Local emergency room the number one concern at recent SRA meeting

Town Council

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(R)Saugeen Shores Mayor and County Warden, Mike Smith  and members of Council answered concerns at SRA meeting:    (L) Deputy Mayor and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Chair, Doug Frieburger, Councilors Victoria Serda, Diane Huber, Thead Seaman, Luke Charbonneau and Taun Frosst

Saugeen Shores' Mayor and County Warden, Mike Smith and several Town Councilors weren't exactly on the 'hot seat' when they attended the recent meeting of the Southampton Residents' Association  (SRA), but they were asked to answer many concerns from the audience.

SRA President, Ken Robertson, opened the meeting by explaining the purpose of the SRA and why residents should become members.  "We address residents' concerns with all levels of government from Municipal and Provincial to Federal," said Robertson.  "We also lobby to protect the unique nature of Southampton within Saugeen Shores, provide winter cottage patrols and support local businesses."

The first priority raised at the meeting was the concern over the local Southampton Memorial Hospital, and the possible closure of the emergency room services, or a change from Emergency Rooms (ER) to Urgent Care Centres which would change the entire focus of the emergency room concept.

The key difference between Emergency and Urgent Care service is the fact that the latter does not accept ambulances or critically ill patients, but there are many other serious differences between the two designations:

ER Treatments:  Chest pains, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, dizziness, suddent weakness, numbness and/or tingling in face, arm or leg, trouble speak or dizziness - all symptoms of stroke; major injuries, mental health issues.

Urgent Care: Broken bones, sprains, sports injuries, cuts that may need stitches, minor burns, minor pain such as nausea, vomiting, flu, ear, nose and throat problems, coughs and colds, eye problems.

According to Robertson, the SRA  supports the position taken by the Ontario Health Coalition and that closing emergency rooms such as the Southampton Memorial ER will, in fact, cost lives.  "We have been in discussions with the Ministry," said Robertson, "and the concern is the closing of ERs across the entire province."

In an area where there is growth in an aging population that may require immediate emergency treatment, and younger families moving into the region, emergency room services have become a number one concern for local residents.

In addition, geographically situated on Lake Huron where winters play a major role in access to health care when highways are often closed due to road conditions, emergency health care is a priority for residents.  

"On average over the past five years," Robertson pointed out, "there have been 24 annual closures of more than 20 hours each.  That isn't very promising for someone who needs immediate heart attack or stroke treatment."

Robertson said that entire situation comes down to funding.  "The cost of the operating budget for Grey Bruce Health has increased by three per cent (3%) while funding from the Ministry of Health has only gone up by one per cent (1%) meaning a $2.6 million reduction for Grey Bruce Health Services."

According to Robertson "The Ontario Health Coalition is lobbying against cuts made by the Government Ministries and the LHINs"

"It comes down to the possibility that our emergency room could be closed at the end of August," said Robertson.  "If that were to happen, we would have to travel to Owen Sound for treatment.  According to statistics, Owen Sound treated 36,000 in ER last year and Southampton treated 18,000.  That means that the already over-burdened Owen Sound ER would have to treat those from Southampton."

Robertson went on to explain that the closing ERs is, in fact, putting patients at risk.  "The LHINs are a bureaucratic process that were established to protect the Ministry against health care criticism from the public," said Robertson.  "Urgent Care service will not meet the needs of this community, given its unique geographical location and demographics.  Communities that don't resist these decisions will be the ones that are changed and, therefore, I urge everyone to talk to neighbours and let our MPP Carol Mitchell know of our concerns at every opportunity.

When asked about the situation, Mayor Mike Smith, said that there was an on-going struggle to keep the ER open and that it comes down to Ministry funding.

"Healthforce will provide ten shifts," said Smith, "and we are to provide the balance of service with our local doctors.  Bruce Power has recognized the importance and has, in fact hired a professional recruiter, although Saugeen Shores now has an almost full complement of doctors, some of whom are committed to working the ER."

Smith added that, at the end of August it will be a 'guessing game'.  "To my mind," said Smith, "it is not a cost savings at all to close the ER.  There would have to be an ambulance at the hospital at all times which would entail buying another ambulance and hiring more paramedic staff."

According to Mayor Smith and Robertson, theTown and SRA are continuing to lobby the government and Robertson encouraged those at the meeting and other residents to voice their concerns to their local MPP. 

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Thursday, July 22, 2010