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MIwut I.-j ['j IAkt,.:I, IL ~ . ~ -- - Oron WeJUyTi~ms, ~dnsday Ocube i1997 - 5 Staying In Touch John O'Toole Durham East MPP Health care is changing. As of June 1Ist, the new Durhamn Access To Care agency Is now coordlnating placement ser- vices, long term care and in- home health services. This Is a "single point access" for al Durham Reglanresidents. You can cail 1-800-263-3877 or 905-430-3308 ta get ta touch with a case manager. The services are for people from blrth to old age who are in need of health care ser- vices. These services range from placement ta a long terni care facility (nursing home, home for, the aged or retire- ment home). Other services that are determined by the doctor and the case worker taclude: physlotherapy, accu- pational therapy, social work, homemaktag, personal care and a range of other ta-home services. The Durham Access To Care is part of aur govemn- ment's vision for an tategrat- ed health care delivery sys- tem. We bave allocated some $170 million dollars ta the 43 agencles across Ontario. The Durhanm Access To Care will receive between $6 and,$8 -million dollars ta- coordinate the service delivery. The change is to deliver services dloser ta the patient. On Thursday, September 25th, Howard Danson, chair- man of the volunteer. board Janet Hanris, CEO together with board members and staff, held an open house in Bowmanville. I was lmpressedwth the turn out and the open ,discussions. M4any of the members of Communlty Care and other provider groups were also in attendance. It appears that the haspitals and diverse provider groups are willtagly coming together ta make it easler for familles and people neediag services. As the province restruc- tures health care, more specfficaily hospital reorgani- zations, we must have an effective and efficient home care- delivery system. The Ontario Nurses Association has long advocated for a fully tategrated heaith care deliv- ery system. Our Minister of heaith Is supportive of this approach whlch puts the patients* needs first. Eventually, ail health care providers from doctors, nurs- es, theraLpists ta homemiakers will work together in a seani- less delivery system focused on the patient~s needs. I know the system is workIng, as a number of my constituents have alIready been helped by the Durhamn Access To Care. I want ta thank the volunteer board and the professianal nursing staff for their energy and enthusiasmn. The one place ta Cali lor service Is 1- News trom Memorial Hospital Bowmanville Bill 160 is the number asslgned ta the new educa- tion legisiation. The three major themes of the legisia- tion are : the Governance (School Boards), Education Finance (student funding) and the Teacher's Collective Bargaining. The major issues appear ta, be the length of the achôool year. the number of teachtag days and the num- ber of teachiag hours per day. Our govenment's goals are ta improve quality and accountabiiity an d focus resources in the classroom. We want ta limit class size, reduce some of the secondary, school preparation time and examination time, as well as reduce some of the profes- sional development days. I think it is reasonabie ta bhave comparable standards wlth other Canadian provinces. Our Mnister has advised there is always time for more discussian as the legislation was just lntroduced on Monday, September 22nd. Durîng debate and public headings on this legisiation, there will certainly be accom- modating amendments. I do not think the anxiety should be taken out on aur students. Furthennare, 1 recognize that we, the government, are not without some blame for al the anxiety. change is diffi- cuit and 1 recagnize that teachers,,students and par- ents just-want the system ta improve. Nonte of the issues are new. You may recail the deébate last year around these very same issues of prep-time and the teaching hours. Ini fact, many, of the same dis- cussions Were aiso around under the previaus NDP gav- ernment'. I have had-many cails fram parents, students and teachers. 1 personaly do not agree with an illegal strike. 1 also recognize that as a govenment, we must lis- ten ta ail input. Any changes that are necessary must ensure we have the highest quaiity, accessible- and accountable educational sys- tem in the woid.-,ta conclu- sion, 1 am illtag ta meet with any teacher, student. schiooi cauncil, parent or citizen Who wishes ta express their views. Cali mie at (905) 697-1501 or 1-800-661-2433, I will listen and ,bring your concerns for- ward. The Orano Tree Nursery property is being àdvertised ta local papers. Anyone iter- estcd ta finding out mnore. cal aur office for details. There will be an open house an Octo'ber 3rd and October 8th. I have iearned that if love and respect are not taught ta, the Ihomie, it is difficuit ta lanit anywhere else. OPEN HOUSE FOR OBSTETRICS PROGRAM AT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Everyone is invited to an 'open house at Memorial Hospital, Bowmanville on Wednesday, October 8th. The event is organized by the Hospital's Obstetrica Program and its Con-irunity Partniers. There will be tours of the recently-renovated Obstetrics area, a display booth featur- ing information about educa- tional progranis for expectant parents, breastfeeding and nutrition, and pre- and post- natal services provided by the Hospital and its community partners. The open house is from 2 - 4 p.m. in the Obstetrics area, second floor, South Wing. Refreshments will aisa be served. Join us if you are planning a family, or expecting a baby, or you just want to see what~s new at Memorial Hospital. For more Information, Cal Memorial Hospital at 623- 3331 and ask for Obstetries or choose ext. 3790. HOSPITAL TEAMS Up WITH AREA FARM FOR GREAT PUMPKIN FUN FAIR' A 'Great Pumpkin H-Iunt.' pumpkin carving, and a . ciockinig for speed' baseball toss are just some of the activities occun-ing at a Great Pumpkln Fun Fair at Watson Farmns on Sundayt,, October 5. The farm's owner'. Ted Watson, and student volun- teers at Memorlal Hospital, Bowmanville, are organlzing the Fun Fair. Mr. Watson is donatlng the use of his farmn for the event. It Is a fund rais- er for the Hospltal's Auxllary. Ail proceeds go towards the Hospital Auxiliary that ralses funds for Hospital equipment. 1Activities i-un from il a.m. ta 4 p.m. (the raîn date 15 Sunday, October 12 during the same hours). Here are some of the other amuse- ments taking place: fish pond, face painting, sucker pull, basketball hoop thýrow, musical chairs, bean bag toss, straw jumps, Simon's Castle, Son Shine the Clown - balloon sculpturing, and tractar rides to the apple orchard and pumpkçin patch. There wfll also be a craft table, a raflle table, fresh pop- corn and a display by Durham Region Police. During the 'Great Pumpkin- Hunt', people wlll pay a nom- inal fee, and select a num- bered pumpkin from the patch. If the number on the pumpkin matches the num- ber on a list for prizes. the persan receives a prize. -Watson's Farms is donating ail prizes. As weil, there will be barbecued hotdogs and fresh apple cider. Watson's Farms is located at 2287 Highway #2, west, just out- side Bowmanville. Watch for the farms slgn decorated withi balloons. A lti exerdse can go a Long wy Walking 3 km in 35 minutes can do wonders for your heath. If's that simple. 1 7- ! Shan ng a Heolthier Fture