Hallett Hall at Rainycrest LTC Facility hosted the annual meeting for Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. last Thursday. About twenty members of the corporation were in attendance.
Robin Wright, chair opened the meeting with a brief recap of the past year’s events.
Wayne Woods, president and CEO, touched on the challenges and successes Riverside was experiencing, including the pressure the shortage of physicians was placing on the delivery of emergency services, and the implementation of the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
“This (LHIN) gives us a different set of rules,” explained Woods, with Riverside no longer dealing directly with the Ministry of Health, but directly with LHIN. Some implications of the change are new partnerships with groups such as Family Health Teams.
On a very positive note, Woods reported the long-awaited lead window for the CT Scanner installation had arrived just that morning and would be installed over the next two weeks. The CT Scanner is scheduled to go online August 5.
The formal business of the meeting was dealt with quickly and efficiently with various reports as listed in the 2007-2008 annual report distributed with this week’s Times.
Of note is the inclusion in Riverside of the Rainycrest Auxiliary report by Joan Mudge. Rainycrest Auxiliary is joining the family of supporting Auxiliaries from La Verendrye, Emo and Area, and Rainy River Hospital. Rainycrest is the newest HAAO member of Region 12W.
Wilf Sanders, past president of the La Verendrye Auxiliary presented an interesting backgrounder on hospital auxiliaries in Ontario, noting the first one was formed in St. Catherine’s in 1865. In 1954 Auxiliaries collectively raised $272,000. By 2006, that figure had climbed to an annual total of over $49,780,000. Impressive statistics.
Earlier this year, La Verendrye Auxiliary hosted a joint spring conference for Community Auxiliaries-12W of the HAAO—across Northwestern Ontario east to Geraldton. Sanders also expanded on growing membership here and announced he was pleased to pass the reins to his successor, Mrs. Davetta Sheppard.
In his remarks, Chief of Staff Dr. Philip Watley, also touched on the challenges created by a general physician shortage and the steps being taken to meet the challenge including expanded, nurse, and nurse practitioner training. Inappropriate use of hospital emergency facilities by those without a family physician in placing a severe strain on those resources, he noted.
Larry Cousineau spoke briefly on behalf of the Riverside Foundation, noting its 10 year anniversary and the generosity of individuals and organizations across the district in making projects like the CT Scanner a reality.
A brief board meeting to elect a new slate of officers was held following the annual meeting. Some committee’s responsibilities were reassigned with other changes perhaps coming this fall, when the board resumes sitting following the summer break.
New members elected to the board by acclamation were Craig Sanders, a nine-year veteran of the board returning after a two-year absence, and newcomer, Michelle Marinaro of Emo.
Sanders is replacing Wright, who has served the maximum three-year consecutive term as chair. Sanders during his earlier nine-year tenure on the board, held the position as chair for four.
“I’ve just been back in the loop since January, so getting back up to speed and informed on issues is my first goal,” said Sanders.
“I’m looking forward to a busy future with its many challenges,” he added.
Retiring from the board was Christine Ruppenstein of Fort Frances. Wright expressed the appreciation of Riverside for her past service.
The Riverside board of governance consists of volunteers from across the district who serve without remuneration.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
