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News Releases 2005
SMH Cataract Wait Time Among the Best in Ontario SMH Cataract Wait Time Among the Best in Ontario October 24, 2005 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is among the top five hospitals in Ontario when it comes to short waiting times for cataract surgery, according to a report from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). The information was released today as part of Wait Time Data on five key health care services including; cataract surgery, cardiac procedures, hip and knee replacements as well as MRI and CT Scans. The data shows cataract surgery is available at 77 hospitals across Ontario. It presents statistics in three forms: the average waiting time for cataract surgery; the waiting time for half the cataract surgeries to be completed (the Median Time); and the waiting time for 90 per cent of the surgeries to be completed. The Ministry used the Median Time to indicate the shortest waiting times across the Province. For all Ontario hospitals the Median Wait Time for cataract surgery is 85 days. Stevenson had a Median Wait Time of 38 days. Cataract surgery is a major component of the Ophthalmology Program initiated at SMH in October of 2004, through a funding commitment from the SMH Foundation and a $100,000 donation from the Alliston Lions Club. In May of 2005, SMH received $15,000 in cataract funding from the Provincial government. This month, the MOHLTC announced that it would provide $83,250 to SMH for an additional 111 cataract surgeries between October 2005 and March of 2006. "The Board of SMH is gratified to know that its decision to pursue and provide this service has resulted in some of the shortest waiting times for patients in our community," said Dr. Nigel Gripper, Chair of the SMH Board. "Our new program is also helping to reduce waiting times in other hospitals," said Susan Plewes, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive. "Our research shows patients would have gone to other hospitals and waited for several months, if the program was not available here. So, we have positively impacted waiting times, not only in our immediate community, but also in areas surrounding it, which encompass four other Local Health Integration Networks. Some patients have chosen to come from larger centres because of our accessibility and short waiting times," she said. Physicians and the patients have expressed great satisfaction with the waiting times, which can be as short as two weeks from the time a patient sees one of the Ophthalmologists in the SMH program, until the surgery is completed. It's fantastic that people in this community don't have to wait long for this sight restoring surgery," said Dr. Ray Seto, one of three Ophthalmologists in the SMH program. He said he was very pleased at the data released today. "We initiated the Ophthalmology Program as part of our Strategic Direction to provide health care excellence to our community. Our vision is to be the model community hospital in Ontario and this is obviously a step in the right direction," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. "We will continue to work with our network and LHIN partners to provide the best health care possible." -30- For further information contact: Ophthalmology Program at SMH Receives Ministry Funds October 14, 2005 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - The highly successful Ophthalmology Program at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) has once again received funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Stevenson Memorial received $83,250 as part of a Province-wide $39 million investment to reduce waiting times. The funds will allow the hospital to provide another 111 cataract surgeries over the next six months. Started in October of 2004 with a commitment of funding from the SMH Foundation, the Ophthalmology Program received a boost when the Alliston Lions made a $100,000 donation to the cause. This spring, the hospital submitted its plans to the Ministry and in May, received $15,000 to fund 20 surgeries in its relatively new program. To date, 354 procedures have been performed. "Once again, the Ministry has acknowledged the importance of our program, which is in keeping with their objectives to reduce waiting times and provide care close to home. The program is also consistent with the strategic directions of the hospital and we will use the funds to help to provide the cataract surgeries that our community needs," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. Dr. Nigel Gripper Chair of the Board of Directors said the Board is elated with the program and the funding that will help to ensure its continuation in the local community. "Our new Ophthalmology Program is turning out to be a great success and benefit to our community. This is the first cataract surgery program ever to be offered in Alliston and it has an enviably short waiting time. We are encouraged that Government acknowledges this by way of their enhanced funding," Gripper said. Patients are referred to the program through their family physician or optometrist. The hospital expects to perform over 400 procedures in the Ophthalmology Program on an annual basis. -30- For further information contact:
New Cardiac Program At SMH Brings Care Closer To Home July 29, 2005 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - In keeping with its mandate to provide community based, health care excellence, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce a new Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Program in cooperation with Southlake Regional Health Centre. Cardiovascular disease is the single leading cause of death and disability in Ontario. Knowing the symptoms, reducing the risks and preventing reoccurrence are the aims of this important new service. "The Board of SMH is committed to providing health care services that are needed by our growing and aging population," said Board Chair, Dr. Nigel Gripper. "Working with our network partner, Southlake Regional, Stevenson Memorial has responded by designing a program which will reduce waiting times and provide quality care, close to home." "Studies have shown that cardiac rehabilitation and wellness activities can save lives by reducing illness, said Susan Plewes, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at SMH. "Exercise and education play important roles in symptom management. Our program will provide both these components. Each 12-week session will include information on diet, activity, medication and heart health and clients will attend a supervised exercise program," Plewes said, when announcing the program today. Patients, who once had to travel to Newmarket or Toronto for cardiac rehabilitation, will now have the supportive service close to home. Physicians will refer patients to the program either before surgery as a preventative measure, or after surgery to reduce the risks of reoccurrence. Physicians, a nurse practitioner, physiotherapists, a dietician and pharmacist are part of a multi-disciplinary team within the program that will begin in September. Dr. Gripper noted the contribution of the SMH Auxiliary in helping to make the program a reality. "We are all most grateful for the efforts of our Auxiliary members who raised funds for some of the equipment," he said. "The funds for this equipment came from the Auxiliary's Christmas in October Bazaar and last year's Quilt Sale. The generosity of the community, to purchase much needed equipment, is rewarded in initiatives like the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Program," said Pat Hool, President of the SMH Auxiliary. With cardiac disease on the rise, it is important for people to know how they can be active participants in their wellness. "This new service will empower our clients to be able to make heart healthy decisions," said Nurse Practitioner, Lorraine Johnston, one of the leaders for the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Program. Family physicians and specialists are being encouraged to make early referrals to the program by contacting Lorraine Johnston or Elaine Tindal at the hospital -30- For further information contact: SMH Ophthalmology Program Recognized by Ministry May 31, 2005 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce that the new Ophthalmology Program at Stevenson Memorial Hospital has been awarded $15,000 in funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, for the fiscal 2005/2006 year. "The Board of the hospital is gratified that the Ministry has recognized our contribution towards reducing waiting times for cataract surgeries," said Dr. Nigel Gripper, Chair of the Board. "We hope to receive annual funding from the Ministry, for cataract surgeries." The Ophthalmology Program was initiated last October, with a commitment for funding from the SMH Foundation. The Lion's Club of Alliston provided a generous $100,000 donation towards the program. To date, almost 200 cataract surgeries have been performed by ophthalmologists, Dr. John Lloyd and Dr. Ray Seto. The hospital anticipates that 400 cataract surgeries will be performed annually. News of the funding for 20 surgeries was welcomed by Edward Takacs, President and CEO of the hospital. "After researching the needs of people in this area, we responded and provided a service, confident that it would be beneficial to the community," said Takacs. "Monetary input from the Provincial Government will provide some stable funding. It will also help us to meet the mandate to provide care close to home, while reducing waiting times. The funding will assist SMH as it continues to deliver health care excellence into the future." Patients are referred to physicians in the Ophthalmology Program, through their family physician or optometrist. -30- For further information contact: Fiscal Accountability, Efficiency, Effectiveness and Patient Care Priorities, Highlight the 2005/2006 SMH Budget April 11, 2005 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - On April 11, 2005, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) entered a new fiscal year, with a potential $1,175,000 deficit. However, under Bill 8, passed by the Province last year, all hospitals are required to submit a balanced budget to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). On September 30, 2004, SMH Board Chair, Dr. Nigel Gripper and the Hospital's President and CEO, Edward Takacs signed an Accountability Agreement with the MOHLTC. That agreement required that the Chair and CEO ensure a balanced budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2006 and for subsequent years. For several months, the hospital has been working on the options to meet a balanced budget. Consultation has taken place with the hospital's Board, the executive/finance, strategic planning and fiscal advisory committees, medical and hospital staff, the MOHLTC, the Simcoe County Community Care Access Centre and Southlake Regional Health Centre, which is Stevenson's network partner. Last Thursday, the SMH Board of Directors approved a balanced 2005/2006 Budget for the hospital. It is in keeping with the priorities of the MOHLTC, the vision, mission and values of the hospital and the Strategic Directions passed by the Board in 2004. This afternoon, in an open forum, the Board and senior management shared details of the 2005/2006 Budget with hospital staff. "We have chosen to be architects of our future," Takacs told staff, as he described the challenges of the new fiscal reality and the options selected by the hospital. "Every department was reviewed and decisions were made in the best interest of the hospital and community, within the resources available." As directed by the MOHLTC in their Balanced Budget Plan Process Guidelines of August, 2004, Stevenson Memorial was required to first look at revenue generation. With few options in this area