Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre
Advisory Board of Directors
Advisory Board of Directors
Box 509, Cobden, ON, K0J 1K0
Whitewater Bromley CHC
Annual General Meeting
Whitewater Municipal Office
May 18, 2010 7 P.M.
1/Welcome to members and guests-Pat Krose
Pat opened the meeting at 7:00,and welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were 27 people in attendance. Pat mentioned that the agenda had been handed out and asked if there were any additions or omissions.
2/ Remarks from Executive Director, Lanark Health and Community Services, John Jordan
John Congratulated the board on their annual general meeting. He said the indication of a healthy organization of a healthy organization is how they deal with challenges, and certainly the board has done well this past year working with the LHIN and the problems with the Cobden site. He reassured the meeting that they are committed to the WBCHC and to get the site in Cobden up and running as soon as possible. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to find a solution for the Cobden site. He mentioned that the LHCS has received accreditation and it was excellent in many areas, the WBCHC is a valued part of that process.
3/ Greetings from Champlain Local Health Integration Networks, Mike Lemay
Mike Lemay brought greetings from the LHIN board, congratulating WBCHC board and staff for a great job under difficult circumstances.
4/Greetings from past Chair, Rainbow Valley, Dorothy Corbeil
Dorothy brought regrets from the new chair of the Rainbow Valley CHC, while sending along greetings and support form the RVCHC. would like to keep the Astrolabe concept on the front burner. Congratulations on the AGM.
5/ Greetings from Chair of Lanark Health and Community Services, Jean Dunning
Jean Commended the board and staff for the work that has been done under difficult circumstances. The LCHS board stands behind the WBCHC and sends its greetings.
6/Report from Director of Health Services, WBCHC Satellite, Bonny Johnson
Thank you for the opportunity to share information on the operations of WB over the past year. I have returned to the satellite in December 2009 in this new role, just in time to be involved in the many changes of the sites.
Most people are aware that the Cobden site has been closed since February due to building issues. All the staff are currently housed in Beachburg which does present challenges concerning space but I am happy to report that the staff have been able to manage the disruption and have been very creative in managing the space. On one occasion before securing the partnership of Caressant Care to temporarily provide some space, for foot care and lab, we had to use the shower room for foot care. Reception staff worked out of boxes to find charts before we could get extra shelving and yet they were able to find the humour in these situations. I have been particularly impressed at the support the team has provided to each other and the positive suggestions concerning managing the flow.
To provide you with some examples of the types of activities the centre has provided I go back to November and the H1N1 virus. The satellite was involved and while fortunately there was not the serious pandemic that might have occurred, there was a very good response from the satellite. During a pilot period of the week of November 2nd over 200 phone calls were managed by the RN’s and over the flu season over 700 people were immunized for H1N1.
There are currently about 3000 clients who have received primary care, community programs and groups. There have been over 18,000 encounters in the past year.
Our urgent care clinics see from 40 to 75 people per month.
We provide care to communities of our catchment areas as well as Madawaska Valley communities (222) and outlying areas from Deep River to Braeside (~400)
Our staff includes physicans, 3 providing 1.7 FTE, one of our physicians has had to reduce hours on a temporary basis and we have lost the services of Anne Martin who was providing service in Cobden and Killaloe. We have been fortunate to hire a nurse practitioner, Jacqueline Kirkland, in February and now have 3 NP’s providing 2.1 FTE. We are now able to provide one afternoon a week regularly for home visits by the NP. (This was also a creative way to manage the space problem). We have 2 RN’s providing and also have been fortunate to have one of our relief nurses develop a weight management program to help to address our chronic disease issues in the County. We also have been able to develop a partnership with the Champlain Cardiovascular Prevention Initiative and have a facilitator from Bruyere who is helping us further develop our chronic disease programs over the next year.
The team, including social worker and health promoter is working together to deliver high quality care particularly in our chronic condition management which requires a team approach.
Programs include our exercise equipment availability, Mindfulness, Good Neighbours, Rough Waters, Nordic Walking, Senior Fitness (in several communities), Winter Blues, Wellness programming, which will include an upcoming “Aging and Living Well” evening with speakers from the Mobile Geriatric Day Hospital team and the Alzheimer Society. This will be held here, June 1, 6:30- 8pm and will talk about how to prevent falls, reduce the risk of developing dementia, community supports and 20 top tips for aging and living well.
