Everyone stands in line or que for the government services that they have paid for through their taxes. As paid customers they should be treated with effeciency, respect, and courtesy. Most often they are not. They face smug indifference, arrogance, unnecessary delays, by the so called " public civil servants" . Q-jumpers is a blog to get services through any other means , offer competitive alternatives and make government services more accountable and customer user friendly.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
B.C. Health Minister supports private care
B.C. Health Minister supports private care: "B.C. Health Minister supports private care"
The government ended up contracting out many of the procedures to private clinics as a way to catch up. Logic not dogma prevails to help those that need health services OJ
The government ended up contracting out many of the procedures to private clinics as a way to catch up. Logic not dogma prevails to help those that need health services OJ
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Tobacco Book
Tobacco Book: "“ARE YOU SMOKING ENOUGH TO STAY HEALTHY?”
“ARE YOU SMOKING ENOUGH TO STAY HEALTHY?”
Join my biggest crusade yet and get the inside scoop
on the surprising health BENEFITS of smoking...
-a intersting view from contrarian MD Douglas -qj"
“ARE YOU SMOKING ENOUGH TO STAY HEALTHY?”
Join my biggest crusade yet and get the inside scoop
on the surprising health BENEFITS of smoking...
-a intersting view from contrarian MD Douglas -qj"
Tobacco Book
Tobacco Book: "“ARE YOU SMOKING ENOUGH TO STAY HEALTHY?”
Join my biggest crusade yet and get the inside scoop
on the surprising health BENEFITS of smoking... “ARE YOU SMOKING ENOUGH TO STAY HEALTHY?”
Join my biggest crusade yet and get the inside scoop
on the surprising health BENEFITS of smoking..."
worth a read -by the contrarian doctor Douglas QMB
Join my biggest crusade yet and get the inside scoop
on the surprising health BENEFITS of smoking... “ARE YOU SMOKING ENOUGH TO STAY HEALTHY?”
Join my biggest crusade yet and get the inside scoop
on the surprising health BENEFITS of smoking..."
worth a read -by the contrarian doctor Douglas QMB
Friday, July 10, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Not a good way to save the health system
Not a good way to save the Heath system
In a blistering letter to Ontario doctors, the group says Hudson must also resign because he's "not competent" to lead the agency's board.
"We are at a crossroads in transformation where one path is carved out by seemingly entitled individuals who appear content to waste hundreds of millions of taxpayers' hard-earned money and who are not held accountable," states the letter signed by president Dr. Douglas Mark.
"Not even the Minister of Health, David Caplan, as he turns a blind eye to the shenanigans of his trusted leaders at eHealth who show up over and over again in various health care organizations with a trail littered with costly programs but questionable results."
Hudson hasn't returned calls for comment.
EHealth, which is tasked with creating electronic health records in Ontario, has ignited a political storm for questionable spending and awarding nearly $5 million in untendered contracts.
Sarah Kramer was abruptly removed as president and CEO on Sunday amid the furor over eHealth, which allowed consultants who were paid about $2,700 a day to bill taxpayers for minor purchases like tea and snacks.
This is sad and we wonder who is in charge and if there is anu accountability OJ
In a blistering letter to Ontario doctors, the group says Hudson must also resign because he's "not competent" to lead the agency's board.
"We are at a crossroads in transformation where one path is carved out by seemingly entitled individuals who appear content to waste hundreds of millions of taxpayers' hard-earned money and who are not held accountable," states the letter signed by president Dr. Douglas Mark.
"Not even the Minister of Health, David Caplan, as he turns a blind eye to the shenanigans of his trusted leaders at eHealth who show up over and over again in various health care organizations with a trail littered with costly programs but questionable results."
Hudson hasn't returned calls for comment.
EHealth, which is tasked with creating electronic health records in Ontario, has ignited a political storm for questionable spending and awarding nearly $5 million in untendered contracts.
Sarah Kramer was abruptly removed as president and CEO on Sunday amid the furor over eHealth, which allowed consultants who were paid about $2,700 a day to bill taxpayers for minor purchases like tea and snacks.
This is sad and we wonder who is in charge and if there is anu accountability OJ
Friday, June 05, 2009
Genetics -Future medicine trend?