and having delayed the move for several years, the hospital will now implement paid parking for staff, physicians and visitors. Stevenson Memorial is one of the last hospitals in Ontario to move to a paid parking system. Parking fees will commence next month. Other actions necessary for a balanced budget include departmental redesigns that will see the hospital implement a fully automated switchboard system. There will be a reduction in physiotherapy services. A recent change in MOHLTC policy regarding physiotherapy has made it necessary for SMH to discontinue outpatient physiotherapy services. Stevenson Memorial will maintain inpatient physiotherapy services at the hospital. The hospital will be providing its patients with information on alternative services, including CCAC and private clinics. In response to the needs of the community, the hospital has recently enhanced services in obstetrics, dialysis, ophthalmology and mental health. The orthopedics program will also be enhanced this year. In addition the hospital will improve access to primary care through a variety of clinics now under development. Areas of focus are womens' health, well baby, adolescent, cardiac rehabilitation and pre-renal clinics. "Fiscal accountability is required of the hospital. Our challenge was to reduce a $1,175,000 deficit, while improving the efficiency and effectiveness of this hospital," said Gripper. "The Board has approved the difficult decisions which had to be made, in order to maintain the services most needed by patients, that are only available in the hospital. We thank the community for their support and understanding as we move into the future." -30- Attached: Backgrounder.For further information contact: New Obstetrician Helps To Deliver Promise March 14, 2005 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is pleased to announce that Dr. Ashraf Yacoub has joined the obstetrical team at the hospital. Dr. Yacoub is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist with several years of experience. He was the Clinical Assistant Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan and had an Obstetric and Gynecologic practice in Saskatoon. Prior to 1999, Dr. Yacoub practiced in the United Kingdom and Egypt.
"Last year, the Board of Stevenson Memorial Hospital promised an enhanced obstetrical program," said Dr Nigel Gripper, Chair of the SMH Board. "The arrival of Dr. Yacoub and the recent recruitment of Dr. Adel Abdulhafid, delivers on that promise, which will mean greater services for the women in this community, " Gripper said. "The Board welcomes Dr. Yacoub and his family and we wish him well in his new practice and home." Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial, said the recruitment of another obstetrician/gynecologist is good news for the hospital and community. "Birthing is a family affair and now more families will be able to welcome new babies here in New Tecumseth and area," Takacs said. "Staff at the hospital join in welcoming Dr. Yacoub, his wife Gihan and children, Mirna and Andrew, to our community. We hope that they will feel at home as they meet new people and experience all our community has to offer." Dr. Yacoub will be working with Dr. Abdulhafid, the midwives, family physicians and staff, to provide enhanced care to women and their families. Both Obstetrician/Gynecologists are accepting new patients immediately. "I'm happy to have another specialist here," said Dr. Abdulhafid. "With Dr. Yacoub also working in the community, there is no need for women to travel long distances for their gynecological care or to deliver their babies," he said. Referrals to either Obstetrician/Gynecologists are through a family physician or midwife. -30- For further information contact: Ophthalmology Program at SMH Continues with Local Funding December 20, 2004 ALLISTON, ONTARIO - An Ophthalmology program initiated at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) in October is thriving and will continue with funds designated in the hospital's Operating Plan. Capital equipment to begin the program was purchased through a commitment by the SMH Foundation and a very generous donation from the Alliston Lions Club. Although the hospital was not included in a recent funding announcement made by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, the program at SMH is established and will continue with local support. Earlier this year, the SMH Board of Directors determined that an ophthalmology program was important to the health of the community, especially to seniors in the area. It is part of the hospital's Strategic Plan and is consistent with the transformation of services to better serve the public. "When we started this program in October, we did so on the premise that it would be funded through the SMH Foundation. A grant from the Ministry would just have allowed us to expand even further than we have planned," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. Since October, the hospital has performed 56 procedures and significantly reduced waiting times for residents needing surgery. The hospital is also establishing an outpatient ophthalmology clinic for referrals from family physicians and SMH Emergency Department. It is anticipated that Dr. John Lloyd and Dr. Ray Seto will perform over 400 procedures next year. Those include cataract removal, intraocular lens insertion, strabismus repair (for crossed eyes) and other minor procedures. "Our plan is to enhance the ophthalmology program in the next few months. This much needed service will be a vital part of SMH for the foreseeable future, and we thank the Foundation and the Alliston Lions Club for their gracious support," Takacs said. -30- For further information contact: Nottawasaga Foundation Makes Donation for Dialysis Program Recently, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) was the recipient of a donation that will make a tremendous difference to dialysis patients in South Simcoe.
