Magnetawan
AREA HEALTH SERVICES EXPANSION PROJECT

Background:

On August 22, 2007, an Ad Hoc Committee was created by resolution of Council with a mandate to investigate the mandatory conditions for hiring a nurse practitioner for Magnetawan and also to investigate the condition of the existing Medical Centre. The Ad Hoc Committee consisted of Chairperson Frank Tod, Carmen Broughton, Nurse Practitioner Whitestone and Area Nursing Station (WAANS), Peggy Grant, resident of Magnetawan and Kay Tod, resident of Magnetawan.
This in-depth report was completed and presented to Council on April 9, 2008.

Synopsis of findings:

  1. The West Parry Sound Health Centre (WPSHC) operates six Nursing Stations at the following locations: Whitestone, Rosseau, Argyle, Moose Deer Point, Britt and Pointe Au Baril. At these locations, the Municipality owns the building and WPSHC is responsible for the operations. Capital costs are generally obtained through ongoing community fund-raising activities.

  2. The Ad Hoc Committee met with Dr. Peter Istvan, Director of Corporate Services (WPSHC) who offered us wise advice and agreed to assist the Nursing Station concept in principle. He advised us that Mr. Norm McIver, Executive Director, WPSHC, is also supportive of our efforts.

  3. The cost to build the WAANS was in the neighbourhood of $180,000. Equipment was partially obtained from a retiring physician but a great deal was purchased — probably in the area of $80,000. Upgrading of this equipment is ongoing.

  4. Six years after WAANS was built and due to the escalating costs of building materials etc, Magnetawan residents would have to raise at least $400,000 for an 1800 square foot Nursing Station and equipment. There would, however, be some funding from Ministry of Northern Development and Mines and other sources (if we are lucky). Our present Medical Centre is inadequate in size and is in a woeful condition.

  5. In the past, funding for a Nurse Practitioner was flowed through the WPSHC from various sources i.e. the Nursing Secretariat, the Demonstration Project, The Underserviced Area Program etc. Now it will be up to the new Working Committee (same members, new mandate) to apply to the North-East LHIN (Local Health Integration Network). This will require us to meticulously prepare a Pre-Proposal Application.

  6. Three options for a Nursing Station were suggested to Council in the Report:
    1. Extensively renovate the present Medical Centre and expand to about five times the present size. This could conceivably be expensive. If it is structurally sound, it would have to be brought up to mandatory building and Health Ministry codes. Equipment and furnishings extra.
    2. Build a new facility in Magnetawan. This would necessitate land acquisition, building costs, equipment and furniture expenses. --- costly but convenient.
    3. Partner with WAANS in the acquisition of more staff and possibly an addition. The advantage would be improved medical services without the huge initial costs. This option would still require ongoing fund-raising but to a lesser degree.

The Next Steps

  1. There will be a public meeting on June 4, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Magnetawan Community Centre. This is to determine the will of the people --- can we raise $400,000 plus the cost of the property. Are we all behind this project and will our fund-raising efforts be supported?

  2. The Committee will then meet with Mr. John Lee (WPSHC Foundation) for his assistance in preparing the Pre-Proposal Application to LHIN.

  3. The committee has been in contact with MNDM regarding funding. We will stay in touch.

  4. Continue with the fund-raising efforts now in progress. There will be a Johnny Cash Night at the beginning of July and others will be following. There must, however, be a solid indication of support by this community.

  5. In the event that our efforts to secure funding for a Nurse-Practitioner are not successful, all funds raised to that point will be directed to the WAANS.

Conclusion

There must be a long-term and a united response from this community, exhibiting a solid willingness to support this project. It is vital that we all work together in order to develop a sustainable facility to better serve the citizens of Magnetawan.

Questions will be addressed at the public meeting but in the meantime, you are welcome to call me at 382-1074 with your concerns.

Frank Tod, Chairperson

May, 2008

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