Miramichi Blog

Mobility being celebrated during the month of May

Health care professionals of the Miramichi Regional Health Authority are promoting the importance of mobility during the month of May. Throughout the month various activities will be held that include an informational display in the lobby of the Miramichi Regional Hospital from May 28- June 1, and a quiz for patients within the hospital to test their knowledge about the importance of mobility.

“It is very important for all patients admitted to hospital to stay as active as they can so that they can maintain the strength they need to do their every day activities.” says Doreen Legere, manager of rehabilitation services. She says patients that are not mobile while in hospital quickly lose muscle mass increasing the time it will take for them to be able to get well.

A quiz will be given to patients during the last two weeks of May to help inform them about the importance of staying active. “Patients who participate will have an opportunity to be eligible to win a prize.” Legere says this initiative is a fun way for patients to learn why it is so important to keep active.”

An information display will also be held in the lobby of the Miramichi Regional Hospital the week of May 28-June 1. Information will include general information on the risks of immobilization, things to do in the Miramichi community to stay active for all age groups, and why it is important to be physically active regardless of your condition and limitations. A video produced by the Leadership Class of Miramichi Valley High School will also be played showcasing various recreation options in the community.

Labels: hospital

Giant yard sale benefits Juvenile Diabetes research

A family dealing with Juvenile Diabetes is hosting a giant yard sale this weekend. Proceeds from the sale will benefit research for a cure.

The event was conceived and organized by Jennifer Keenan. The Barnettville resident and her husband Jason have two children living with the disease. Almost a year ago, and within three weeks of each other, their daughters Jules and Abby were diagnosed.

“It was absolutely devastating,” Keenan said. “It changes your whole life. You have to learn to test their sugar, to watch their carbs, to give them their insulin. You feel like your whole life is about this disease.”

Diabetes results when an individual’s blood glucose, or blood sugar, is too high. With Juvenile Diabetes the pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone that helps glucose get into the cells and provide them with energy. Without insulin, too much glucose stays in the blood. Eventually, high blood glucose can lead to serious problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, gums and teeth.

Living with the illness has now prompted Keenan into action, communicating with other families in the same situation, while raising awareness of the disease and funds for research. This year, Keenan and others in her family will be participating in the “Walk for the Cure” on June 3 in Moncton and, of course, hosting the yard sale this weekend.

“Support for the sale has been wonderful. People have been so generous and we are very grateful for everyone’s help,” she said.

Jules and Abby will also be helping out and raising funds. The girls, along with Jules’ twin brother Samuel, will be selling Crystal Light at the event.

The yard sale is this coming Saturday, May 19, at the Anglican Church Hall at 293 Main Street in Blackville from 9 am to 3 pm. For information on how to donate to the Walk for a Cure, call the Keenans at 506-843-6081 or email jasonjen@nbnet.nb.ca.

Labels: event, fundraiser

Labels: event, fundraiser

Grand Opening Ceremony of the Miramichi Independent Living Resource Centre

The Board, Staff and volunteers of Miramichi Independent Living Resource Centre/Centre de Ressource Vie Autonome, would like to invite you to the Official Grand Opening of our new Centre (1756 Water St., Suite B, Miramichi, NB, E1N1B5) which will be held Friday, May 18, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The first hour and a half of the ceremony will be held at the Rodd Inn Convention Centre on Water Street, Miramichi to be followed by the cutting of the ribbon at our new Centre, which is located on the opposite side of Water Street.

We are very pleased to offer you this opportunity to meet the representatives of local, provincial and national organizations who have agreed to partner with us in bringing several new and exciting projects that will benefit all persons with disabilities and their families within the Miramichi Region.

We will be announcing the official launching of a very special partnership with Voice Print Canada, which provides a provincial and national service for the 4.5 million Canadians who can’t independently access newspapers, magazines or even a government document due to, for example, low literacy skills, blindness, vision restriction, physical or learning disability or just getting older.

