Independent panel makes 68 recommendations about Lakeridge Health Oshawa’s emergency department
May 21st, 2013 | Comments (0)
Lakeridge Health Oshawa says they’re working to improve their emergency environment. The Ontario Nurse Association hired an independent panel who made 68 recommendations to address unsafe staffing levels at the hospital. Lakeridge Chief Nursing Executive Lisa Shiozaki says they’re confident in the progress being made. Recommendations include using an all registered nurse model in the treatment area.
Durham region putting health top of mind for nurseries with online resource
May 11th, 2013 | Comments (0)
A new free online learning resource has been launched, aimed at infection prevention and control for daycare staff. The Region of Durham launched it recently, giving nursery staff access to information on transmission, risk – like hygiene, environmental controls and outbreak management. Public Health Inspector Mandi Theberge says the program is new to Ontario, and is a great tool for child care professionals. Prior to this, public health inspectors would give in-person education for day nursery staff, but since the number of nurseries in the region has increased, it’s becoming more challenging. Click here for more information.
Ontario Lung Association working with schools to help students with Asthma
May 7th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The Ontario Lung Association and Ophea are joining together on May 7 for World Asthma Day to help ensure that all schools have the resources to help children with asthma. More than 1.8 million people, including one in five children under the age of 15 in Ontario live with asthma, a chronic, inflammatory lung disease. The OLA and Ophea have developed a guide to help teachers and principal recognize and help children with asthma, called “7 Simple Steps to Make Schools Asthma –Friendly”. The guide recommends that all schools should have a process that identifies students with asthma and have easy access to the student’s inhaler. They also recommend that staff know how to recognize and manage asthma attacks and or worsening symptoms.
Government rolls out new app to help Canadian veterans cope with PTSD
May 7th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The federal government has rolled out a new smartphone app to help veterans suffering post-traumatic stress. Dubbed PTSD Coach Canada, the free app provides users with information, self-assessment tools and where to find help. The free app provides users with information on PTSD, self-assessment for symptoms, information about professional health care, and where to find support. It also includes tools — ranging from relaxation skills and positive self-talk to anger management — that can help users manage symptoms and the stresses of daily life. Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney also announced $376,000 for PTSD research.
Lakeridge Health launches new program to combat wait times
April 29th, 2013 | Comments (0)
It’s likely you’ve experienced a time when you were stuck waiting in an emergency room. Lakeridge Health Oshawa is has introduced a pilot project to help alleviate some of the lineups, by launching a program that provides care for children and youth who are in need of prompt, but not urgent care. Director of Women’s and Children’s Health Care Tasha Osborne says it’s a very exciting initiative. The Pediatric Acute Referral Clinic offers treatment to children and youth under 16 years old, in non-emergency situations. Osborne says staff is taking time to evaluate the clinic’s effectiveness. She says it’s had a great response so far, and runs Monday to Friday from 10:00am until 4:00pm and they hope to eventually keep it running seven days a week.
Toronto’s top doctor wants calorie and sodium counts added to menus at chain restaurants
April 29th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The idea of having calorie and sodium counts added to menus at chain restaurants will be debated at a Toronto Board of Health meeting. Officials will sit down Monday to discuss a proposal brought forward by the city’s Medical Officer of Health. Doctor David McKeowen says the province should approve the change in order to fight obesity and high blood pressure rates. Mayor Rob Ford does not support the move, insisting people can decide on their own whether they want to eat health or not.
Announcement from the federal government gives transplant patients new hope
April 28th, 2013 | Comments (0)
More and more people are requiring organ donation transplants, that’s according to Oshawa MP Colin Carrie. The federal government has announced it’s developing new health care practices that will address obstacles in tissue and organ donations. Carrie says this is great news for Canadians because the program will provide information to guide the development of policies and programs to increase donations across the county, and enhance the survival rates for recipients. He also says the government is recognizing there is a great need for a national program to help those waiting or receiving a tissue and organ transplant.
The Canadian Cancer Society celebrates 75th anniversary
April 27th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The Canadian Cancer Society has reached an outstanding milestone. The organization is in its 75th year, and Lakeridge Health is marking the anniversary by celebrating volunteers. Vice-president of Cancer and Clinical Services Tom McHugh says the organization is a vital partner in the battle against the disease. President and CEO %Kevin Empey says without support from the cancer society, Lakeridge Health would not be able to provide high quality care so close to home.
The Durham Region Health Department is reminding residents of the importance of getting routine vaccines
April 23rd, 2013 | Comments (0)
Immunization is a part of maintaining good health and the Durham Region health department wants you to make sure your vaccines are up to date. It’s national immunization awareness week and public health nurse Stephen Rew says protect yourself. He says the dangers of vaccine preventable diseases may include debilitating illnesses such as brain damage, blindness, paralysis and even death. Rew is also reminding parents to report their child’s vaccine updates to the health department to ensure the child’s record is current. Click here for more information.
Federal government announces measures to strengthen food, drug, consumer product safety
April 21st, 2013 | Comments (0)
Have you ever read a drug label that was difficult to understand? Well, the province’s Health Minister says new measures will be taken to support health and safety of Canadian families, while launching efforts to strengthen food, drug and consumer products. Oshawa MP Carrie says they’re moving towards plain language drug labels and removing products that have dangerous magnets. He also says there will be a new research centre to strengthen Canada’s ability to stop food-borne illness, along with enhancing safety standards for playpens sold in the country.
Canadian Diabetes Association releases 2013 practice guidelines
April 15th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The Canadian Diabetes Association is calling for new approaches, clearer diagnostic criteria and innovative new ways to select treatment targets for patients. The association released their 2013 practice guidelines recently, which was developed through a committee of 120 health professionals across the country. The new guidelines highlight screening and diagnosis, heart health, managing and blood sugars. According to the association, diabetes rates in Canada have doubled over the past decade and they predict by 2020, one in three Canadians will suffer from it.
Another 26 patients affected by watered-down cancer drugs
April 13th, 2013 | Comments (0)
The Progressive Conservatives want a legislative committee to hold public hearings into the watered-down chemotherapy drugs given to more than 12-hundred people in the province and New Brunswick. Tory health critic Christine Elliott says the committee could quickly begin hearings next week to help restore public confidence in the health-care system. Elliott says she can’t imagine the fears cancer patients and their families are feeling right now. The N-D-P say word that another 26 patients were affected by the watered-down cancer drugs only adds to what they say is a crisis of confidence in the health care system.