Recalled Beef Jelly Tongue Products Sold in Region

Health Canada has issued a recall of Beef Jelly Tongue products following confirmed cases of listeria linked to these products that have been sold within the region.

THe product sold at the Bridgenorth Deli. Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada.

One case of Listeria infection has been confirmed following the purchase of the product at Bridgenorth Deli, located at 871 Ward St. in Bridgenorth, prior to being informed of the recall.

The premise is cooperating with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) regarding the product recall and assuring the safety of their clients according to press release. The deli is making every effort to contact the customers directly.

A visible display of sliced beef jelly tongue being sold. Photo courtesy of the Government of Canada.

Actions to take:

• DO NOT EAT recalled products

• If you are ill and think you have consumed the product, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

• Check to see if you have recalled product and throw out or return to location of purchase.

Symptoms to monitor for:

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Persistent fever

• Muscle aches

• Severe headache

• Stiff neck

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Peterborough County Launches Healthcare Needs Assessment Form to Help Bring Physicians to Area

Peterborough County has launched its new Healthcare Needs Assessment form to gather crucial insights directly from the residents to gather insight regarding the strategic plan for the future of healthcare in the region.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough County.

The form provides feedback on all health and human services and facilitates the development of comprehensive healthcare solutions closer to home. It also allows residents to register their need for a primary care provider and will act as the official list for residents without a family practitioner according to the County.

“We recognize the challenges faced by many in our community, including the difficulty in accessing primary care and the burden of long-distance travel for healthcare services. Through this initiative, we aim to streamline the process, eliminating the frustration of wait lists and offering a Peterborough County centralized database for physicians seeking new patients or considering relocation to our vibrant region. This will eliminate the need for residents to contact already overwhelmed practices or by having to deroster from their current physician to be considered. This list will be the only place residents need to register,” according to a statement issued by the County.

The Healthcare Needs Assessment form available online or call 705-930-4765. Together, we can create a healthcare landscape that meets the needs of today and tomorrow, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all residents of Peterborough County.

"We are taking action to assist residents who need access to healthcare. To begin the essential work of recruiting and planning for the future of primary healthcare delivery in our communities, the Healthcare Needs Assessment form will provide a convenient and consolidated overview of where resources are needed across our county,” said Bonnie Clark, Peterborough County Warden. “Our goal is for healthcare to be more accessible for everyone; rural or urban, young or elderly. I encourage every resident in Peterborough County to complete the Healthcare Needs Assessment Form.”

“I am deeply honoured to serve in this capacity, dedicated to the fundamental mission of ensuring equitable access to primary care for every resident of Peterborough County,” said Lori Richey, Healthcare Advancement Coordinator. “Our commitment extends beyond immediate solutions; it entails the meticulous implementation of a comprehensive, long-term strategy, shaped by the invaluable insights of our community members. Together, we are fostering a healthier future for the vibrant community of Peterborough County.”

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International Overdose Awareness Day Held to Reduce Stigma and Mourn Those Lost From Drug Addiction

Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough held an International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost at the Silver Bean Café in Millennium Park on Friday afternoon.

Kelly Whetung looks over her late son Joey who passed away from drug poisoning in Dec. 21, 2017. The event had a photographic mural and white crosses in purple decor to honour those fallen to drug addiction. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The day coincides with International Overdose Awareness Day that is held every year on Aug. 31.

The global event is to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of a drug-related death. It also acknowledges the grief of families and friends suffering from losing a loved one or a victim of injury as a result of a drug overdose.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it and no judgment should be passed for those suffering.

Between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“I think the crisis requires a continuum of response and massive investment. We look at how we respond to other societal crises including the COVID-19 pandemic and it requires an all-of-society, massive investment on many interventions and solutions.” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health.

Of that same span last year, there were 182 calls, and 232 ER visits but an increase of 43 deaths.

“We need support to address the toxic supply of drugs on the streets. We need support to prevent substance use in the first place. We know that trauma and social determinants of health are the drivers of why many people end up using drugs or have a substance use disorder,” Piggott continued. “We need access to treatment in this community. People that want treatment still can't get access, that needs to improve. We also need to keep people alive and harm reduction responses are trying to do that. People may not be ready for help today or tomorrow but they need they need help to stay alive.”

PPH offered quick sessions on administering aid with a naloxone kit at the event and gave them out for free. Piggott says that carrying naloxone is even easier than learning basic first aid and CPR and this information can be life-saving.

“In five or ten minutes, we can safely train people on how to administer it,” he said. “I think if you are around people who use drugs, if you are in an area of the city where you may see and find somebody who needs help, this is an easy way to learn a little bit more about how you can save a life so I encourage people to carry naloxone.”

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Peterborough Public Health Confirms Two Cases of Rabies Found In Local Bats

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) received reports of two confirmed rabies cases in the local bat population, announced on Tuesday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PPH reminds residents to avoid interacting with wildlife as all mammals can carry rabies.

Although it’s rare, with vaccination and public health control measures, human infection with rabies is nearly 100 per cent fatal according to PPH. While animal bites are responsible for most instances of rabies transmission, saliva contamination of cuts, scratches and mucous membranes are also possible.

PPH suggested the following to protect your family and your pets from rabies:

• Keep pets up to date with their rabies vaccination. In Ontario, it’s the law that all cats, dogs, and ferrets over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies, and this vaccination must be kept up to date.

• Teach children to avoid wild animals, pets they don’t know and animals that are acting strangely.

• Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your livestock against rabies.

• Stay away from any wildlife, dogs or cats you don’t know or any animal acting strangely. Remember, only mammals can carry rabies.

• Keep pets away from wildlife. Don’t let pets run free and keep them indoors at night.

• Don’t feed, transport or relocate wildlife.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water immediately, seek medical advice immediately and then contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000.

If your pets or livestock have had contact with a wild animal, such as a bat, skunk, fox or raccoon, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Veterinarians seeking assistance with risk assessments or animal post-exposure management can call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300.

For non-emergencies of sick/injured wildlife, call the Ontario Rabies Hotline at 1-888-574-6656, or Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at 1-866-673-4781. If the animal poses a public safety issue, contact police.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Expands Partnership to Enhance Patient Care

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

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

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

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

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

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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