Invitees to the ceremony will include Mayors John McKay, Lorne Mitton and Michael O’Brien. Also attending will be VoicePrint Board member and former Mayor of Bathurst, Bob Lockhart; Gary Comeau, Assistant Executive Director of the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Person’s; Traci Walters, National Director of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Resource Centres; Arline Hachey, Manager of Client Services, CNIB as well as the media and many other special guest.

We look forward to your presence at the Grand Opening and would be very pleased to welcome any other guests you may wish to bring with you. Our new Centre will be open for viewing all day Friday and staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you might have concerning the Centre.

Labels: event

Putting the FUN in FUNdraiser for the French Fort Cove Eco-Centre. Saturday, May 26th

Join the FUN at O’Donahue’s Pub, 1696 Water Street, Historic Business District Chatham.

Irish music by Chopper Robinson (just returned from a visit to Ireland). Donations accepted at the door. 50/50 draws, spot prizes, lots of FUN!

For more information contact Jan Greer, Coordinator, Eco-Centre.
Physical Address: 21 Cove Road, E1V0A6
Phone: 506.773.9524
Fax: 506.773.9434
coordinatorffcec@nb.aibn.com
www.frenchfortcove.com

Service now available to help with kidney stones

Lithotripsy treatment is now available in the Miramichi. Shock wave lithotripsy treatment is used to break up kidney stones so the stones can be passed more comfortably by the patient. The service is available every six weeks through the outpatient clinic department at the Miramichi Regional Hospital.

“The treatment involves having an x-ray and/or an ultrasound that finds the exact location of the stone,” says Dr. David Cronje, Miramichi urologist. “The lithotripsy treatment then sends shock waves to the location of the stones and breaks them up into small pieces making them much easier and less painful for the patient to pass.”


Dr. Cronje says this procedure is not only more comfortable for patients but they no longer have to travel outside the region to receive this treatment. “In the past, I have referred my patients to other regions in the province to receive this service. Now they can receive it in their own community.”

The procedure can take up to thirty minutes to complete. The lithotripsy technologist, a registered nurse with the outpatient clinics department, and urologist are all present during the procedure.

The mobile lithotripsy treatment is operated by United Medical Systems and travels to each regional hospital in the province of New Brunswick and hospitals in Prince Edward Island. Funding for this service is being provided by the Department of Health.

The service began at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on Friday, April 13. Nine patients have received the service in the Miramichi since its implementation.

Labels: hospital

Proving How Great Canadian Kids Are

Today, to conclude International Youth Week, educators, child-focused organizations, issue experts, healthcare workers and parents will meet to try and change the way Canadians view youth to a more positive light at the third Helping Canadian Kids Thrive! Conference. The conference will highlight success stories to illustrate how great Canadian youth are and how easy it is to provide them with opportunities with meaningful participation in society so they can excel.

International Youth Week is a celebration of the positive contributions that youth make in their communities. “What a perfect time for all of us to recognize that the majority of children are good and doing good things.” says Joanne McQuiggan, Executive Director of Thrive! The Canadian Centre for Positive Youth Development. “This is a gathering of people who have success stories to prove that focusing on children’s strengths is far more productive than always trying to fix what’s wrong.”

The conference comes in response to the ongoing focus on the shortcomings of our youth, such as bullying, substance abuse and other destructive behaviours. As the vast majority of children do not exhibit such behaviours, many people see the event as being long overdue. Craig Keilburger, Founder and Chair of Free the Children that has involved over one million children and youth in advocacy projects around the world says, “Children are making the wise decisions, leading by example and making a difference in their peer groups, communities and around the world every day. It’s time for people to stand up and recognize the things that our youth are doing right.”

Celebrating youth is only part of the conference objectives however, as children cannot continue to succeed without effective support systems that bring out the best in them. Conference participants will also be provided with easy-to-use, research-proven tools that any adult can use to fully engage youth in positive behaviours and community involvement.

