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TT ------------ "WEEKEND STAR" FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2001 -11 Aces to Care wants meeting with MPPs Durham home care service is wary of regulations By Rik Davie Weekend Star Access ta some health services will be affected by gov- ernment changes to the Durham Access to Care (DATC) structure, according to a senior member of the group's board of directors. Bill Botshka, president of the Durham Access To Care board, told The Star that last week's announcement by Associate Health Minister Helen Johns of legislation which will cut the number of volunteer board members by half will greatly affect the board's abilities to oversee certain health services such as home care services, occupational therapy, some counselling services and placement of patients for long-term care. "There is a risk that the expertise developed by our community board members and the experience we have gained in the past five-or-so years could be lost along with the board members," Mr. Botshka said during a telephone interview after the legislation was announced last week. Mr. Botshka said that with fewer people sitting on the DATC's board the ability to over-see all areas will be lost along with another important ability -- the right to-appoint ERIE ~~. nth = ww mr ws & v-- Our Service L\ Is Your Protection! Your insurance policy is not just another piece of paper it's your peace of mind! = Brown & Brethour INSURANCE BROKERS I'TD. 1-800-461-1468 (705) 357-3916 131 River Street, Sunderland, ON Proudly representing: FARMERS' MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY (LINDSAY) ...While Quantities Last... All Regular Priced Music Books and Sheet 30 - 40% off (or sale priced as marked) ALL REGULAR PRICED ACCESSORIES 20 - 30% OFF (or sale priced as marked) ALL GUITARS AT COST (From $110) KAWAI STUDIO PIANO - $2,500 (Reg. $4,600) (Includes cushion and bench) RENTAL P.A. EQUIPMENT REDUCED TO CLEAR! Amps (from $200) Mixers (from $250) Speakers (from $275/pr.) Microphones (from $75) Stock up for Christmas and Save EVEL TE UE UTE RR GE 174 Mary St., 905+985 Port Perry -2635 local members. "The changes will see the board set by an Order In Council, that is to say, appointed by the government," Mr. Botshka said. "The members will be appointed rather than elected by our own members," Mr. Botshka said, adding that "the ability to hire and fire the paid position of Chief Executive Officer will fall to the province." Mr. Botshka said that his group do not oppose changes to DATC structure or regulations, but feel their ability to take part in the process has been curtailed. Board members intend to take their concerns to area MPPs for input. Durham Access To Care is funded 100 per cent by the province and has an annual operating budget of close to $42 million. They have, according to DATC officials, been in a balanced budget position for two fiscal years. At any given time, the agency provides home care to 7,000 clients as well as a wide range of other services that total 600,000 hours of personal services to patients and 300,000 nursing visits to patients across the region. The system has already felt a crunch by the revision of some of the services and cutbacks ta what home care ser- vice workers can do for clients. In recent months many ser- vices have been privatized. Mr. Botshka said that he hopes to meet with local MPPs as soon as a date can be reached and will report back to both the board of Access to Care, and the public with what- he hopes will be positive results. "FABRICLAND ANADA & FASHION F BRIG DISTRIBUTOR Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday Nov. 22 - 25 NOTHING HELD BACK --- EVERYTHING rig EVERY FABRIC, NOTION, AND DRAPERY ITEM ON SALE NOW! 30%-50% OFF "OUR RECUAR PRICES "excludes books, on oe and ends O101 3 =| SR 010] BRIDAL 30% OFF OUR REGULAR PRICE 'OUR ENTIRE STOCK FASHION FABRIC 20% OFF OUR REGULAR PRICE OUR REGULAR PRICE "OUR ENTIRE STOCK DRAPERY is FAB Tl & HARDWARE OR Ao PRICE *OUR ENTIRE STOCK BUTTERICK PATTERNS - $2.99 VOGUE PATTERNS - §5.99 CHRISTMAS Fabric, Quilts, Panels, Trims and ; bs 50% OFF "OUR REGULAR PRICE Exolines ends and Promotional toms § ABRICLAND ) 600 Grandview St. 'OUR ENTIRE STOCK ARCTIC FLEECE All in stock PRINTS AND PLAINS 50% OFF OUR REGULAR LOTS OF FREE PARKING S., Oshawa (905)436-7589 1801 Dundas St. E., (Kendalwood Plaza) Whitby (905)721-9152 © "OUR ENTIRE STOCK METALLIC SPECIAL DECAON FABRIC 30% OFF OUR REGULAR PRICE The areas largest selection Great for fashion and décor! PRICE STORE HOURS Mon. -Fri.9to 9 Sat. 9to 6 10] 0 A (oS)