Interim Co-Executive Directors Hired at Peterborough Community Health Centre Hires to Spearhead Establishment of New Community Health Centre

The Board of Directors of the Peterborough Community Health Centre (CHC) has appointed David Jeffery and Christine Brander as Interim Co-Executive Directors, announced on Wednesday.

JOHNATHAN BENNETT, CHC DIRECTOR AND CHAIR IS PART OF FOUR BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBERS. PHOTO BY DAVID TUAN BUI.

“David Jeffery is renowned for his decade-long leadership at Chigamik Community Health Centre, and brings a wealth of experience in establishing inclusive and culturally sensitive healthcare environments,” said Jonathan Bennett, Peterborough CHC’s board chair. “Under his guidance, Chigamik CHC evolved into a bilingual and Indigenous-focused healthcare facility, catering to the diverse needs of communities in North Simcoe Muskoka. We are so pleased that he and Christine will join us to lead the establishment of our CHC.”

Jeffery's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility makes him a natural leader who can guide the Peterborough CHC toward its mission of promoting community well-being according to a press release.

“I am honoured to collaborate with Christine Brander in leading the establishment of the Peterborough Community Health Centre,” said Jeffery. “Together, we are poised to create a healthcare model prioritizing inclusivity, accessibility, and community empowerment.”

Brander has over two decades of healthcare expertise across various domains which include acute care and primary care settings. With a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Management, Brander’s extensive background encompasses medical education, hospice palliative care and health system planning.

She had a recent tenure with the Ontario Health Central Region System Strategy, Planning, Design and Implementation team.

“I am thrilled to join the Peterborough Community Health Centre as Co-Executive Director and contribute to positive changes in healthcare delivery," said Brander. “With a focus on collaboration and innovation, we will strive to enhance accessibility and effectiveness in delivering healthcare solutions that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”

Newly funded, which was sought on Feb. 16 last year, the Peterborough CHC is positioned to address the region's pressing healthcare needs while focusing on social determinants of health and supporting vulnerable populations as stated in a press release.

The CHC’s key initiatives are attracting new family doctors and nurse practitioners, reducing pressure on hospitals, attaching thousands of patients to healthcare providers, serving as a hub for social services, and promoting a healthier, safer downtown community.

The Peterborough CHC's programs and services will encompass comprehensive primary care, mental health services, chronic disease management and culturally appropriate care facilitated by Indigenous Traditional Healers. Additionally, the centre will be pivotal in coordinating social services and collaborating with Indigenous partners.

The next phase of the Peterborough CHC initiative involves securing an interim location and commencing client services by the end of the calendar year.

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Local Couple Donate $1 Million to PRHC Foundation

Local philanthropists Martin and Denise Pick have made a $1 million donation to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation while unveiling a new sign recognizing the couple’s efforts.

(left to right) Denise Pick; Martin Pick; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO; Charles Pick, Denise and Martin’s son , Dr. Rardi Van Heest, daughter-in-law and Dr. Joslin Cheverie, PRHC General Surgeon. Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO said the donation represents the Pick’s life-long love of community and shared dedication to improving the lives of friends and neighbours.

“Martin and Denise believe in the power of philanthropy to make their hospital and hometown great,” she said. “They have a long history of making transformational gifts and their generosity has been shaping the future of healthcare in this region for years. We’re beyond grateful for their continued support.”

The couple, who both have long-standing relationships with PRHC as donors and volunteers, said they were inspired by the hospital's continuous commitment to innovation and excellence.

“Denise and I feel that the quality of healthcare available in a community is tied to its overall quality of life – to its ability to grow and prosper,” said Martin. “We want to help make sure the doctors and nurses at PRHC have the tools they need to deliver the best care. To do that, we need to support them and give them the equipment that will allow them to innovate.”

“The more we can do to support PRHC, the more we can help improve healthcare for patients from Peterborough and our surrounding communities,” said Denise. “We hope our donation encourages others to join us.”

The Picks’ donation was made through the Remembering Otto and Marie Pick Charitable Foundation, a family charitable fund named for Martin’s parents. Lesley explained that the gift is already improving care for patients across the region through investments in minimally invasive intervention and state-of-the-art diagnostic technology.

“The Pick family’s gift was instrumental in allowing PRHC to upgrade a general operating suite with state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical tools this winter – one of four suites undertaken by the Foundation,” she said.