Your Doctor Is Wasting Your Time... and Your Money
By Rob Fannon, editor, Phase 1 Investor
I'd like nothing more than to fire my doctor...
Anyone else sick of scheduling appointments, only to wait for 30 minutes (or more) before hearing your name called? Then, if you're lucky, you get 10 minutes with a harried physician who shares nothing you didn't already know. When did doctors cease being healers? Most are nothing more than informed technicians, cranking through protocols and patient numbers to make ends meet.
I don't need a doc to check my blood pressure, take my temperature, rub my lymph nodes, and hand me an antibiotic... for whatever ails me.
I prefer the do-it-yourself model.
The secret to good health is information, discipline, and prevention – in that order. A discerning eye can gather more than enough qualified information on the web for any and all medical conditions. And of course, with enough self-discipline, diet and exercise are always the best prescription for most health-related matters. No two steps do more to prevent illness.
Still, all the web surfing, whole-grain bread, and wind sprints in the world can't trump one element of our health and wellbeing: our genes.
The next frontier for medicine is genetics. As patients, we can look forward to knowing which diseases are in our future based on a genetic fingerprint. Armed with a readout mapping our DNA and forecasting the medical conditions we'll likely encounter, we can fire the family doctor and head straight to the specialist who can actually cure us.
As investors, we've got to realize this day is coming faster than we may have thought...
Of course, not every genetics wonder-company is investable. Take my experience last summer, for example. For $1,000, I shipped my DNA to Iceland. There, scientists at deCODE Genetics (DCGN) scanned my genes to determine my risk of various cancers, heart-related disorders, brain diseases, as well as oddball tests for male pattern baldness and alcohol-flush reaction.
But the whole thing was a bit of a letdown. Most of the results were too vague. And based on my family history, I already know I have European ancestors, a thinning hairline, brown eyes, and a "slightly elevated" risk for many diseases. Obviously, I can't fire my doctor quite yet.
Without a sufficient payoff, expensive testing services like deCODE's won't attract meaningful numbers of customers. Patients – and the insurance companies that will foot the bill –need clear, definitive answers that have an immediate use in order to pay for such tests.
That is the key to making money in personalized medicine today. And that's what I look for when I make an investment in the "personalized medicine" boom...
One of my favorite companies in this sector – one I think has done it "right" – is Genomic Health (GHDX).
Genomic Health's Oncotype DX test measures the aggressiveness of breast cancer via a molecular snapshot of the tumor. Based on the results, patients and doctors make informed decisions about whether or not to pursue grueling and costly chemotherapy treatment.
Results Are in from Iceland
Why You May Never Take a Regular Drug Again
Most important, Oncotype DX offers an appealing cost-benefit proposal for insurance companies. These payers are more than willing to shell out $3,700 for the test if it reduces the number of $35,000 chemotherapy treatments they pay for.
Clear, definitive answers that result in an immediate action plan... that's the winning formula for genetic-screening services. It's why deCODE is headed for bankruptcy and why I think Genomic Health is a bargain today...
Great assessment and a hopeful future solution to the current care crisis QJ
By Rob Fannon, editor, Phase 1 Investor
I'd like nothing more than to fire my doctor...
Anyone else sick of scheduling appointments, only to wait for 30 minutes (or more) before hearing your name called? Then, if you're lucky, you get 10 minutes with a harried physician who shares nothing you didn't already know. When did doctors cease being healers? Most are nothing more than informed technicians, cranking through protocols and patient numbers to make ends meet.
I don't need a doc to check my blood pressure, take my temperature, rub my lymph nodes, and hand me an antibiotic... for whatever ails me.
I prefer the do-it-yourself model.
The secret to good health is information, discipline, and prevention – in that order. A discerning eye can gather more than enough qualified information on the web for any and all medical conditions. And of course, with enough self-discipline, diet and exercise are always the best prescription for most health-related matters. No two steps do more to prevent illness.
Still, all the web surfing, whole-grain bread, and wind sprints in the world can't trump one element of our health and wellbeing: our genes.
