People are fighting to save their care system -Chatham-Kent

SOS seeks full report

HEALTH CARE: Wants report before Friday's meeting

Posted By TREVOR TERFLOTH, THE DAILY NEWS

Save Our Sydenham members want the full story on the physical condition of the Wallaceburg hospital.

The group requested a 2005 infrastructure study commissioned by the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance from Stantec Consulting.

However, CKHA CEO Ken Tremblay had denied the full report to SOS, saying a Powerpoint summary was already given to them.

SOS chairman Jeff Wesley said the group needs the information to prepare for Friday's public meeting with the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network in Wallaceburg.

"We're a grassroots organization. We don't have paid staff," he said. "They've asked us for solutions -- we want to give them solutions."

Earlier this year, the LHIN received a report that recommended the closure of the Sydenham Campus emergency department.

Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons criticized Tremblay and the hospital on the council floor during Monday's meeting, saying SOS deserved to have the Stantec information.

Yesterday, Parsons said it was his understanding that one copy of the report would be released to Rob Browning, the municipality's chief administrative officer.

As of yesterday afternoon, the councillor was still waiting for the report. He was unsure of the timeframe for its release.

"They've authorized a copy," Parsons said. "I'm going to be allowed to look at it."

Tremblay couldn't be reached for immediate comment.

 four-year-old Stantec report, but hadn't seen it personally.

He gave an update on the emergency department issue at the LHIN board yesterday and said the public is providing much feedback.

Some concerns raised include rural availability of care, patient transportation and travel time.

"They're very, very valid concerns," Ganter said.

The Hay Group had recommended the Sydenham Campus become an urgent-care centre.

Ganter said the LHIN is still collecting information and also speaking with officials from such a facility in British Columbia.

"We want to understand what the pros and cons are," he said.

Friday's community meeting will take place at 7 p. m. at Wallaceburg District Secondary School.

Presentations will be made and the community will have the opportunity to share their views about the Hay Group's report.

"Comment - good for the SOS citizen group for trying to get an accounting of their public money and save their hospital and care system . The customer is King- it is good to see a demonstration of this new principle. Don't except the standard excuses for bad service or bad public decisions " Q-J

--