“(The investment) has given my colleagues and me access to brand new, leading-edge equipment to perform cancer surgeries,” said Dr. Joslin Cheverie, PRHC general surgeon. “This new, specialized system is letting us operate with increased precision. It’s an advancement that has tremendous potential for the treatment of bowel and other cancers.”

The remainder of the Picks’ gift helped fund two new, cutting-edge CT scanners that generate higher-quality, more comprehensive images to support safer, more accurate diagnoses. The expansion and upgrading of the Health Centre’s Interventional Radiology suites is also ensuring PRHC’s experts can treat more urgent and chronic conditions like cancer, stroke, and traumatic injury without invasive surgery.

“It’s so encouraging to have the support of people like Martin and Denise Pick, who care as much about our healthcare future as we do and are willing to invest in us and the technology we need to make our vision a reality,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “This is more important than ever, given the system-wide challenges we are facing,” she continued. “Addressing these challenges requires fresh thinking and innovative solutions. We simply can’t move forward without the partnership of individuals, families, and organizations who share our vision for the hospital and what we can achieve together.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Recognized As A Level III Trauma Centre

The Ontario Ministry of Health has identified the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) as a Level III Trauma Centre, announced Tuesday morning.

pHOTO BY Keegan Beekers.

The recognition came on the recommendation of the Regional Trauma Network (RTN) in consultation with Critical Care Services of Ontario (CCSO).

After being identified with he new title, PRHC’s new trauma team has been working closely with programs and departments across the hospital to develop a trauma site model that encompasses team and policy development, quality assurance, community outreach and education, data collection, and a continuing medical education component – in addition to offering direct trauma care to patients according to a press release.

“Becoming an active member of the Regional Trauma Network is exciting news for PRHC,” says Dr. Troy Tebbenham, PHRC medical director of the trauma program. “This means that our team will help to drive improvements in trauma patient care – not only locally at our regional hospital but at the provincial level as well – with a focus on creating a best-in-class trauma system that reduces death and disability related to injury.”

A significant element of its trauma program’s establishment involves community education as stated by the PRHC. The trauma team has been providing seasonal injury prevention and safety tips across the hospital’s social media channels and has launched a community education program called ‘Stop the Bleed.’ This international program provides community members with the skills and basic tools tho stop uncontrolled bleeding in an emergency.

PRHC’s trauma team will work closely with Peterborough County-City Paramedics, Peterborough Police Service and Peterborough Fire Services to continue to educate and implement programs within local school boards, businesses and the general community to decrease the incidence of trauma events for the year ahead.

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Hometown PTBO: Jason Wilkinson Being a Online Fitness Coach After Trent and His Cookbook

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Jason Wilkinson about his post-graduate life at Trent University, becoming an online fitness coach and his book, ‘More Than a Cookbook.’

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HPK and Peterborough Public Health Vote to Merge By Jan. 1 Next Year

The Boards of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) are seeking provincial approval and funding to merge during a virtual press conference on Wednesday afternoon voluntarily.

Screenshot.

The decision was influenced after the Ministry of Health announced plans to strengthen the public health sector in August by offering one-time funding, resources and support to local public health agencies that decide to merge by Jan. 1.

“The province has informed us they have a three-year merger support fund,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, HKPR medical officer of health. “The amount of that fund has not been disclosed and so we don’t know what the province has put aside to be available for those health units that are merging.”

Bocking adds that the total sum could be teased over the coming weeks. There would be an increase in funding even if the health units were unsuccessful or opted not to merge.

“All health units have been informed that we should expect a one percent base increase from the province in the next three years, in the absence of mergers for the health units that will not be merging of which there are many,” she explained.

Last November, a Joint Board Merger Exploration Working Group was established with representatives from both health units and external consulting firm Sense & Nous to prepare a comprehensive Feasibility Assessment Report according to a press release. These findings were recently presented to both Boards of Health for consideration to help make an informed decision.

Both Bocking and Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health agreed that all funding aside, the merger had several benefits between the two organizations.

“The primary benefit is going to be strength in numbers and strength in capacity and size across a larger geography,” said Piggott. “It means that our critical capacity could potentially be improved. There’s a lot of opportunity to improve the strength of our programs and services.”

“There will be some time found when we look at streamlining of services and some efficiencies found,” said Bocking. “We will be able to put that time and any efficiencies found into additional programs and services.”

During their meeting on Feb. 15, the HKPR District Health Unit Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal to merge with Peterborough Public Health voluntarily.

