Campbellford Memorial Hospital Expands Partnership to Enhance Patient Care

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) has announced an expanded partnership with the Toronto Grace Health Centre to provide eligible CMH patients with remote care monitoring and personal support worker (PSW) assistance.

File photo.

This initiative ensures a safe discharge home for patients awaiting long-term care and helps address the hospital’s alternate level of care (ALC) pressures according to a press release.

The fully funded Remote Care Monitoring Plus (RCM+) program — which CMH applied for and received approval for last summer — offers a comprehensive solution for patient care said CMH.

The program equips patients with a pendant that uses geolocating technologies to detect wandering or falls. The program provides extensive PSW support and access to nursing care through Home and Community Care services.

“We are thrilled to offer the RCM+ program to our patients,” said Heather Campbell, VP of Patient Care. “This innovative program has proven to be a safe and effective care option, allowing eligible patients the ability to stay at home while waiting for long term care.”

Patients who meet the program's eligibility criteria benefit from enhanced care, ensuring their safety and well-being while transitioning to long-term care. The RCM+ program exemplifies CMH's commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centred care while addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare system in Ontario.

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Blue-Green Algae Blooms Expected This Summer Says Peterborough Public Health

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) advises residents to protect themselves and their pets from blue-green algae (BGA), which may bloom in local lakes.

FIle photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria known to create ‘blooms’ of algae. These blooms are unsightly and smelly and can be toxic to humans and animals when touched or consumed. Possible effects for humans and animals include skin rash and eye irritation. If consumed in large quantities, the toxin associated with BGA can lead to illness and death. 

BGA occur naturally in waterways, particularly where water is shallow, slow-moving and warm. However, with rising temperatures and extreme weather due to climate change, BGA blooms are increasing according to PPH.

BGA presents in various forms, blooming and then dying off. As it is difficult to identify a toxic bloom, residents are advised to avoid all algae blooms. Residents relying on private water supplies, especially surface water supplies, should not use the water if a blue-green algae bloom is suspected. 

Peterborough Public Health inspects public beach water regularly and will close local beaches if BGA is identified. Water testing results can be found online.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Appoints New Emergency Department Chief

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital has appointed Dr. David Li as the new Chief of the Emergency Department (ED) after serving as Interim Chief since last fall.

Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

“I'm honored to take on the role of Chief of the Emergency Department,” said Dr. Li. “I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible team to provide the highest standard of care to our patients and to support the health and well-being of our community.”

After earning his Doctor of Medicine from the Université de Montréal, Dr. Li completed a Postgraduate Family Medicine Residency Program at McGill University. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University and is fluent in English and French. Before joining Campbellford Memorial Hospital in 2021, Dr. Li worked in Northwestern Ontario, specifically in Dryden and Sioux Lookout. He served in the Emergency Department, the Inpatient Unit and medical clinics.

“The experience really prepared me for the unique challenges of rural medicine and I couldn’t be happier to have found a home here in Campbellford,” said Dr. Li.

“Dr. Li has shown outstanding commitment and expertise in his work with our Emergency Department,” said Dr. Dimitri Louvish, Chief of Staff. “We are thrilled to have him leading the team and are confident that his vision and leadership will drive further advancements in our emergency services.”

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PRHC Foundation Launches $60 Million Campaign Publicly For Enhancing Healthcare

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Foundation has officially launched its $60 million campaign publicly to enhance healthcare which was announced at the facility on Tuesday morning.

(Left to right) Dr. Heather Cox, PRHC vascular surgeon; Dan Moloney, PRHC Foundation Board Chair; Jennie Ireland, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador and grateful patient; Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President & CEO; Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President & CEO and David Morton, PRHC Foundation campaign ambassador. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The money is to ‘reimagine healthcare delivery at the hospital, propelling innovation and elevate care for patients from across the region' according to Lesley Heighway, PRHC Foundation President and CEO.

“Our hospital is at a crossroads,” she said. “Our hospital and the communities we serve are facing severe problems. We need creative, inspired, efficient solutions to tackle them. Without advancements in technology and increased capacity, we risk leaving our patients behind. Today, we choose to design our healthcare future.