Please join us for what will be a very informative evening.
We continue to strive to provide the best possible services and continue to evaluate how we can provide efficiencies, create partnerships and serve the communities well.
Thank you for the continuing support of the Whitewater Board and also the Lanark HCS Board.
7/ The guest Seaker was to be Sgt. Harold Hogan of the Canadian Armed forces, unfortunately Sgt. Hogan was sent to New Brunswick for a training exercise, instead the AGM was treated to a presentation by tow of his fellow soldiers. Tpr M. Mizzi and
Cpl K. Langevin, along with Kyla, Sgt. Hogan wife, gave an excellent view of the situation in Haiti, where the soldiers were deployed as part of the DART team. When the soldiers were notified that they would be going to Haiti they were given 2 hours notice to pack. When they arrived they saw a world of devastation hard to imagine. They worked security detail in many areas, helping to provide food in an orderly fashion. At one point they were helping feed 10,000 people who were gathered in a soccer stadium. They had to be aware of gang members and gang activity. They also worked with a mobile medical team, 1 doctor, 1 nurse, 4 to 6 medical assistants and 10 security, seeing 100s of people in a day, some who had not seen doctors in years. They were there for 57 days. The presentation was accompanied with an excellent power point presentation.
Rob McKenzie thanked the presenters, and mentioned that the board would be making a donation to the wounded warrior fund on their behalf in appreciation for their wonderful presentation.
8/ WBCHC Business meeting:Minutes from AGM Tuesday May 19, 2009, Orange Hall, Foresters Falls, Ontario
Chair Pat mentioned that minutes for the last AGM have been posted on the website for the past year, giving everyone time to read them. She asked if there were any errors or omissions. Izett McBride moved that the minutes be accepted, seconded by Linda Simpson, carried.
9/Financial report-Randi Keith
The Accounting Firm of MacKillican & Associates has returned the Financial Statements for the year ending March 31, 2010.
The Treasurer's Report provided this evening is an accurate statement of our financial status for the year ending March 31, 2010.
Based on the financial reports, the total income received during the 2009/10 fiscal year is $44,785. We received $25,857 in rent, $24,000 was generated from 70 Main Street and $1,857 from 68 Main Street. The building on 68 Main Street was removed, so no revenue was received from this property. $6,000 was received in Municipal Grants, $3,705 in donations from service clubs and individuals. $211.00 was interest earned and membership sales.
The total expenses for the fiscal year 2009/10 were $26,396. Accounting and legal was $946, advertising and promotion was $117. Amortization was $7,407. Interest and bank charges was $158. Utilities for both sites were $5,144. Repairs and maintenance were $5,342, insurance amounted to $4,405, office and miscellaneous was $326 and municipal taxes was $2,551.
The Net Revenue for the year 2009/10 was $18,389 for the Whitewater/Bromley Community Health Centre.
On the Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2010, total assets amount to $179,942 of which $47,693 represents cash in bank including GIC’s and $130,460 represents land, buildings, parking lot, leasehold improvements and equipment net of amortization. Liabilities are reported at $23,686 while contributed and operating surplus total $156,256.
Anyone wishing a copy of the financial statements may obtain one from the Treasurer tonight after the meeting.
10/ Property report-Diane Coulas
The building on 68 Main Street was removed,landscaping done and parking lot expanded. Special Thanks to Whitewater Region and Admaston Bromley for their role in that project which was completed by September 2009.
General maintenance issues were taken care of.
Consideration was given to improve air flow in the building.
Building was temporarily closed in February due to a gas leak. At May meeting plans for repair and funding are underway.
11/Publicity and Website report-Ron Jaremkow
Ron reported that there have been 9380 hits on the website
12/Political Liaisons Report- Izett McBride
It has been an interesting year with all of us being in the pursuit of the perfect working model to deliver primary care to our area.
As a satellite of Lanark Health and Community Services both our centers, Whitewater Bromley Community Health Center and Rainbow Valley Community Health Center had been working with the board and management at Lanark to create a new independent entity in Renfrew County to be called Astrolabe Community Health Centre.
