000 DePalma Dr., Cobourg
Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King St., Trenton
Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Belleville General Hospital, 265 Dundas St. E., Belleville
Peterborough Regional Health Centre, 1 Hospital Dr., Peterborough
Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.
Peterborough Public Health Offering Alternative Healthcare Tips During Surge Season
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising the community to consider alternative healthcare options before coming into the Emergency Department (ED) during the surge season announced on Wednesday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) continues to experience extremely high patient volumes – both adult and pediatric – as well as higher patient acuity and ongoing staffing shortages. Individuals who come to the ED for care should expect to wait longer than usual to be seen for all but the most serious illnesses and conditions.
Community members are urged by PPH to consider alternative options for healthcare before making a trip to the ED:
Primary care
If you are registered with a family physician or nurse practitioner, please contact them first. Same-day access instructions will be offered via the office voicemail message.
Throughout the surge season, the Peterborough Family Health team (PFHT) offers extended hours to serve patients with non-urgent concerns. Learn more about extended holiday coverage for each clinic here: https://www.peterboroughfht.com/extended-hours-service
PRHC’s COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic
Previously called the COVID-19 Assessment Centre, this clinic has expanded to include assessment, testing and treatment for patients with symptoms of COVID, cold and flu, providing a faster, more convenient option for patients to be seen by a physician. Regular clinic hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and weekends from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The clinic is closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).
Health Connect Ontario
Speak with a nurse day or night about any non-urgent health concerns by calling 811. This is a free, confidential service that is available 24/7.
Alternative care options
Consider this list of alternative options for healthcare in our community, including walk-in clinics and virtual clinics, before making a trip to the ED.
Pediatric care resources
If you are caring for a child with respiratory symptoms, please refer to these ressources:
https://www.ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/files/ocfp_actionsparentscantake.pdf
https://www.pharmacists.ca/advocacy/issues/drug-shortages/childrens-medication-shortage/