The following are the PRHC’s campaign key objectives:

  • Empowering World-Class Care: Bringing advanced medical care closer to home

  • Fuelling Innovation: Introducing new lifesaving services and pioneering treatments

  • Attracting Top Healthcare Professionals: Cultivating an environment that attracts the brightest minds in medicine

  • Inspiring Solutions: Addressing critical hospital challenges head-on

“The hospital, they identify for us the hospital's priority needs that link to their annual planning but also link to their strategic plan and their bold vision for the future,” said Heighway.

“The Foundation and the hospital work really closely,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “We're in conversation all the time about what are the needs of today, what are the needs of the future and what do we need to fundraise for in the immediate term and then what can we do in the middle of the road. It's that kind of collaborative planning with the needs of our community and our patients at the forefront that lead to the goal that has been set.”

The campaign started in 2020 and the funds were acquired through donor support. Already, the Campaign has totalled $45.5 million of its $60 million goal.

The money has already seen improvements in the hospital, such as upgraded Cath Lab suites, state-of-the-art CT scanners, a second MRI machine, the new Scotiabank Youth Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program, and ongoing renovations to enhance patient care facilities.

According to Heighway, the campaign will be heavily marketed to attract attention and garner donations to complete the final 25 per cent.

“Over the summer months, you'll start to see some additional awareness being raised and as we head into the fall, we'll have a large community kick off and we'll be hoping to inspire people through third-party events,” she explained. “We'll be appealing to the community in a variety of ways: digitally, by mail, TV, radio. Just a number of different ways that we hope people will engage with us.”

The following is a list of the investments of the $60 million:

  • $11 million for cardiac care, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring the people, infrastructure, systems and programs are in place to allow world-class cardiac care across the spectrum

  • $12 million for cancer care so our experts can treat more patients with more types of cancer, supporting earlier diagnosis, and ensuring safer, more effective treatments are available close to home

  • $14 million in minimally invasive surgical and interventional radiology services to treat more urgent and chronic conditions – safely, quickly, so patients can go home sooner

  • $4 million in support for mental health will help address the surge in demand for emergency mental health services in our region, while making hope & recovery possible through new, innovative therapies and modern, healing environments

  • $2 million endowment fund to support the Physician Innovation Accelerator, fostering a culture of innovation and empowering PRHC to invest in physician-driven research and ingenuity that will result in game-changing advances in patient care

  • $17 million will continue to fund PRHC’s top emerging priorities as they’re identified by the hospital, with many millions of dollars in lifesaving investments already made

The remaining money, once obtained, will be used to fund projects such as expanding PRHC’s cardiac labs to include the introduction of electrophysiology, improving the Emergency Department’s mental health and addictions Crisis Response Unit, establishing a hybrid operating room for vascular disease, and introducing digital pathology to expedite cancer diagnosis.

“Our community has stepped behind us,” said Heighway. “They've really rallied and has supported us across the spectrum of care, Our donors have helped us fuel innovation, bring new life-saving services to PRHC and really help the hospital attract the best physicians and staff for our hospital.”

“One of the reasons I am so honoured to be the CEO of this hospital is because this community is unbelievable in their support, in their generosity and their willingness to engage with us and looking to the future,” said Dr. Mikula. “There's no community I'd rather be working in as a hospital CEO and I'm so proud of Peterborough and the region.”

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Peterborough Public Health to Resume Beach Water Testing

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Just in time for the summer, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has resumed beach water testing for Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, in the County and City of Peterborough.

File Photo.

Regular testing ensures water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.

“PPH staff complete beach water testing regularly throughout the summer months,” said Julie Bromley, PPH chief building official and manager of environmental health. This program is important to monitor the water quality of our public beaches and ensure that beaches with high bacterial counts are posted so that people can be aware and make informed choices.”

The routine surveillance program for all public beaches runs from early June until the end of August.

The following beaches are sampled daily, Monday to Friday:

  • Beavermead Park (2011 Ashburnham Dr., Peterborough)

  • Rogers Cove (131 Maria St., Peterborough)

Most public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, including:

  • Buckhorn Beach (12 John St., Buckhorn)

  • Crowe’s Line Beach (240 Crowe’s Line Rd., Trent Lakes)

  • Curve Lake Henry’s Gumming (150 Chemong St. S., Curve Lake)

  • Curve Lake Lime Kiln Park (150 Whetung St. E., Curve Lake)

  • Douro North Park (251 Douro Second Line, Douro-Dummer)