This concept was well received by the folks at LHIN as reported to last year’s AGM and through many meetings and teleconferences we thought we were well on the way to have approval and an independent budget by now.
Very early this year we had a twist of direction with the announcement by LHIN that they were beginning a pilot project in the western part of the county including Barrys Bay and Kilaloe whereby all the health agencies, hospital and other providers would meld into one working organization. This process is still in the meeting and development stage but this effectively took Rainbow Valley out of our discussions for independence so we're still continuing as a satellite of Lanark Health and Community Services.
We and the Lanark board are firmly of the opinion that operating as a distant satellite is second best to a locally governed entity so the plan is to keep our application (HSIP) to become a Health Services Provider (Astrolabe) current with LHIN and be ready with the appropriate amendments when the Rainbow Valley situation is decided. We also note with interest the current Eganville efforts to get funding for a nurse practitioner program there and our boards may be open to being the funding and oversight agency for that provider as well.
In conclusion, the situation is fluid as the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care struggles to deliver the maximum level of services with realistic and sustainable budget numbers.
13/ Project Co-ordinator Report-Linda Simpson
1. In August of 2009, an application was presented to the Futures Community Development Corporation requesting consideration for funds under the Community Development Corporation, however in August of 2010, a letter was received advising that our application was not recommended due to the very large volume of requests for funds.
2. Contact was made with Alex Wojtow, Project Manager for Renfrew County to discuss a Trillium Foundation Application. We were advised that no funds are available for new construction projects, only repairs or improvements within the existing building or for an addition to increase the existing building footage or to provide access. However, an on-line registration was completed. The CHC has been registered as a Not-For-Profit under the Incorporation number.
3. Contact was made with the Southern Ontario Development Program, however CHC’s are considered social development and therefore, did not meet their criteria for funds.
4. Contact was made with Allison Wesley-James of MHPM Project Managers Inc. requesting advise on how to proceed with the development of a new building. She advised that we start with a preliminary site plan. However, in March, contact was made to advise her that the preliminary site plans would be placed on hold due to the suggestion that Sophie Bart review the existing Functional Plan.
HEALTH & SAFETY COORDINATOR – 2010 AGM
4. In December contact was made with Orkin to set up a monthly program for the Cobden site regarding a pest problem
5. Contact Safco Plumbing and Electrical to help sort out an electrical issue
6. Made recommendation to contact Helferty Cleaning Services to clean the ductwork due to air quality complaints. This was completed in January.
7. Reviewed air quality report conducted by InAir Environmental Ltd. The measurements with respect to VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) far exceed the recommended in certain areas due to the constant use of sanitizers and disinfectants. The recommended solution is to install a proper mechanical ventilation system.
8. The Cobden site was temporarily closed on February 5th due to a gaseous odour, which was determined to be due to improperly sealed sewer drains.
14/Community Awareness and Fund Raiser-Lynne Dunne
15/ Chair report-Pat Krose
It was an exceptional year of activity for the Whitewater Bromley Advisory Board and the Lanark Health and Community Services Board as they strived to meet the numerous challenges of building on the existing health and wellness services in the two communities. Executive Director, John Jordan led the staff and Board members of LHCS and the satellites of Rainbow Valley and Whitewater Bromley through the intense preparation for the Building Healthier Organizations which is an evaluation process for accreditation to assure board, clients, and the community that acceptable standards of care are being met in the health centres. I am proud to say that under John’s guidance and the dedicated work of staff and Board, LCHS received the highest standings ever allotted by the BHO.
It has been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows for the Board members of Whitewater Bromley however each high was accepted with a joyful cheer and a low was usually eased with a groan followed by a laugh to get us through the difficult times. It was a year when a number of Board or family members developed a true appreciation for the need of services of the health centre as it seemed to be a year of various illnesses. A wise philosopher has stated, ‘obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off the goal’ and this board has definitely kept their eyes on the goal of working for the betterment of services for community health.