The Miramichi organizing committee is extremely proud to be hosting the Thrive! Conference. “We consider this conference to be a celebration,” says Mary Lynn Jardine, Youth Recreation Coordinator, City of Miramichi. “It is a celebration of our efforts to promote MY MIRAMICHI. MY MIRAMICHI is a great place to live work and play. Our service providers, our schools, business, our parents and the youth themselves have embraced the concept of positive youth development. The Miramichi region has been working to reshape its future by promoting strength focused initiatives. “My new motto is that we work with youth not for youth. And I am most proud of the high number of youth delegates and volunteers participating in this year’s conference.” The local committee has left no detail to chance; the Conference Delegates will experience true Miramichi Hospitality.

As well, conference participants will learn about Lions Quest programs – award-winning personal and social skills programs for young people that have helped more than six million students ages five to 18 reach their full potential. One of the unique aspects of Lions Quest programs is instruction in the concept of service-learning. This valuable teaching method enhances what is taught in the classroom by providing students with opportunities to use newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-life situations in their communities, which help to develop personal and social responsibility.

The delegates at the Helping Canadian Kids Thrive! Conference believe its time for all Canadians to gain access to these tools, and to commit to using them, while celebrating and nurturing our youth leaders. “In light of all the great things about our kids, I find it difficult to see how any Canadian could not see their glass as being full.” says Joanne McQuiggan. “But there is still ongoing work to be done. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, community member, or neighbour – it’s up to all of us to make sure that kids have what they need to be their best.”

For more than twenty years, Thrive! has provided products, workshops, services and curriculum resources to support adults in helping young people deal with the complex issues they face every day. The mission of Thrive! is to provide leadership, knowledge and resources to develop healthy capable young people of strong character, by working with individuals, agencies and organizations both in Canada and abroad to give Canadians access to the best possible positive youth development resources and training experiences.

Labels: event, youth

New state of the art equipment now available in the MRHA’s operating room facilities

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority recently installed two new state of the art pieces of equipment in its operating room facilities. A mobile x-ray unit called a C-Arm and an urological imaging system are now operational. The diagnostic imaging equipment valued at $700,000 was provided to the health authority by the provincial government as part of the 2006-2007 capital equipment budget.

“The c-arm is a mobile x-ray unit,” says Russell Whitney, Board chairperson of the Miramichi Regional Health Authority. “The surgeon can actually view the image at the same time he is performing the procedure. For example an orthopedic surgeon can view the insertion of a rod into the leg as the procedure is taking place.” He says the regions two orthopedic surgeons primarily use this equipment during their surgical procedures however it can also be used with other procedures such as pacemaker placement. The total cost of this equipment is $250,000.

The urological imaging system is used by the urologist in performing surgical procedures in the operating room. “This system has many advantages that include obtaining a complete view from the kidneys to the bladder without moving the patient or repositioning the equipment,” says Gary Foley, president and CEO. He says the system not only meets the needs of the patient but also the urologist in providing patient care. The total cost of this equipment is $450,000.

“Investing in new, state-of-the-art medical equipment is an important component of providing quality health care to New Brunswickers,’’ said Health Minister Michael Murphy. “The investment we have made at the Miramichi Regional Hospital is further evidence of our commitment to its ongoing role as a regional hospital serving the people of the Miramichi.’’

“We are pleased with the investment of funds to provide our patients with the most up to date state-of-the art diagnostic imaging equipment in our operating room facilities,” says Whitney. “He says the equipment provides the surgeons with more clear diagnostic images that better able them to enhance patient care services.”

Labels: hospital

RED SHIELD CAMPAIGN

The Salvation Army's 88th National Red Shield Campaign runs during the month of May.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Open Your Eyes”.

Every year the Miramichi Community “sees the need” and responds generously to support The Salvation Army to “meet the needs” of our local people. We are able to provide food, clothing, temporary shelter or transportation and referral to agencies and treatment centres with the funds that are raised right here. We are planning to open an emergency shelter in the Miramichi in the near future. Red Shield Funds would assist in making the shelter a reality.

The 2007 Miramichi Red Shield fundraising target is $18,500.00. We are inviting individuals, families, churches, service groups and staff members from businesses, restaurants and schools to partner with us to reach our goal. Our challenge to Miramichiers is to donate “A Dollar A Day For The Month of May”.