“We have been diligent in the timeframe provided to review and consider all possible outcomes and impacts of a voluntary merger,” said David Marshall, Chair for HKPR District Health Unit’s Board of Health. “Ultimately, we agreed that by merging with Peterborough Public Health we can strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional public health programs and services and to better respond to the unique needs of our small urban and rural communities.”

Should both health units merge, the population serviced would be roughly 345,000 people, according to Bocking.

During their meeting last Wednesday, the PPH Board of Health decided to proceed with a proposal for the voluntary merger with the HKPR District Health Unit.

“Over the past several months, we have carefully examined how a merger can strengthen the services that we provide to our communities,” said Joy Lachica, PPH Chair for the Board of Health. “This process revealed that joining together offers us the best pathway possible to protect and promote public health and keep our residents healthy. We are thrilled to start this journey together.”

The HKPR District Health Unit and PPH Boards of Health will submit a joint voluntary merger application to the Ontario Government by April 2. The application proposes how a proposed merger would benefit the communities they serve while supporting outcomes and priorities identified for public health by the Ministry of Health according to a press release.

Mergers of public health units require provincial legislative change which will not be definitive until the province has approved this and commits adequate funding for its success later in the year.

PPH and HKPR District Health Unit will continue operating independently during the provincial review period.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital to Open New Dermatology Clinic

Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is opening a new outpatient Dermatology clinic operated by Dr. Ashley O’Toole.

Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

She is a Royal College-trained dermatologist from Peterborough having received her medical degree from McMaster University in Hamilton and completing her residency in dermatology at the University of Ottawa.

She is also an adjunct professor at Queens University, is a co-author of over 25 peer-reviewed publications and has been involved as a sub-investigator for over 90 clinical trials on conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia, acne, itch, glabellar lines and vitiligo.

The clinic is scheduled to operate on the first Friday of every month. It will cater to a wide array of dermatological concerns including acne and rosacea management, rashes such as psoriasis and eczema, and suspected skin cancers.

The hospital encourages all individuals needing dermatological care to talk to their health care provider. Referrals are already being accepted. 

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Set to Install New CT Scanner

Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is installing a new CT Scanner over the coming weeks, replacing the current one at 13 years old. 

A shot of the current CT scanner that has lasted 13 years in the hospital. Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

The new device will be more reliable and provide cleaner imaging, allowing physicians to make more efficient diagnoses, according to a press release. 

The CT Scanner is a powerful imaging device that allows CMH physicians to diagnose and treat various conditions without the need to send patients to a larger hospital. 

“It really was a game changer when we installed the current CT Scanner 13 years ago,” said Colleen Smith, diagnostic imaging manager. “You typically don’t see this type of equipment in smaller hospitals and it allows us to provide a level of care to our patients often not seen in communities of our size.”

The replacement was possible after $1.4 million was raised from the CMH Foundation.

“It never ceases to amaze me how much support our community shows the hospital,” said Martha Hunt, CMH Foundation chair. “2023 was a record-breaking year for community support of the hospital. We have raised just over 90 per cent of our fundraising goal,but with a last push are confident we will hit our target.” 

Work on replacing the new CT Scanner has already begun and is expected to be completed in early April.

The hospital says CT Scans will not be available at CMH during this time. They have put an extended CT Scan downtime procedure in place and arrangements with both Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Northumberland Hills Hospital have been made to ensure that patients requiring an urgent CT Scan can get one at one of those facilities.

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Those Without a Family Doctor Can Visit Peterborough Family Health Team For Acute or Problem-Specific Needs

The Peterborough Family Health Team (FHT) has expanded services at their PFHT Health Clinic. Peterborough City and County residents without a primary care provider can now see a family doctor or nurse practitioner in person for acute and problem-specific needs, announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of FHT.

The clinic has two locations at King Street in Peterborough and Strickland Street in Lakefield, increasing the number of available appointments. Residents can now book an appointment on the same day they call or the following day. Unattached patients who have already visited the clinic at least once can now request an appointment to renew their prescriptions through online booking.

Additionally, on March 14 and 21, the PFHT Health Clinic will hold the ‘Don’t Be Late, Cancer Won’t Wait’ screening day for unattached patients who have a cervix and are due for a Pap Test. These screenings are one of the many functions in family medicine and why all Ontarians need to have a primary care provider according to Duff Sprague, FHT CEO.