WB board focused on two main goals this year. The first and ongoing goal was to continue the challenge to lobby for stand-alone status as the governing body for the local community health centres as Lanark has been our generous mentor for many more years than they had originally anticipated. In the fall of 2009 a committee of members from Rainbow Valley and Whitewater Bromley worked diligently with a consultant, Sophie Bart of Association of Ontario Health Centres to complete an application to the Champlain LHIN to become an independent health service provider known as Astrolabe Community Health Centre. It looked very promising as it appeared to have the support of all parties and was on the agenda of the Champlain LHIN board for December. To everyone’s surprise it was removed from the table as the Ministry of Health had a new vision for an integration of health services for the Madawaska Valley and hence Rainbow Valley was being included into this new plan. At this time our proposal is placed on hold until the Madawaska Valley Health Integration plan is completed to give the direction of health care for Rainbow Valley.
The second goal of the board was to find capital funds to build a new building to replace the Cobden facility which has been plagued with issues of poor air quality and maintenance problems due to the age of the structure. In January, the Cobden facility was closed due to poor air quality causing possible health concerns . An engineer and architect have filed reports regarding the issues with estimated costs for correcting a number of existing problems of the building. Presently several options are being considered in regard to the future of the building with restructuring of services for the Cobden and Beachburg sites.
In September the small house at 68 Main Street was removed to create more parking space in preparation for a new building for the Cobden. With help from the Municipalities of Whitewater and Bromley the old foundation was filled and material drawn in to create a bigger parking lot. Project Chair, Linda Simpson continued in her quest for funds with grant application to number of sources but without success.
With the temporary closure of the Cobden site, staff worked quickly to reorganize and move services to Beachburg with very little interruption to client care. The Board commends Bonny Johnson, Director of Health Services and her staff for their initiative and hard work to maintain a good quality of service.
A number of board members are stepping down this year due to personal commitments or completing their term on the board. Randi Keith has been the treasurer for the board for three years and she steps down to become the President of the Cobden Civitan Club. Diane Coulas has been the chair of the property committee who has dedicated many hours to overseeing the maintenance of the Cobden site and she leaves to spend more time with her grandchildren. Lynne Dunne has fulfilled her one year mandate and she has taken a leave of all her civic duties to have more personal time and continue to travel. Izett McBride’s term is finished however he has agreed to remain as an advisor to the board and to represent Whitewater Council. On behalf of the remaining members of the Board I would like to extend a big thank you with much appreciation for your hours of work and commitment to the work of the Board.
So once again we end another year as an advisory board, still patient, still eager to become a stand-alone governing body and still committed to the concept and the belief a community health centre is the most cost efficient and effective means for health care in our rural community.
I thank all the past and present board members, Bonny, John and staff for the joys of working together toward this common cause.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Krose, Chair Person
volunteer our time to continue the pursuit, vision and the belief in the concept of a community health centre.
Linda Simpson moved that the reports be accepted, seconded by Randi Keith, carried
17/ Other Business:
Shirley Hill asked what the next step was for the Cobden site. Pat replied that the board was looking at all options. John Jordan said that they were committed to the site, and had a number of options, at the current time they were not in a position to make a recommendation. They are looking to LHIN for money and possibly a larger amount form the government. Pat say that we are always for options for new buildings, and perhaps we would need a partnership with someone else. Shirley mentioned that the perception is that the Cobden clients are saying much about the closure but the fact is they don't know what is going on. Art Cobb suggested that to clear the air a report should be put in the paper. Pat replied that we didn't know anything definite yet and the board was thinking of having a town type meeting once we had all things in order.
18/ Elections of Officers
Izett McBride conducted the elections
Nominating committee report
The following people have been nominated for the 2010-2011 term.
Pat Krose for a two year term starting May 2010
Donna Keon for a two year term starting May 2010
Noreene Adam for a two year term starting May 2010
Linda Simpson to complete her term ending May 2011
Rob Mckenzie for a one year term starting May 2010
Daryl Mclaughlin for a one year term starting May 2010
Izett McBride will remain on the board as the municipal representative
Jack McLaren moved to accept, seconded by Art Cobb, carried
Thank you to those who are stepping down from the board
19/ AGM 2011 and Auditors
Next years AGM will be held on Tuesday May 17, 2011.
The Board will use MacKillican & Associates as auditors for the next year.
20/ Pat thanked all who attended, Randi Keith moved to adjourn, carried. Refreshments were served after the meeting.