The next frontier for medicine is genetics. As patients, we can look forward to knowing which diseases are in our future based on a genetic fingerprint. Armed with a readout mapping our DNA and forecasting the medical conditions we'll likely encounter, we can fire the family doctor and head straight to the specialist who can actually cure us.
As investors, we've got to realize this day is coming faster than we may have thought...
Of course, not every genetics wonder-company is investable. Take my experience last summer, for example. For $1,000, I shipped my DNA to Iceland. There, scientists at deCODE Genetics (DCGN) scanned my genes to determine my risk of various cancers, heart-related disorders, brain diseases, as well as oddball tests for male pattern baldness and alcohol-flush reaction.
But the whole thing was a bit of a letdown. Most of the results were too vague. And based on my family history, I already know I have European ancestors, a thinning hairline, brown eyes, and a "slightly elevated" risk for many diseases. Obviously, I can't fire my doctor quite yet.
Without a sufficient payoff, expensive testing services like deCODE's won't attract meaningful numbers of customers. Patients – and the insurance companies that will foot the bill –need clear, definitive answers that have an immediate use in order to pay for such tests.
That is the key to making money in personalized medicine today. And that's what I look for when I make an investment in the "personalized medicine" boom...
One of my favorite companies in this sector – one I think has done it "right" – is Genomic Health (GHDX).
Genomic Health's Oncotype DX test measures the aggressiveness of breast cancer via a molecular snapshot of the tumor. Based on the results, patients and doctors make informed decisions about whether or not to pursue grueling and costly chemotherapy treatment.
Results Are in from Iceland
Why You May Never Take a Regular Drug Again
Most important, Oncotype DX offers an appealing cost-benefit proposal for insurance companies. These payers are more than willing to shell out $3,700 for the test if it reduces the number of $35,000 chemotherapy treatments they pay for.
Clear, definitive answers that result in an immediate action plan... that's the winning formula for genetic-screening services. It's why deCODE is headed for bankruptcy and why I think Genomic Health is a bargain today...
Great assessment and a hopeful future solution to the current care crisis QJ
Monday, June 01, 2009
CARP - A New Vision of Aging for Canada
CARP - A New Vision of Aging for Canada: "Make Predators ExtinctMake Predators Extinct"
Dont be a victim -fight back QJ
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Larry Elder
Predator: n.
1. An organism that lives by preying on other organisms. 2. One that victimizes, plunders, or destroys, especially for one's own gain. In the wild, predators use jaws and talons. In the human world, predators use trust and influence
Dont be a victim -fight back QJ
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." - Larry Elder
Predator: n.
1. An organism that lives by preying on other organisms. 2. One that victimizes, plunders, or destroys, especially for one's own gain. In the wild, predators use jaws and talons. In the human world, predators use trust and influence
Elder Abuse
We have taken several steps to address this very serious issue.
For example, in March 2007, our Government established the National Seniors Council to provide us with advice on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors. The first priority given to the Council by our Government was to examine the serious issue of elder abuse in Canada. After a year of extensive consultations with seniors, community and social groups, as well as other concerned Canadians, the Council released its report on elder abuse. It clearly outlined the magnitude of the problem of elder abuse in its many forms, including physical, financial, psychological, sexual and neglect.
Our Government fully understands that this is a complex problem that cannot be solved by one level of government or one organization. We recognize that combating elder abuse requires all of us to do our part to stop such unspeakable mistreatment. That is why, at the federal level, we are increasing our efforts.
We have introduced the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative, under which we invested $13 million over three years to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and also to provide information on what support is available. A key element of that commitment includes a national public awareness campaign, which we will be launching very soon.
The ministers promise to CARP - lets see if she can deliver OJ
For example, in March 2007, our Government established the National Seniors Council to provide us with advice on all matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors. The first priority given to the Council by our Government was to examine the serious issue of elder abuse in Canada. After a year of extensive consultations with seniors, community and social groups, as well as other concerned Canadians, the Council released its report on elder abuse. It clearly outlined the magnitude of the problem of elder abuse in its many forms, including physical, financial, psychological, sexual and neglect.
Our Government fully understands that this is a complex problem that cannot be solved by one level of government or one organization. We recognize that combating elder abuse requires all of us to do our part to stop such unspeakable mistreatment. That is why, at the federal level, we are increasing our efforts.
