Injury suits possible at Fairview: Edwards In an attempt to keep deficits down in the $3 million expansion of Fairview Lodge, the region's social services committee decided last week not to spend $51,113 for renovations to 25 washrooms at the lodge. The renovations would have changed the washrooms so that staff can assist patients on and off facilities when assistance is required. Regional council ap- proved the expenditure at its meeting last Wed- nesday, but gave the social services commit- tee the final say on whether the renovations were necessary. The $3 million project is already over budget by $194,819. Following a demon- stration by staff, the committee decided the standards set by the Ministry of Health were being met with the present layout of the washrooms. But Whitby's repre- sentative on the com- mittee, Tom Edwards, says he believes the committee is-only put- ting off an expenditure that will have to be made in the near future. "I am not satisfied with the decision," Ed- wards told the Free Press Monday. "As soon as the new ward is completed, some people who are confined to their beds will be taken up to that new wing and they will require assistance." Edwards said more people entering homes for the aged are "non- ambulatory" (confined to their beds) because the ministry is sponsor- ing programs to keep the elderly at home longer. "It means that when people do go into the homes, they are people who are confined to their beds," Edwards said. "I am convinced that almost as soon as the building is finished, we are going to run into a situation where the renovations will have to be made," Edwards said. He added that. the $51,000 saved on the renovations may have to be paid out to staff in injury suits because the washrooms do not facili- tate staff assistance to patients. "A few years down the road we will have in- juries and we'll have to spend that money any- way," Edwards said. He suggested that at least some of the 25 washrooms could be renovated to allow staff to help patients who require assistance. Part of the commit- tee's reluctance to spend the money stems from uncertainty as to whether the provincial government would fund one half of the expen- diture as it often does in such projects. The ministry has stated it will only provide funding for pro- jects for "ambulatory" patients, despite the fact it is sponsoring pro- grams to keep elderly people at home longer. Edwards said he feels the committee should have approved the change of some of the washrooms, and then approached the ministry to provide funding. As it stands, the vanity in each wash- room will be made smaller to make room for staff who assist patients. Vol. 13, No. 4 Wednesday, January 26, 1983. 20 Pages w w A sunny January day at the beach... These Canada Geese are obviously convinced winter isn't ning themselves by the shores of Lake Ontario last week. going to arrive this year. They could be found sun- - Free Press Staff Photo