  • Ennismore Waterfront Park (1053 Ennis Rd., Ennismore)

  • Hiawatha Park (1 Lakeshore Rd., Hiawatha)

  • Jones Beach (908 Jones Beach Rd., Bridgenorth)

  • Lakefield Park (100 Hague Blvd., Lakefield)

  • Norwood Beachat Mill Pond (12 Belmont St., Norwood)

  • Sandy Beach(1239 Lakehurst Rd., Buckhorn)

  • Selwyn BeachConservation Area (2251 Birch Island Rd., Selwyn)

  • Squirrel Creek Conservation Area (2445 Wallace Point Rd., South Monaghan)

  • Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (289 Caves Rd., Warsaw)

The following public beaches are samples once a month from June to August:

  • Chandos Beach (2800 County Road/Hwy 620, North Kawartha)

  • Quarry Bay (1986 Northey’s Bay Rd., Woodview)

  • Belmont Lake (376 Miles of Memories Rd., Belmont)

  • Kasshabog Lake (431 Peninsula Rd., Havelock)

  • White’s Beach (26 Clearview Dr., Trent Lakes)

PPH says the following factors may result in high levels of bacteria or other conditions that cause the beach to be unsafe for swimming between sampling periods:

  • Heavy rainfall

  • Large numbers of waterfowl

  • Harmful algae blooms

  • High winds or wave activity

  • Large numbers of swimmers

Water samples are submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for bacteriological analysis. They are tested for E. coli which indicates fecal contamination in the water. It takes approximately 24 hours for PPH to receive and analyze the lab's water quality results.

“Swimming in water with high levels of E. coli bacteria can result in illness with unpleasant symptoms like abdominal cramps diarrhea and vomiting,” said Bromley. “Certain groups groups, particularly young children are at risk of more severe illness so if you see a beach that is posted for high-bacterial counts, it's best not to swim there.

If bacteria levels exceed recommended thresholds for recreational water use, the beach will be posted as unsafe and people should not swim there to avoid becoming ill according to PPH. A beach may be closed to the public if a significant risk to human health is identified, such as a toxic spill or a harmful algae bloom.

PPH has provided ways to help ensure the water quality stays safe:

  • Do not feed waterfowl

  • Do not let children swim in soiled diapers

  • Pick up your garbage

  • Clean up after your pets

Residents can find the status of public beaches at any time going online or by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 232 weekdays.

“The beach testing program has always been important,” said Bromley. “As we continue to experience the impacts of climate change, we know that our region will continue to experience warmer weather and an increase in the number of very hot days.”

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Local Bird Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) have discovered a local bird has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.

The bird was found dead in the region early in the month and submitted for testing. Birds and mosquitos can be a host and carry WNV.

During the summer months and early fall, PPH sets traps weekly throughout the City and County of Peterborough to gather mosquito specimens for WNV testing according to a press release. Last year, PPH reports that no mosquitos tested in the Peterborough region were positive for WNV but there were confirmed human cases in Ontario.

The majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20 per cent of infected people may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache, and body aches, occasionally with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes or other non-specific symptoms that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or eye pain. Less than one percent of infected people will develop neuro-invasive disease, with older age groups and males disproportionately affected. 

To prevent WNV:

  • Avoid interacting with dead birds 

  • If one is found on your property, use a shovel and gloves to pick it up and double bag it. 

  • Report the bird to Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative 

  • Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water 

  • Prevent mosquito bites 

  • Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn 

  • Use insect repellant containing DEET or icaridin, following manufacturer’s instructions 

  • Remove brush and standing water from property as they use this as a habitat 

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Launches Strategic Plan For 2024-2029

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has announced the launch of its 2024-2029 Strategic Plan.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The new strategic plan sets goals for the next five years, focusing on supporting and enabling growth, innovation, people, technology, and data to improve the care we provide at PRHC.

“Our strategic plan reflects the inspiration, talent, and willingness of our people to pursue great things and work toward a bright future for PRHC and the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “It also acknowledges the realities we are working within today, including higher patient volumes and acuity, and financial and health human resource pressures. Continued investment by the provincial government and the support of generous donors through the PRHC Foundation will be critical as we pursue the commitments outlined in our strategic plan.”

These commitments include providing timely and excellent care, being a workplace where people can thrive, expanding tertiary services to support our region, transforming data and analytics to support people today and into the future and building the hospital’s teaching and research focus according to a press release.