“We knew action must be taken to support the alarming number of unattached patients in this community,” he said. “While we wait for the Ministry of Health to recognize the seriousness of the crisis in family medicine and primary care, we are using our limited resources to operate the PFHT Health Clinic. This is an interim solution. We are committed to the many thousands of area residents and will do all we can to support their access to high-quality, in-person care by a family doctor or nurse practitioner.”

Despite the positive additions, the recent investments in primary healthcare do not come close to ensuring that every Ontarian has access to family medicine and primary care teams said Sprague.

“Not only is the number of physicians opening a family practice unable to fill the gaps made by those retiring or leaving a practice but add to that the four-year wage freeze in primary care teams that has fewer and fewer other clinicians choosing primary care,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have many clinicians who stay in primary care despite the compensation inequities but without action, there will come a time when even the most passionate will leave primary care.”

The types of non-urgent health concerns that can be addressed at the clinic include:

• Sore throat/ears

• Cancer screening

• Prescription renewals

• Women’s health/contraceptive counselling

• Growth & development concerns

• New sprains/strains

• Chronic disease check-in

• And more

To book an appointment at the PFHT Health Clinic, those without a primary care provider must call 705-651-4866. For details about this clinic or to renew a prescription, visit online.

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New Chief Announced For Peterborough County-City Paramedics

Patricia Bromfield has been appointed as the new Chief of Paramedics for Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP), taking over Randy Mellow, whose tenure finishes at the end of the year, the county announced on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

Bromfield assumed the Deputy Chief of Operations role at Peterborough County in the fall of 2022. Before her tenure with the County, she served as the Deputy Chief of Operations at the City of Kawartha Lakes and had a substantial paramedic career with the City of Toronto.

Mellow will provide mentorship and guidance throughout 2024 to Bromfield as she takes on her new role and responsibilities.

"I would like to congratulate Patricia Bromfield and welcome her to the role of Paramedic Chief,” said Mellow. “Patricia possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge having progressed through various frontline and leadership roles throughout her career. Her experience and passion for supportive leadership and innovation will be an asset to our team and community.”

“I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of our decorated Chief of Paramedics, Randy Mellow, as he embarks on his retirement at the close of 2024,” said Bromfield. “I am forever grateful to have the opportunity to learn from an industry leader who has played a key role in advancing the Paramedic profession. I look forward to collaborating with Peterborough County's robust leadership team and our partners in the coming years.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Unveil Anne Keenleyside & Family Atrium After $2 Million Donation

Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has unveiled the Anne Keenleyside & Family Atrium today in honour of a $2 million legacy gift to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation on Monday afternoon.

Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

The gift was made through Dr. Anne Keenleyside's estate, a Trent University professor of bioarchaeology who passed away in October of 2022 due to cancer. Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation president and CEO says the bequest has been invested in equipment and technology that support cancer care innovation, following Keenleyside’s request.

“Anne was clear she wanted her gift to connect her passion for scientific innovation with her desire to help the patients who would come after her. “Her generosity has allowed the PRHC Foundation to fund a second MRI for PRHC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, as well as fully upgrading a general operating suite with state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical tools – one of four undertaken by the Foundation,” she said. “By directing her bequest to the MRI and our minimally invasive surgical suites, her gift is already helping our hospital increase capacity and image quality for diagnostic scans and giving our general surgeons access to brand new, leading-edge tools to perform cancer surgeries.”

“Thanks to Anne’s investment, we’ve been able to increase our capacity, performing an additional 6,000 scans since the new unit became operational.” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “Not only is this helping us address diagnostic wait times, we’re also able to produce much higher-quality images in less time while providing a significantly improved patient experience.”

Mikula added that the investment in PRHC’s general operating suites empowers the introduction of fluorescence-guided imaging. This process involves injecting contrast dyes or agents into a patient’s bloodstream prior to surgery, making their blood vessels, bile ducts, and lymph nodes light up when combined with fluoroscopy according to a press release.

“The impact of this new technology is significant,” said Mikula. “It’s already allowing our surgeons to operate with increased precision – an advancement that has tremendous implications for the treatment of bowel and other cancers.”

Heighway says the decision to name the atrium in recognition of Keenleyside’s generosity was made in consultation with the hospital and her family. It was a decision that her partner, Pat Butler, says her family and friends are very happy about.

“Anne’s gift to the hospital reflects her generous and thoughtful nature,” said Butler. “She was incredibly grateful for the expert and compassionate care she received at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and wanted to do something after she was gone to help make things better for others like her. This bequest is a gift to both her community and the healthcare professionals who cared for her after her diagnosis over 10 years ago.”

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