The Nottawasaga Foundation has committed $256,000.00 towards the purchase of four new dialysis machines and a new state-of-the-art water treatment system for the Dialysis Unit. The funds are raised through the Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament and Auction Fundraiser. The donation will flow from the Nottawasaga Foundation to the Hospital over the next two years. A cheque presentation was made during the visit of the Honourable George Smitherman, Minister of Health and Long Term Care, to SMH on December 4, 2004. Ed Takacs, President and CEO of SMH said the money was gratefully received by the Hospital and community. "New machines and a new water treatment system will mean continued service to area residents who need dialysis treatment. We thank the Nottawasaga Foundation for their support over the last 13 years and for this generous donation," said Takacs. The hospital opened the Satellite Dialysis Unit in 1996 with four machines. There are currently six machines that serve 26 clients in two to three shifts per day, including evenings and Saturdays. Service is also provided for travelers who are pre-authorized for treatment. The incidence of Diabetes is expected to rise by 20% over the next few years and the need for dialysis services will also increase. "It is only with the help of the community that we can make the annual event so successful year after year and be able to give back to the health of the community," said Lou Biffis, Founder of the Nottawasaga Foundation and President of the Nottawasaga Inn Resort. The Honourable George Smitherman congratulated the Nottawasaga Foundation on their donation and members of the Hospital Board thanked Mr. Biffis and members of the Nottawasaga Foundation for their on-going support. -30- Obstetric Program Enhanced with Addition of New Physician December 7, 2004
Dr. Abdulhafid is the new Obstetrician/Gynecologist on staff at the hospital. He arrived in September and immediately began his practice. Dr. Abdulhafid comes to us from Alberta where he received his license after five years in a residency program at the University of Calgary's School of Medicine. Prior to that, Dr. Abdulhafid was an obstetrician/gynecologist in Libya. "We welcome Dr. Abdulhafid, his wife Asma and their son, Ahmed, to our community," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. "We hope that they will feel at home as they meet new people and experience all our community has to offer." Dr. Nigel Gripper, Chair of the SMH Board of Directors said the arrival of the new doctor will have a positive effect on services at SMH. "The Hospital Board is pleased to welcome Dr. Abdulhafid. "We are confident that he will contribute to the enhancement of the obstetrical program and we wish him well in his new practice and home," Dr. Gripper said. Dr. Abdulhafid's skills in obstetrics and gynecology will be in addition to those of Dr. Richard Simms, who continues to offer services to women in the community. Dr. Abdulhafid is welcoming new patients and works with the Midwives, Family Physicians and staff, to provide enhanced care to women and their families. "Dr. Abdulhafid arrived at a very busy time and he has already proven that he has a tremendous capacity for caring for his patients. His skills are needed and appreciated," said Dr. Trevor Hunt, Chief of Staff. "My family and I are happy to be a part of this community and we have been meeting some very nice people. The practice at the hospital is very active and we will continue to offer enhanced and advanced services in obstetrics and gynecology," said Dr. Abdulhafid. -30- For further information contact: Minister of Health Visits the Stevenson Memorial Hospital December 7, 2004
Alliston Lions Support Makes a Visible Difference at Stevenson Memorial November 16, 2004
In keeping with the priorities of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Strategic Plan approved by the Hospital Board, SMH is designing clinical services that will meet the needs of a growing and ageing population. The services will reduce waiting times and improve access to much needed health care. This fall, after a commitment from the SMH Foundation to provide funding, the hospital began the new and innovative ophthalmology program. Utilizing the most up-to-date technology available, doctors John Lloyd and Ray Seto will be holding clinics at the hospital and performing procedures such as cataract removal, intraocular lens insertion, strabismus repair and eye lid surgery. With its historic interest in programs that help to retain and restore sight, and its long-standing support of the hospital, the Lions Club of Alliston has enthusiastically put its support behind the project at SMH. "This exciting new service that the Hospital Board and Foundation are undertaking, immediately grabbed our attention as a signature project the Alliston Lions would be proud to support," said Mike Jerry, President of the Alliston Lions Club. "The involvement of the Lions Club with sight programs dates back to support provided by Lions International, to Helen Keller. Our work is ongoing and will continue into the future with programs such as this one at our local hospital." "For almost seven decades, the Alliston Lions Club and their members have demonstrated goodwill and compassion locally and around the world as they fulfilled their motto, "We Serve". By helping to fund this program, they are again serving the community and we welcome their support," said Marilyn Holmstrom, President of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation. The Foundation raises funds to support