To the editor:
I am writing this article to help better inform you of some of the changes that seem to be constantly evolving in our local and regional health care system.
First of all, as many of you may know, Mr. Cecil Keast has officially retired and we would like to publicly express our appreciation for the support he has provided the foundation over the past years. From now on, anyone wishing to make a tax deductible charitable donation to the local foundation may do so at the Coronach Health Centre. Please make your cheque payable to the Coronach and Area Health Care Foundation and an official charitable receipt will be issued.
Secondly, I would like to acknowledge and formally thank those who volunteer their time as well as recognize those ongoing supporters such as the Ladies Auxiliary, Sherrit Coal, Sask Power, The Trust Committee, the town, and the work experience students as well as the many individuals that visit our residents on a regular basis.
Thirdly, I want to clarify the community’s perspective on Primary Health Care. To clarify information from a previous letter to the editor, primary health care is not about replacing a physician and cutting costs.
Coronach is a community that has been without a resident physician for almost 4 years now. Primary Health Care is about strengthening and improving and creating better team-based care and programs. It is about patient education, advocacy and self awareness; about helping our community to be stronger and healthier as we continue to recruit and partner with surrounding health regions to provide stable and sustainable services, including clinical services by physicians and nurse practitioners.
Rural people are resourceful.We better ourselves through education, regional resources and utilizing our current staff and community services to their full potential. Our first local primary health care meeting was held April 10, 2012 and community members, local and regional staff, as well as industry managers attended. Key issues for our community and area were identified and the next several meetings to be held in our area will be to create some community based solutions. These programs will provide required services as well as connect client needs to the proper health care provider.
Services Available Are: Lab/X-ray, Physiotherapy/Occupational Therapy, Mental Health, Dietitian, Youth Counsellor, Diabetes Education, Emergency Medical Services, CPR training, Pharmacy, Home Care, Physician coverage for our residents in long term care, Live Well Facilitator, Palliative Care Specialist, Speech Pathology (adult and Child), Hearing Clinics, Public Health, Yoga Classes and Recreational opportunities. All of the above are available in Coronach. WOW.. not bad for a small community.
Sun Country Health Region’s recruiting for a physician and nurse practitioner, in collaboration with our neighboring Five Hills Health Region, continues. Together we can accomplish many goals. In the midst of difficulty lies amazing opportunity.
I wish you all a happy, healthy, safe and memorable summer.
Dawn Gold - Community Health Services Manager