Annual General Meeting
Whitewater Municipal Office
May 18, 2010 7 P.M.
1/Welcome to members and guests-Pat Krose
Pat opened the meeting at 7:00,and welcomed everyone to the meeting. There were 27 people in attendance. Pat mentioned that the agenda had been handed out and asked if there were any additions or omissions.
2/ Remarks from Executive Director, Lanark Health and Community Services, John Jordan
John Congratulated the board on their annual general meeting. He said the indication of a healthy organization of a healthy organization is how they deal with challenges, and certainly the board has done well this past year working with the LHIN and the problems with the Cobden site. He reassured the meeting that they are committed to the WBCHC and to get the site in Cobden up and running as soon as possible. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to find a solution for the Cobden site. He mentioned that the LHCS has received accreditation and it was excellent in many areas, the WBCHC is a valued part of that process.
3/ Greetings from Champlain Local Health Integration Networks, Mike Lemay
Mike Lemay brought greetings from the LHIN board, congratulating WBCHC board and staff for a great job under difficult circumstances.
4/Greetings from past Chair, Rainbow Valley, Dorothy Corbeil
Dorothy brought regrets from the new chair of the Rainbow Valley CHC, while sending along greetings and support form the RVCHC. would like to keep the Astrolabe concept on the front burner. Congratulations on the AGM.
5/ Greetings from Chair of Lanark Health and Community Services, Jean Dunning
Jean Commended the board and staff for the work that has been done under difficult circumstances. The LCHS board stands behind the WBCHC and sends its greetings.
6/Report from Director of Health Services, WBCHC Satellite, Bonny Johnson
Thank you for the opportunity to share information on the operations of WB over the past year. I have returned to the satellite in December 2009 in this new role, just in time to be involved in the many changes of the sites.
Most people are aware that the Cobden site has been closed since February due to building issues. All the staff are currently housed in Beachburg which does present challenges concerning space but I am happy to report that the staff have been able to manage the disruption and have been very creative in managing the space. On one occasion before securing the partnership of Caressant Care to temporarily provide some space, for foot care and lab, we had to use the shower room for foot care. Reception staff worked out of boxes to find charts before we could get extra shelving and yet they were able to find the humour in these situations. I have been particularly impressed at the support the team has provided to each other and the positive suggestions concerning managing the flow.
To provide you with some examples of the types of activities the centre has provided I go back to November and the H1N1 virus. The satellite was involved and while fortunately there was not the serious pandemic that might have occurred, there was a very good response from the satellite. During a pilot period of the week of November 2nd over 200 phone calls were managed by the RN’s and over the flu season over 700 people were immunized for H1N1.
There are currently about 3000 clients who have received primary care, community programs and groups. There have been over 18,000 encounters in the past year.
Our urgent care clinics see from 40 to 75 people per month.
We provide care to communities of our catchment areas as well as Madawaska Valley communities (222) and outlying areas from Deep River to Braeside (~400)
Our staff includes physicans, 3 providing 1.7 FTE, one of our physicians has had to reduce hours on a temporary basis and we have lost the services of Anne Martin who was providing service in Cobden and Killaloe. We have been fortunate to hire a nurse practitioner, Jacqueline Kirkland, in February and now have 3 NP’s providing 2.1 FTE. We are now able to provide one afternoon a week regularly for home visits by the NP. (This was also a creative way to manage the space problem). We have 2 RN’s providing and also have been fortunate to have one of our relief nurses develop a weight management program to help to address our chronic disease issues in the County. We also have been able to develop a partnership with the Champlain Cardiovascular Prevention Initiative and have a facilitator from Bruyere who is helping us further develop our chronic disease programs over the next year.
The team, including social worker and health promoter is working together to deliver high quality care particularly in our chronic condition management which requires a team approach.
Programs include our exercise equipment availability, Mindfulness, Good Neighbours, Rough Waters, Nordic Walking, Senior Fitness (in several communities), Winter Blues, Wellness programming, which will include an upcoming “Aging and Living Well” evening with speakers from the Mobile Geriatric Day Hospital team and the Alzheimer Society. This will be held here, June 1, 6:30- 8pm and will talk about how to prevent falls, reduce the risk of developing dementia, community supports and 20 top tips for aging and living well.