“PRHC is at a pivotal point in its evolution, poised and ready to achieve great things,” said Mikula. ”The commitments we have set out in our strategic plan are key steps in our journey as a provider of acute, tertiary care services for a region that is rapidly growing and expanding, and I’m excited to move this work forward.”

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to see PRHC’s new strategic plan launched after many months of consultation, planning and hard work across the organization,” said Robert Gibson, PRHC board of directors chair. “We have every confidence in Dr. Mikula and the team at PRHC as we move forward together into this new era of acute healthcare in our community and region.”

PRHC’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan also outlines a new purpose statement and five values to guide and reflect the work of the organization and its people:

Purpose statement:

One team, here when you need us most.

Values:

  • Act with courage

  • Embrace our community

  • Find common ground

  • Lead and learn

  • Recognize and appreciate

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David Tuan Bui


COVID-19 Spring Vaccine Available

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According to Peterborough Public Health, the Ontario Ministry of Health is recommending that eligible residents who are deemed high-risk receive a dose of the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

This comes after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance.

From April to June, the following residents who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last six months are recommended to receive a dose this Spring. Eligible residents include:  

  • Adults 65 years of age or older 

  • Adult residents of long-term care homes or other senior congregate living settings (ex. Retirement residences) 

  • Those 55 years of age or older who identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit and their non-Indigenous household members who are 55 years of age or older 

  • Those six months of age or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to underlying condition or treatment) 

  • Speak with your healthcare provider if you are uncertain about your health status and eligibility 

Residents who are not eligible at this time are asked to wait for further guidance about receiving another dose closer to fall according to Peterborough Public Health.  

Eligible residents can receive their spring dose at a participating pharmacy. A full list of local pharmacies offering the COVID-19 vaccine including pharmacies vaccinating those ages six months or older, is available online.

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North Kawartha and Trent Lakes Well Water Drop Off Program Resumes On Tuesday

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The well water sampling drop-off program in the Township of North Kawartha and the Municipality of Trent Lakes resumes Tuesday.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers free sample collection kit pick-up and sample drop-off.

Water samples can be dropped off at,

  • North Kawartha Municipal Office is located at 280 Burleigh St., Apsley, Ont., on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.

  • Trent Lakes Municipal Office, located at 760 County Rd. 36, Trent Lakes, Ont., Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The samples are then couriered to the Public Health Ontario Lab in Peterborough for testing. Empty sample bottles can be picked up during regular business hours.

Well water testing is recommended twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall. The samples are tested for two types of bacterial contamination: total coliforms and E. coli. PPH says that anyone can become ill if they consume contaminated water, but young people, older adults and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk.

Samples must be dropped off at the municipal offices within 24 hours of collection to ensure they reach the lab and are processed in a timely manner.

Residents are encouraged to carefully read each kit's sampling and collection instructions. Filled sample bottles should be delivered to the municipal office's front desk. Staff will then place them in a fridge until the courier collects them.

Water samples can also be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Office, 1 Ottawa St., Havelock, from Monday through Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

  • Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St., Peterborough, is open between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Fridays.

  • Public Health Ontario Laboratory, 99 Hospital Dr. weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Residents will receive water quality results by mail or can call Public Health Ontario’s Interactive Voice Response at 1-877-723-3426.

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Peterborough Public Health Issue Drug Poisoning Alert High Number Recorded Wednesday

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is issuing an alert of high drug poisonings that were observed on Wednesday.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

There were five drug poisonings resulting in EMS calls or ED visits which are considered higher than the normal rates over the last five days according to PPH.

While Naloxone cannot reverse the effects of sedatives, PPH says there is no harm in administering it if you suspect a drug poisoning.

Drug poisoning can look different for every person, depending on the drugs involved. PPH urges everyone that drug poisoning is a medical emergency and always to call 9-1-1.  

This is a list of actions you can take if you suspect the following:

Drug Checking:

  • Available at Consumption & Treatment Site (CTS) – 220 Simcoe St.

  • Test strips for fentanyl, benzos, and xylazine are available at the CTS during hours of operation (9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; daily)

Harm Reduction Support:

Crisis Support:

  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline - Call or text 9-8-8; National 24/7 suicide or emotional distress hotline. Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough – call 705-745-2273; Open 24/7

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