We have introduced the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative, under which we invested $13 million over three years to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse, and also to provide information on what support is available. A key element of that commitment includes a national public awareness campaign, which we will be launching very soon.
The ministers promise to CARP - lets see if she can deliver OJ
Friday, May 15, 2009
CARP Health Care Survey Results
The results of the CARP survey indicates that improvements are needed to how health care is delivered in Canada QJ
Government out of step with out of country care
Consistent with our findings in the past, most respondents, despite their high ratings of their care at home, are willing to travel outside the system if they had to and to expect reimbursement. Almost 40% said such care should be reimbursed by the Canadian health care system without conditions. Many more (59%) said that there should be reimbursement with conditions. Only 2% said there should be no reimbursement. Belief in full unconditional reimbursement is far higher in Quebec (53%) than elsewhere.
Only 30% thought that reimbursement should require prior approval. 27% thought approval could be given after treatment was started or completed and over 42% said reimbursement should just require a referral from your doctor. In Quebec, that figure was even higher (48%).
Clearly, the policy makers that insist on strict application of the prior approval requirements are way out of step with CARP ActionOnline readers who answered our survey and we will be drawing this response to their attention.
These survey results, based on over 5,600 CARP ActionOnline readers, are considered reliable within plus or minus 1.4 % 19 times out of 20.
Government out of step with out of country care
Consistent with our findings in the past, most respondents, despite their high ratings of their care at home, are willing to travel outside the system if they had to and to expect reimbursement. Almost 40% said such care should be reimbursed by the Canadian health care system without conditions. Many more (59%) said that there should be reimbursement with conditions. Only 2% said there should be no reimbursement. Belief in full unconditional reimbursement is far higher in Quebec (53%) than elsewhere.
Only 30% thought that reimbursement should require prior approval. 27% thought approval could be given after treatment was started or completed and over 42% said reimbursement should just require a referral from your doctor. In Quebec, that figure was even higher (48%).
Clearly, the policy makers that insist on strict application of the prior approval requirements are way out of step with CARP ActionOnline readers who answered our survey and we will be drawing this response to their attention.
These survey results, based on over 5,600 CARP ActionOnline readers, are considered reliable within plus or minus 1.4 % 19 times out of 20.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
expensive overlap and duplication
Read full article...
Paramedics and patients are constantly bombarded with fire services even though we have notified our communications office and asked them to cancel fires assistance. Apparently, according to Mr. Scharf (fire management), our council members implemented this "can't cancel fire services" policy. When paramedics arrive at a scene, fire services are still rushing through traffic with their bells and whistles blaring, to needlessly arrive at the same place as paramedics. Then they are sent back, as we don't need them, although some of them stick around unnecessarily.
Paramedics and patients are constantly bombarded with fire services even though we have notified our communications office and asked them to cancel fires assistance. Apparently, according to Mr. Scharf (fire management), our council members implemented this "can't cancel fire services" policy. When paramedics arrive at a scene, fire services are still rushing through traffic with their bells and whistles blaring, to needlessly arrive at the same place as paramedics. Then they are sent back, as we don't need them, although some of them stick around unnecessarily.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
ProActive Rants: Senior centre seeks donations of books, puzzles and plants - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
ProActive Rants: Senior centre seeks donations of books, puzzles and plants - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
construtive spring cleaning - help others and help yourself
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Board Heads In Wrong Salary Direction - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
Board Heads In Wrong Salary Direction - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA: "Board Heads In Wrong Salary Direction
Posted By
Overpaid for what they do - citizens finally speak out -QJ-- good for them "
Posted By
Overpaid for what they do - citizens finally speak out -QJ-- good for them "
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Douglas md's -Daily Dose Health Digest for the week
Dr Douglas always has something interesting to say - he is not fond of those that profit from others misery-those that write self serving and obvious research reports- always worth a read
- watch out for your daughters
- drug testing - why job holders and not welfare recepients
- drug more gouging