Please join us for what will be a very informative evening.
We continue to strive to provide the best possible services and continue to evaluate how we can provide efficiencies, create partnerships and serve the communities well.
Thank you for the continuing support of the Whitewater Board and also the Lanark HCS Board.
7/ The guest Seaker was to be Sgt. Harold Hogan of the Canadian Armed forces, unfortunately Sgt. Hogan was sent to New Brunswick for a training exercise, instead the AGM was treated to a presentation by tow of his fellow soldiers. Tpr M. Mizzi and
Cpl K. Langevin, along with Kyla, Sgt. Hogan wife, gave an excellent view of the situation in Haiti, where the soldiers were deployed as part of the DART team. When the soldiers were notified that they would be going to Haiti they were given 2 hours notice to pack. When they arrived they saw a world of devastation hard to imagine. They worked security detail in many areas, helping to provide food in an orderly fashion. At one point they were helping feed 10,000 people who were gathered in a soccer stadium. They had to be aware of gang members and gang activity. They also worked with a mobile medical team, 1 doctor, 1 nurse, 4 to 6 medical assistants and 10 security, seeing 100s of people in a day, some who had not seen doctors in years. They were there for 57 days. The presentation was accompanied with an excellent power point presentation.
Rob McKenzie thanked the presenters, and mentioned that the board would be making a donation to the wounded warrior fund on their behalf in appreciation for their wonderful presentation.
8/ WBCHC Business meeting:Minutes from AGM Tuesday May 19, 2009, Orange Hall, Foresters Falls, Ontario
Chair Pat mentioned that minutes for the last AGM have been posted on the website for the past year, giving everyone time to read them. She asked if there were any errors or omissions. Izett McBride moved that the minutes be accepted, seconded by Linda Simpson, carried.
9/Financial report-Randi Keith
The Accounting Firm of MacKillican & Associates has returned the Financial Statements for the year ending March 31, 2010.
The Treasurer's Report provided this evening is an accurate statement of our financial status for the year ending March 31, 2010.
Based on the financial reports, the total income received during the 2009/10 fiscal year is $44,785. We received $25,857 in rent, $24,000 was generated from 70 Main Street and $1,857 from 68 Main Street. The building on 68 Main Street was removed, so no revenue was received from this property. $6,000 was received in Municipal Grants, $3,705 in donations from service clubs and individuals. $211.00 was interest earned and membership sales.
The total expenses for the fiscal year 2009/10 were $26,396. Accounting and legal was $946, advertising and promotion was $117. Amortization was $7,407. Interest and bank charges was $158. Utilities for both sites were $5,144. Repairs and maintenance were $5,342, insurance amounted to $4,405, office and miscellaneous was $326 and municipal taxes was $2,551.
The Net Revenue for the year 2009/10 was $18,389 for the Whitewater/Bromley Community Health Centre.
On the Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2010, total assets amount to $179,942 of which $47,693 represents cash in bank including GIC’s and $130,460 represents land, buildings, parking lot, leasehold improvements and equipment net of amortization. Liabilities are reported at $23,686 while contributed and operating surplus total $156,256.
Anyone wishing a copy of the financial statements may obtain one from the Treasurer tonight after the meeting.
10/ Property report-Diane Coulas
The building on 68 Main Street was removed,landscaping done and parking lot expanded. Special Thanks to Whitewater Region and Admaston Bromley for their role in that project which was completed by September 2009.
General maintenance issues were taken care of.
Consideration was given to improve air flow in the building.
Building was temporarily closed in February due to a gas leak. At May meeting plans for repair and funding are underway.
11/Publicity and Website report-Ron Jaremkow
Ron reported that there have been 9380 hits on the website
12/Political Liaisons Report- Izett McBride
It has been an interesting year with all of us being in the pursuit of the perfect working model to deliver primary care to our area.
As a satellite of Lanark Health and Community Services both our centers, Whitewater Bromley Community Health Center and Rainbow Valley Community Health Center had been working with the board and management at Lanark to create a new independent entity in Renfrew County to be called Astrolabe Community Health Centre.