the Hospital. Ed Takacs, President and CEO of SMH thanked the Lions for their support. "Providing services close to home and reducing waiting lists are very important to the hospital. With the support from the Lions, this new and innovative service will meet the needs of many residents. Stevenson Memorial is grateful for the strong partnership of the Hospital, Foundation and Lions Club in this endeavor. We thank the Lions for once again demonstrating their commitment to serve our community." Takacs said. Residents can now see their family physicians or optometrists who will be able to refer to the ophthalmologists at SMH. The new service means members of the community will no longer have to travel long distances and wait for several months for eye surgery. -30- For further information contact Temporary Obstetrics Closure Ends, 24-Hour Service Reinstated August 30, 2004 In May of this year, the SMH Board of Directors approved an updated Strategic Plan that included enhancement of services in the Obstetric Unit. Financial restraints brought about a temporary closure of the unit from August 2 - 29, 2004. Patients who were due to deliver babies in the month of August were contacted by their obstetrician or midwife, and arrangements were made for continuing care. "The hospital is acutely aware of the importance of the Obstetric Unit to the community. We have been working very hard to preserve and enhance the services in Obstetrics and Gynaecology," said Dr. Nigel Gripper, Chair of the Board of Directors. Currently, the hospital has one full time obstetrician/gynaecologist. He and four Midwives have been handling all the deliveries at SMH. There is a need for additional obstetrical and gynaecological services. "A primary focus for the hospital is the recruitment of an additional obstetrician/gynaecologist to help manage the needs of our growing population. We believe our efforts are paying off and that we will have good news on this front, very soon" said Susan Plewes, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at SMH. "In addition, a newly recruited family physician has indicated he will provide obstetrical care when he begins his practice this fall." The Obstetrics Unit is now open 24-hours per day and hospital staff look forward to receiving expectant mothers and their families and sharing in this life experience. -30- For further information contact: Two More Family Physicians For New Tecumseth July 6, 2004
On July 2, 2004, five weeks after visiting New Tecumseth, Dr. Oswaldo Ramirez, of Nova Scotia, confirmed that he would begin practicing in this area in September. Dr. Ramirez received a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Toronto. He was also a research assistant in the Banting Institute at the university. Dr. Ramirez received his medical degree in Ecuador and completed two years of family medicine residency training in Sydney, Nova Scotia through Dalhousie University. He is particularly interested in obstetrics and orthopedics. Dr. Theodore Fischbacher has also decided to practice in our area. He and his wife, Janie, made a brief visit to New Tecumseth in June. Dr. Fischbacher has extensive medical experience in a number of areas, having practiced in Elliot Lake for 24 years. He will begin his new family practice in Alliston in July. "We're pleased to see the continued success of our recruitment efforts. With the signing of two additional doctors, given their skills and their strong sense of community commitment, our area will benefit greatly by their recruitment," said Mayor Michael MacEachern. "The hospital is excited about the additional recruitment of physicians. Together with the Town of New Tecumseth and Nottawasaga Futures, we have engaged in extensive recruitment efforts that have paid off with nine new physicians for our community since 2001." said Susan Plewes, "The cooperative community effort is essential as we look at the ongoing recruitment of specialists, as well as the vital issue of retention." "The Town welcomes the new doctors and expresses appreciation to all our physicians and health care workers for their continued support of our community," said Mayor MacEachern. - 30 - For further information contact: or Another Family Physician Recruited To New Tecumseth June 14, 2004
Dr. Kogan is the first physician to be recruited through the Assessment Program for International Medical Graduates (APIMG). The program is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, to help address the shortage of physicians in Ontario. Under the program, physicians trained abroad undergo six months of assessment. After completing the program and successfully passing their exams, physicians serve in an underserviced community. Dr. Kogan was a family physician and assistant Professor of Family Medicine in Russia before moving to Canada. In addition, she completed a clinical fellowship in the care of the elderly in Toronto in 2002. She also has a special interest in disease prevention. Last August, Dr. Kogan visited the hospital during its 75th Anniversary celebrations. She subsequently spent a day with doctors Diana Omylanowski and Lester Affoo in their Alliston practice. Dr. Kogan has stated that the warmth and friendliness of the community was a major factor in her decision to come to the area, which is designated underserviced by the MOHLTC. Dr. Kogan is the seventh physician recruited since the Committee was formed in September of 2001. It is expected that she will begin her practice in Alliston in August. - 30 - For further information contact: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