- uneessary prostate treatments -cure is worse research
Stop shelling out your cash for yesterday's solutions. What I talked about in the Daily Dose this week... Vegetarians more likely to have eating disorders Hang on to your carrot stick. There's actually a new study that's got something negative to say about vegetarianism. It turns out that many people who are vegetarians have made this "lifestyle choice" because they think it will help control their weight—as opposed to simply swearing off meat for the principle of it. Because of this, some people are now saying that vegetarianism is a sign of an eating disorder. Read the full story. Not-so-great wall of China: Imported drywall could be toxic Yet another Chinese-made good is threatening the health of people here in the U.S. Florida homeowners have complained that the drywall in their homes, which was imported from China, is not only giving off a foul odor like sulfer, but is also emitting corrosive gases that are destroying home appliances. So you can just imagine what it's doing to people's lungs. Read the full story. States battle over drug tests for welfare recipients Believe it or not, some states have shot down bills that would require drug tests for people on the welfare rolls. As if it's not bad enough that we have 20 million illegal citizens of Mexico getting health benefits from the U.S. taxpayers, now it seems that it's just fine to be paying people to sit around and take drugs instead of taking a job and contributing to society. Where does it end? Wonder drug aimed at creating wonderful profits for Big Pharma It's no secret that Big Pharma companies allow their marketing departments to have an undue amount of influence on their research and development departments. There's one new drug in the works that has "marketing gimmick" written all over it. The drug in question is known as the "Polypill" – it's a 5-in-1 pill that's designed to fight heart disease. Read the full story. Daily Dose readers can now tap into the minds of other health-conscious readers at http://clicks.douglassreport.com//t/AQ/FZU/GPs/C4Y/AQ/AmRRXw/Sskv Copyright (c)2009 by www.douglassreport.com, L.L.C. The Daily Dose may not be posted on commercial sites without written permission. |
--
Back to Eden communities
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
New Beginnings -23 Richards Ridgetown
backtoeden.ontario@gmail.com
www.backtoeden.bravehost.com
"Building elder peer communities that are cozy,caring and comfortable" -quality 24/7 care
Friday, April 17, 2009
Public reader input- Public speak out
HARMONY DISCONCERTING ( on tax gouging)
Sir:Down through the years there have been famous illegal or unethical "transfers" of wealth. The Great Train Robbery, for example, or the heist of an armoured car in Montreal a few years back, or the Enron debacle, or more recently the Stafford and Bernard Madoff successes in parting people from their money. There have also been some notable team efforts with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or Bonnie and Clyde. However, there is a new team in action -- McGuinty and Duncan about to lighten our wallets through tax harmonization.
This massive cash grab is quite simple. We will now pay combined provincial and federal taxes on all services such as haircuts, manicures, stamps, real-estate closing costs, all the way up to new homes, depending on the value of the house, and on hundreds of personal items and foodstuffs.
Our federal and provincial governments are doling out massive sums of money to bolster our economy and need to take more of our money from us to fund it. Any government suggestions that this is "revenue neutral" because of one-time rebates to be mailed out two months before the next provincial election are pure horse feathers. Much like the insincerity of McGuinty's aim that the health tax implemented several years back is not a tax.
There are some amazing coincidences in the timing of this long reach of the combined governments to increase their take from us. For several years, McGuinty has been complaining loudly about the unfairness of equalization payments from Ottawa and that Ontario is being short-changed. Now, all of a sudden McGuinty is silent on this subject. Another interesting tidbit is that in the next federal election, there will be 21 new seats in the House of Commons from Ontario.
On a related subject, King Stevie's Quebec strategy has exploded in his face. He needs those Ontario seats. Last but not least, Stevie is providing a $4.3 billion "incentive" (bribe?) to Ontario to complete the sales tax harmonization.
Let's see: 21 new Ontario federal seats that could offset Conservative losses in Quebec, $4.3 billion coming to Ontario from Ottawa, sudden cessation of complaints from Toronto about Ottawa's unfairness to Ontario, and the federal Conservatives and provincial Liberals actually romancing again. Could there be a connection to all of these phenomena? Probably not even the Shadow knows . . . -- H. David Goldsmith Chatham
DON'T LET THE SRC GO TO WASTE ( on waste of public assets)
Sir:Recently, I was driving through Dealtown. I was on my way to a client's home, when I was amazed by what I saw. From a distance, I was under the impression that there was a large resort or retirement complex that I was unfamiliar with. A closer look, and a little research later, I realized what I was looking at was the Southwest Regional Centre, former health-care facility for the developmentally challenged.