This concept was well received by the folks at LHIN as reported to last year’s AGM and through many meetings and teleconferences we thought we were well on the way to have approval and an independent budget by now.
Very early this year we had a twist of direction with the announcement by LHIN that they were beginning a pilot project in the western part of the county including Barrys Bay and Kilaloe whereby all the health agencies, hospital and other providers would meld into one working organization. This process is still in the meeting and development stage but this effectively took Rainbow Valley out of our discussions for independence so we're still continuing as a satellite of Lanark Health and Community Services.
We and the Lanark board are firmly of the opinion that operating as a distant satellite is second best to a locally governed entity so the plan is to keep our application (HSIP) to become a Health Services Provider (Astrolabe) current with LHIN and be ready with the appropriate amendments when the Rainbow Valley situation is decided. We also note with interest the current Eganville efforts to get funding for a nurse practitioner program there and our boards may be open to being the funding and oversight agency for that provider as well.
In conclusion, the situation is fluid as the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care struggles to deliver the maximum level of services with realistic and sustainable budget numbers.
13/ Project Co-ordinator Report-Linda Simpson
1. In August of 2009, an application was presented to the Futures Community Development Corporation requesting consideration for funds under the Community Development Corporation, however in August of 2010, a letter was received advising that our application was not recommended due to the very large volume of requests for funds.
2. Contact was made with Alex Wojtow, Project Manager for Renfrew County to discuss a Trillium Foundation Application. We were advised that no funds are available for new construction projects, only repairs or improvements within the existing building or for an addition to increase the existing building footage or to provide access. However, an on-line registration was completed. The CHC has been registered as a Not-For-Profit under the Incorporation number.
3. Contact was made with the Southern Ontario Development Program, however CHC’s are considered social development and therefore, did not meet their criteria for funds.
4. Contact was made with Allison Wesley-James of MHPM Project Managers Inc. requesting advise on how to proceed with the development of a new building. She advised that we start with a preliminary site plan. However, in March, contact was made to advise her that the preliminary site plans would be placed on hold due to the suggestion that Sophie Bart review the existing Functional Plan.
HEALTH & SAFETY COORDINATOR – 2010 AGM
4. In December contact was made with Orkin to set up a monthly program for the Cobden site regarding a pest problem
5. Contact Safco Plumbing and Electrical to help sort out an electrical issue
6. Made recommendation to contact Helferty Cleaning Services to clean the ductwork due to air quality complaints. This was completed in January.
7. Reviewed air quality report conducted by InAir Environmental Ltd. The measurements with respect to VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) far exceed the recommended in certain areas due to the constant use of sanitizers and disinfectants. The recommended solution is to install a proper mechanical ventilation system.
8. The Cobden site was temporarily closed on February 5th due to a gaseous odour, which was determined to be due to improperly sealed sewer drains.
14/Community Awareness and Fund Raiser-Lynne Dunne
15/ Chair report-Pat Krose
It was an exceptional year of activity for the Whitewater Bromley Advisory Board and the Lanark Health and Community Services Board as they strived to meet the numerous challenges of building on the existing health and wellness services in the two communities. Executive Director, John Jordan led the staff and Board members of LHCS and the satellites of Rainbow Valley and Whitewater Bromley through the intense preparation for the Building Healthier Organizations which is an evaluation process for accreditation to assure board, clients, and the community that acceptable standards of care are being met in the health centres. I am proud to say that under John’s guidance and the dedicated work of staff and Board, LCHS received the highest standings ever allotted by the BHO.
It has been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows for the Board members of Whitewater Bromley however each high was accepted with a joyful cheer and a low was usually eased with a groan followed by a laugh to get us through the difficult times. It was a year when a number of Board or family members developed a true appreciation for the need of services of the health centre as it seemed to be a year of various illnesses. A wise philosopher has stated, ‘obstacles are things a person sees when he takes his eyes off the goal’ and this board has definitely kept their eyes on the goal of working for the betterment of services for community health.
