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Established more than 15 years ago as the former Lakeside Home Care Services, the company was owned and operated by Ken Dukeshire. Eastern Region Business Manager, Randy McFarland, has witnessed the success and growth of the small family business as it became an integral unit within the Medigas corporate structure. The Belleville branch is a prime example of how a small family operated business can adapt and thrive despite global scale business politics. While the business name obviously relates to medical use in the home of oxygen, the business is a full service home care supplies outlet, enjoying referrals from professionals and specialized agencies as well as walk-in traffic by customers and care givers. Medigas, a division of Praxair Products Canada, is a leading supplier of home medical equipment, oxygen and related respiratory products. It now operates out of a 9,000square-foot facility at 125 South Church St., serving between 800 - 1000 customers depending on medical needs and fluctuations. The staff includes fully qualified Registered Respiratory Therapists and Registered Nurses. McFarland points proudly to his company's record of community and charity activity, now being the official sponsor of the annual Meagher-Medigas Charity Golf Tournament. "We're also involved with the Plainfield Community Homes and various other charities such as the Regional Cancer Centre's Annual Telethon, Easter Seals, Muscular Dystrophy and The Lung Association," he said. Awards for Medigas besides the coveted accreditation certificate, include top corporate rating for excellence in safety and product management in 1996 plus various safety awards from the Canadian Compressed Gas Association. rjately,ourgoc 'ate amlmhab its to their op. quaMty@fite' As Canada's oldest and largest home respiratory care company, Medigas voluntarily undertook to become accredited provincially through the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation, using a newly established formula called "client focused standards." It is the first such company to do so. As a result, the company reviews its operations regularly to ensure consistent quality control, service and improvement across Ontario. It continues to enjoy the status of being the largest provider to the Home Oxygen Program with the Ministry of Health. "Ultimately, our goal is to educate and rehabilitate clients to their optimal quality of life," says McFarland. The company's services also include intensive education of customers for maximum and safe use of products. A full line of the company's products and services include: · Home Oxygen Equipment and Services · Nasal CPAP (continuous, positive airway pressure) Sleep Therapy Equipment and Supplies · Asthma/Allergy Therapy · Home Medical Equipment (walkers, whee chairs, lifts, bathroom aids, scooters) · Other Respiratory and Medical Equipment and Supplies. Clients have many options for payment methods including most major credit cards and interact In a migrant society, Medigas also offers its customers the benefit of being able to do business almost anywhere in Canada, with over 60 locations coast to coast. (7 $· "P \A)