Not growing up in Essex or Kent County, I was oblivious to the fact there existed such a facility here. In fact, my wife, born and raised in Windsor, always joked with her friends growing up that mentally ill people were shipped off to London or St. Thomas for psychiatric help. She was unaware that Southwest Regional Centre was nearby, let alone such a big and beautiful property with loads of potential.
The reason for this letter is to not only make known what it is we are letting go to waste, but to encourage the surrounding area to make something of this potential disgrace. To let a piece of property and architecture not be used to its full potential should be a crime. The value in the lakeside property alone is worth a mint.
In these economic trying times, why let it sit there unused, destined to become an eyesore unless it is maintained and loved. What we need to do is to fully examine all the possibilities in order to maintain the property and invite a new owner to provide stimulus in these desperate times.
Dealtown is barely large enough to be on many maps. Why not, as a boost for Dealtown and the surrounding area, we band together to save the Southwest Regional Centre?
The possibilities are endless -- a retirement community, tourist resort, educational facility, etc.
There is also the chance that if certain organizations were aware of its existence they may look at expanding or moving to the area. What about entertainment studios, training facilities, even a return to use as a health-care facility? -- Dave Richardson Windsor
SEEK HOSPITAL CLARITY ( On the need for real information not government spin)
Sir:To those who depend on Sydenham District Hospital, do not be fooled by tricky messaging. If you listen closely to what the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance said, you would have heard the term, "new facility," not "new hospital," for Wallaceburg.
The CKHA, when asked if this "new facility," which has not been approved nor funded as yet, would be a hospital with an emergency department, the answer is, there is a long planning process to go through before they will know that. When asked since they do not know if there will be an emergency department, how can they close the medicine beds effective July 27, since these are vital for a functioning emergency department, the answer is they need to support the efforts of the CKHA to save money. One answer contradicts the other. Which is it? The CKHA needs to get rid of the mumble jumble and be straight and honest with the users of SDH. Will the "new facility" for Wallaceburg contain an emergency department or will it not? If the answer is "yes" or "we do not know" then how can you close the medicine beds effective July 27?
Call Ken Tremblay (519- 437-6000), Gary Switzer (519-351- 5677) and Maria Van Bommel (1- 800-265-3916) and ask them for an answer. The people who depend on SDH deserve a clear, decisive and honest answer now. -- Jeff Wesley SOS Chair
Article ID# 1527562
Sir:Down through the years there have been famous illegal or unethical "transfers" of wealth. The Great Train Robbery, for example, or the heist of an armoured car in Montreal a few years back, or the Enron debacle, or more recently the Stafford and Bernard Madoff successes in parting people from their money. There have also been some notable team efforts with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid or Bonnie and Clyde. However, there is a new team in action -- McGuinty and Duncan about to lighten our wallets through tax harmonization.
This massive cash grab is quite simple. We will now pay combined provincial and federal taxes on all services such as haircuts, manicures, stamps, real-estate closing costs, all the way up to new homes, depending on the value of the house, and on hundreds of personal items and foodstuffs.
Our federal and provincial governments are doling out massive sums of money to bolster our economy and need to take more of our money from us to fund it. Any government suggestions that this is "revenue neutral" because of one-time rebates to be mailed out two months before the next provincial election are pure horse feathers. Much like the insincerity of McGuinty's aim that the health tax implemented several years back is not a tax.
There are some amazing coincidences in the timing of this long reach of the combined governments to increase their take from us. For several years, McGuinty has been complaining loudly about the unfairness of equalization payments from Ottawa and that Ontario is being short-changed. Now, all of a sudden McGuinty is silent on this subject. Another interesting tidbit is that in the next federal election, there will be 21 new seats in the House of Commons from Ontario.
On a related subject, King Stevie's Quebec strategy has exploded in his face. He needs those Ontario seats. Last but not least, Stevie is providing a $4.3 billion "incentive" (bribe?) to Ontario to complete the sales tax harmonization.