WB board focused on two main goals this year. The first and ongoing goal was to continue the challenge to lobby for stand-alone status as the governing body for the local community health centres as Lanark has been our generous mentor for many more years than they had originally anticipated. In the fall of 2009 a committee of members from Rainbow Valley and Whitewater Bromley worked diligently with a consultant, Sophie Bart of Association of Ontario Health Centres to complete an application to the Champlain LHIN to become an independent health service provider known as Astrolabe Community Health Centre. It looked very promising as it appeared to have the support of all parties and was on the agenda of the Champlain LHIN board for December. To everyone’s surprise it was removed from the table as the Ministry of Health had a new vision for an integration of health services for the Madawaska Valley and hence Rainbow Valley was being included into this new plan. At this time our proposal is placed on hold until the Madawaska Valley Health Integration plan is completed to give the direction of health care for Rainbow Valley.
The second goal of the board was to find capital funds to build a new building to replace the Cobden facility which has been plagued with issues of poor air quality and maintenance problems due to the age of the structure. In January, the Cobden facility was closed due to poor air quality causing possible health concerns . An engineer and architect have filed reports regarding the issues with estimated costs for correcting a number of existing problems of the building. Presently several options are being considered in regard to the future of the building with restructuring of services for the Cobden and Beachburg sites.
In September the small house at 68 Main Street was removed to create more parking space in preparation for a new building for the Cobden. With help from the Municipalities of Whitewater and Bromley the old foundation was filled and material drawn in to create a bigger parking lot. Project Chair, Linda Simpson continued in her quest for funds with grant application to number of sources but without success.
With the temporary closure of the Cobden site, staff worked quickly to reorganize and move services to Beachburg with very little interruption to client care. The Board commends Bonny Johnson, Director of Health Services and her staff for their initiative and hard work to maintain a good quality of service.
A number of board members are stepping down this year due to personal commitments or completing their term on the board. Randi Keith has been the treasurer for the board for three years and she steps down to become the President of the Cobden Civitan Club. Diane Coulas has been the chair of the property committee who has dedicated many hours to overseeing the maintenance of the Cobden site and she leaves to spend more time with her grandchildren. Lynne Dunne has fulfilled her one year mandate and she has taken a leave of all her civic duties to have more personal time and continue to travel. Izett McBride’s term is finished however he has agreed to remain as an advisor to the board and to represent Whitewater Council. On behalf of the remaining members of the Board I would like to extend a big thank you with much appreciation for your hours of work and commitment to the work of the Board.
So once again we end another year as an advisory board, still patient, still eager to become a stand-alone governing body and still committed to the concept and the belief a community health centre is the most cost efficient and effective means for health care in our rural community.
I thank all the past and present board members, Bonny, John and staff for the joys of working together toward this common cause.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Krose, Chair Person
volunteer our time to continue the pursuit, vision and the belief in the concept of a community health centre.
Linda Simpson moved that the reports be accepted, seconded by Randi Keith, carried
17/ Other Business:
Shirley Hill asked what the next step was for the Cobden site. Pat replied that the board was looking at all options. John Jordan said that they were committed to the site, and had a number of options, at the current time they were not in a position to make a recommendation. They are looking to LHIN for money and possibly a larger amount form the government. Pat say that we are always for options for new buildings, and perhaps we would need a partnership with someone else. Shirley mentioned that the perception is that the Cobden clients are saying much about the closure but the fact is they don't know what is going on. Art Cobb suggested that to clear the air a report should be put in the paper. Pat replied that we didn't know anything definite yet and the board was thinking of having a town type meeting once we had all things in order.
18/ Elections of Officers
Izett McBride conducted the elections
Nominating committee report
The following people have been nominated for the 2010-2011 term.
Pat Krose for a two year term starting May 2010
Donna Keon for a two year term starting May 2010
Noreene Adam for a two year term starting May 2010
Linda Simpson to complete her term ending May 2011
Rob Mckenzie for a one year term starting May 2010
Daryl Mclaughlin for a one year term starting May 2010
Izett McBride will remain on the board as the municipal representative
Jack McLaren moved to accept, seconded by Art Cobb, carried
Thank you to those who are stepping down from the board
19/ AGM 2011 and Auditors
Next years AGM will be held on Tuesday May 17, 2011.
The Board will use MacKillican & Associates as auditors for the next year.
20/ Pat thanked all who attended, Randi Keith moved to adjourn, carried. Refreshments were served after the meeting.