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News Releases 2006
August 14, 2006 - GP/Anaesthetist Recruited to the Community
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Dr. Stephen Tomini (right) is welcomed to the area by Larry Keogh, Chair of the community’s Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. |
"Dr. Tomini has been a great addition to the Emergency Department and the Operating Room," said Susan Plewes, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive of Stevenson Memorial. "His skills will be of benefit to the entire community."
"We welcome Dr. Tomini and his wife to the community and we know that they will find this to be an excellent community in which to live and work," said Larry Keogh, Chair of the community’s Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee.
Dr. Nigel Gripper, Chair of the SMH Board of Directors noted that there are over 130 underserviced communities in Ontario and the Tominis had the option of going to any one of them.
"We are exceedingly glad that they chose our community and hospital and we wish them many happy years here," said Gripper.
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For further information contact:
Susan Plewes
Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-6281
Stevenson Memorial Reinstates Physician Waiting List
July 26, 2006
ALLISTON, ONTARIO – In response to requests from the public, Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) will be reinstating a physician waiting list for people who do not have a family physician in the community. The list will be activated on August 1, 2006.
In 2004, when three new family physicians opened practices in the community, there was a list of over 1,000 names, some representing whole families in need of a family doctor. Volunteers notified people on the list about the arrival of the physicians and how to get in touch with them
"During community presentations, we have consistently heard from residents who do not have a family physician. They have asked for a central waiting list. In response, we will be maintaining a new list," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of SMH.
Access to the list will be through (705) 435-3377 extension # 3202 at the hospital. In addition, for those who find it easier to communicate via email, electronic access will also be available. The hospital has created doclist@smhosp.on.ca where names, the number of people needing a doctor, as well as contact information should be submitted. Callers should also spell their last name.
In fairness to those waiting, the list will be for patients who do not have a family physician in the community. It will be monitored with the help of volunteers from the SMH Auxiliary. When family physicians are recruited to the community, the list will be presented to them in the order in which it is received.
"In collaboration with the community’s Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, Stevenson Memorial continues to actively recruit for physicians. We trust this service will be of help to those who are waiting for a doctor, as well as to the physicians we hope to bring to the community," concluded Takacs.
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For further information contact:
Edward Takacs
President and CEO
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-6281
Obstetrical Services Continue As Hospital Searches For Another Obstetrician
July 6, 2006
ALLISTON, ONTARIO - Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) is committed to providing the health care services needed by our community. The Hospital’s Strategic Direction highlights the recruitment and retention of health professionals who will provide health care excellence to patients. The number of physicians is limited and there is competition for physicians already practicing and those entering the system in Ontario and Canada.
Last week, Dr. Ashraf Yacoub, one of the obstetrician gynecologists at SMH, indicated he would be leaving his position at SMH. The Hospital respects Dr. Yacoub’s decision to relocate and wishes his family and himself all the best in their new community.
Stevenson Memorial is actively engaged in the search for another obstetrician gynecologist to support Dr. Abdulhafid as well as the midwives and staff at the hospital. The Hospital is also exploring options with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and other hospitals within the Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).
"The combined care offered by obstetricians and midwives has been a tremendous success and served the community well. The Hospital will make every effort to find another specialist who shares that philosophy of care," said Dr. Nigel Gripper, Chair of the SMH Board of Directors.
The Obstetrical Unit will continue to offer service and the team will provide care to patients while the Hospital searches for another physician.
The community’s understanding and support at this time is appreciated.
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For further information contact:
Edward Takacs,
President and CEO
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-6281
New Funding Acknowledges Contribution To Wait Time Reduction
April 28, 2006
ALLISTON, ONTARIO – Over four hundred additional ophthalmology patients at Stevenson Memorial Hospital will benefit from cataract surgery funding announced by the Minister of Health and Long Term Care today.
 Dr. John Lloyd performs cataract surgery at SMH |
Started in October of 2004 with a commitment of funding from the SMH Foundation, the Ophthalmology Program was able to proceed when the Alliston Lions made a $100,000 donation to the cause. Almost 400 procedures were completed in the first year. In 2005, the Ministry provided $98,000 for 131 additional surgeries.
Since the Ministry began tracking and publicizing wait times in October of 2005, SMH has consistently been in the top 10 hospitals for short median wait times. The latest figures posted by the Ministry show SMH as having the third shortest waiting time across the province.
Dr. Nigel Gripper Chair of the Board of Directors said the Board is gratified at the recognition from the Ministry because it means the continuation of an important program.
"The additional funding is recognition that our program is a successful part of the Ministry’s plan to reduce waiting times. It translates into improved service to the public and means 446 more people will have sight-restoring surgery at this community hospital. That is in line with the Strategic Directions of the Board of this hospital and consistent with our vision to provide innovative services that enhance patient, family and community well being," said Dr. Gripper.
"The waiting time for cataract surgeries across the province has been reduced by 21 per cent in nine months and we know our program has helped to make a difference," said Edward Takacs, President and CEO of Stevenson Memorial. "Our records show patients coming not only from our community, but from as far away as the counties of Lennox/ Addington and Northumberland; Muskoka; Toronto; and from neighboring areas such as York; Peel; and Dufferin."
Stevenson Memorial has performed over 609 cataract surgeries since inception of the program. Patients are currently referred to the program through their family physician or optometrist. The hospital will be implementing a toll free number to provide information regarding access to surgery for patients and their families, upon request.
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For further information contact:
Edward Takacs
President and CEO
Stevenson Memorial Hospital
(705) 435-6281