Let's see: 21 new Ontario federal seats that could offset Conservative losses in Quebec, $4.3 billion coming to Ontario from Ottawa, sudden cessation of complaints from Toronto about Ottawa's unfairness to Ontario, and the federal Conservatives and provincial Liberals actually romancing again. Could there be a connection to all of these phenomena? Probably not even the Shadow knows . . . -- H. David Goldsmith Chatham
DON'T LET THE SRC GO TO WASTE ( on waste of public assets)
Sir:Recently, I was driving through Dealtown. I was on my way to a client's home, when I was amazed by what I saw. From a distance, I was under the impression that there was a large resort or retirement complex that I was unfamiliar with. A closer look, and a little research later, I realized what I was looking at was the Southwest Regional Centre, former health-care facility for the developmentally challenged.
Not growing up in Essex or Kent County, I was oblivious to the fact there existed such a facility here. In fact, my wife, born and raised in Windsor, always joked with her friends growing up that mentally ill people were shipped off to London or St. Thomas for psychiatric help. She was unaware that Southwest Regional Centre was nearby, let alone such a big and beautiful property with loads of potential.
The reason for this letter is to not only make known what it is we are letting go to waste, but to encourage the surrounding area to make something of this potential disgrace. To let a piece of property and architecture not be used to its full potential should be a crime. The value in the lakeside property alone is worth a mint.
In these economic trying times, why let it sit there unused, destined to become an eyesore unless it is maintained and loved. What we need to do is to fully examine all the possibilities in order to maintain the property and invite a new owner to provide stimulus in these desperate times.
Dealtown is barely large enough to be on many maps. Why not, as a boost for Dealtown and the surrounding area, we band together to save the Southwest Regional Centre?
The possibilities are endless -- a retirement community, tourist resort, educational facility, etc.
There is also the chance that if certain organizations were aware of its existence they may look at expanding or moving to the area. What about entertainment studios, training facilities, even a return to use as a health-care facility? -- Dave Richardson Windsor
SEEK HOSPITAL CLARITY ( On the need for real information not government spin)
Sir:To those who depend on Sydenham District Hospital, do not be fooled by tricky messaging. If you listen closely to what the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance said, you would have heard the term, "new facility," not "new hospital," for Wallaceburg.
The CKHA, when asked if this "new facility," which has not been approved nor funded as yet, would be a hospital with an emergency department, the answer is, there is a long planning process to go through before they will know that. When asked since they do not know if there will be an emergency department, how can they close the medicine beds effective July 27, since these are vital for a functioning emergency department, the answer is they need to support the efforts of the CKHA to save money. One answer contradicts the other. Which is it? The CKHA needs to get rid of the mumble jumble and be straight and honest with the users of SDH. Will the "new facility" for Wallaceburg contain an emergency department or will it not? If the answer is "yes" or "we do not know" then how can you close the medicine beds effective July 27?
Call Ken Tremblay (519- 437-6000), Gary Switzer (519-351- 5677) and Maria Van Bommel (1- 800-265-3916) and ask them for an answer. The people who depend on SDH deserve a clear, decisive and honest answer now. -- Jeff Wesley SOS Chair
Article ID# 1527562
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Monday, April 06, 2009
HIV-positive man found guilty of first-degree murder - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA
HIV-positive man found guilty of first-degree murder - Brantford Expositor - Ontario, CA: "HIV-positive man found guilty of first-degree murder"
Thursday, April 02, 2009
SOS wary of new hospital talk - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
SOS wary of new hospital talk - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA: "SOS wary of new hospital talk
HEALTH CARE: Wesley believes it won't have an ER
Posted By BOB BOUGHNER, THE DAILY NEWS
Posted 4 hours ago
Despite talk of a new hospital in Wallaceburg, the Save Our Sydenham Committee is forging ahead.
'It's just more babblegap to confuse the issue,'' Jeff Wesley, SOS spokesman, said yesterday.
Wesley said he's convinced the plan is to build a 'glorified primary and urgent care clinic with no emergency room.''
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance officials said Tuesday they plan to replace the 55-year-old Sydenham campus and the 50-year-old Public General campus in Chatham."
" This illustrators what happens to those that over promise and do not deliver or has cried wolf to often. The skepticism is well earned and the vigilence by the citizen is needed ' QJ
HEALTH CARE: Wesley believes it won't have an ER
Posted By BOB BOUGHNER, THE DAILY NEWS
Posted 4 hours ago
Despite talk of a new hospital in Wallaceburg, the Save Our Sydenham Committee is forging ahead.
'It's just more babblegap to confuse the issue,'' Jeff Wesley, SOS spokesman, said yesterday.
Wesley said he's convinced the plan is to build a 'glorified primary and urgent care clinic with no emergency room.''
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance officials said Tuesday they plan to replace the 55-year-old Sydenham campus and the 50-year-old Public General campus in Chatham."
" This illustrators what happens to those that over promise and do not deliver or has cried wolf to often. The skepticism is well earned and the vigilence by the citizen is needed ' QJ
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Records show more evidence of hospital data manipulation: Opposition - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Records show more evidence of hospital data manipulation: Opposition - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation): "Records show more evidence of hospital data manipulation: Opposition
Posted Wed Apr 1, 2009 9:33am AEDT
The Victorian Opposition says it has evidence to suggest more hospitals have manipulated patient waiting lists.
The Government commissioned an independent audit of the Royal Women's Hospital, which found that some data has been falsified.
The Opposition's health spokeswoman, Helen Shardey, says freedom of information records indicate that other hospitals, including the Austin and the Royal Melbourne, are fudging the figures."
Posted Wed Apr 1, 2009 9:33am AEDT
The Victorian Opposition says it has evidence to suggest more hospitals have manipulated patient waiting lists.
The Government commissioned an independent audit of the Royal Women's Hospital, which found that some data has been falsified.
The Opposition's health spokeswoman, Helen Shardey, says freedom of information records indicate that other hospitals, including the Austin and the Royal Melbourne, are fudging the figures."
Manipulating infomation for self serving gain -is not original. Vigilence, audits and the freedom of inomation act are weapons to ensure that the system is truly transparent with nothing to hide.QJ
SOS targets trustees - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
SOS targets trustees - Chatham Daily News - Ontario, CA
Volunteer hospital board of trustee members were put on the hot seat during last night's Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Tri-Board meeting.
Conrad Noel, vice-chairman of the Save Our Sydenham committee, asked trustees to vacate their seats so they can be replaced with people who are interested in representing the interests of the community.
He was one of three local residents to address hospital trustees about community concerns over the Hay report to the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network, recommending the closure of the Sydenham District Hospital emergency department.
Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons served notice there are 220 applications for membership with the SDH corporation and the number is growing.
He hopes to see that number grow to 1,000 to have voting power to elect representatives to fill what he understands is three of seven positions on the SDH board, which will be up for consideration at its annual meeting on June 22.
SOS chairman, Jeff Wesley, told the tri-board it seems like every five years Wallaceburg has to fight to keep services at SDH.
Another tool in the accountabiiity arsenal - target the public directors and trustees - So far the SoS group is adding pressure to all the right points- to be continued- QJ
"Now we're at the point where a lot of people are fed up," Wesley said.
Volunteer hospital board of trustee members were put on the hot seat during last night's Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Tri-Board meeting.
Conrad Noel, vice-chairman of the Save Our Sydenham committee, asked trustees to vacate their seats so they can be replaced with people who are interested in representing the interests of the community.
He was one of three local residents to address hospital trustees about community concerns over the Hay report to the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network, recommending the closure of the Sydenham District Hospital emergency department.
Wallaceburg Coun. Sheldon Parsons served notice there are 220 applications for membership with the SDH corporation and the number is growing.
He hopes to see that number grow to 1,000 to have voting power to elect representatives to fill what he understands is three of seven positions on the SDH board, which will be up for consideration at its annual meeting on June 22.
SOS chairman, Jeff Wesley, told the tri-board it seems like every five years Wallaceburg has to fight to keep services at SDH.
Another tool in the accountabiiity arsenal - target the public directors and trustees - So far the SoS group is adding pressure to all the right points- to be continued- QJ
"Now we're at the point where a lot of people are fed up," Wesley said.
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