REGISTER to participate in the challenge by CALLING 622-7826 and receive a free Loonie Roller which holds 25 Loonies. You may also mail or deliver your donation directly to The Salvation Army Community Resource Center Office at 231 Pleasant St., Miramichi, NB E1V 1Y6. (an official tax receipt will be issued)

All Loonie Rollers and donations must be received by June 5th, 2007.
OPEN YOUR EYES MIRAMICHI! SEE the need! SEE the solution! SEE what YOU CAN DO!

Debbie Churchill
Social Services Coordinator

Labels: fundraiser

Thrive Conference

Best selling author, Dr. Scott Wooding to speak at James M. Hill Theatre
As part of the National Thrive Conference on Positive Youth Development, on Wednesday, May 9th, Dr. Scott Wooding is scheduled to speak on today's teenagers and and stress. Dr. Scott is a best-selling author, and is considered one of the leading authorities on parenting today's teenangers. The Eel Ground School's drama club is set to perform After the Thunder: The Simon Bishop Story prior to Dr. Wooding's talk. This special evening session from 7-9 p.m. is open to the community. Donation at the door.


Helping Canadian Kids Thrive! 2007 - 3rd National Conference on Positive Youth Development (May 10th & 11th, 2007)
Sponsor: Thrive! The Canadian Centre for Positive Youth Development
Date: Thu, May 10
Time:
Location: Rodd Miramichi River -- A Rodd Signature Resort, 1809 Water St., Miramichi East
Phone: 1(800)265-2680, Mary Lynn Jardine: 506-623-2054
Email: kay@thrivecanada.ca, mljardine@nb.aibn.com
Website: www.thrivecanada.ca/
Comments: Energizing learning sessions and training opportunities.

Labels: event, wellness, youth

MVHS Dessert Theatre
Wednesday, May 9th at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $7 each and are being sold at the door.

Come and see the Drama Festival plays "The Patchwork Quilt" and "The Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey King" along with the enjoyment of a sweet treat in between.

These plays feature Sara Ellick, Mike McGinn, Amanda Matchett, Michael McEachern, Rebecca Aube, Brittnay Sutherland, Alex Donovan, Becky Stuart and Alyson Aube.

They were taken to the Drama Festival in Fredericton this past weekend and won 11 awards such as "Outstanding Actress" for Sara Ellick, "Outstanding Choice of Script", "Outstanding Use of Set" and many others.

Support Local Athlete in Toronto Travels

O’Donaghue’s Pub on Water Street in Chatham will host a fundraising event for Navenda Reynolds this weekend on Saturday May 5th from 8pm to 2am. Navenda is travelling to Toronto next month to compete as a fitness model in the World National Sports Association Fame World Tour 2007. Proceeds from the evening at O'Donaghue's will help pay for Navenda's trip and other expenses associated with competing at this level.

Pam McKendrick will provide live music and draws for fabulous door prizes will happen throughout the evening. There is a $5 Cover Charge.

Come out and enjoy a wonderful evening of great entertainment and support a local athlete!

Labels: event, fundraiser

Labels: event, fundraiser

International Media in Miramichi



Several mementos of the Miramichi were presented to local dignitaries and the international journalists.

Labels: event, tourism

New Mango Champion an inspiration to others

Mango’s new Champion of the Community is seen as inspiration to her peers.

Veronica Connolly is a TOPS (take off pounds sensibly) leader and she was recently awarded the honour of First Place Winner in this area. The Nelson resident was nominated by her peers because of her continued commitment to her own health.

“We heard Veronica’s story and wanted to recognize her. She has had some tragic events in her life, but has used them to help her succeed in her weight loss. We are happy to share her story,” says Jacqueline Noseworthy, Mango coordinator and dietician.

Mango’s initiative, Mango Champion of the Community sees Mango recognizing and profiling members of the region who are living as Mango encourages the community to live: eating well and being active.

Veronica’s story

Veronica is a TOPS leader in Newcastle. For many years, she taught clogging to the public and was always physically active. She ate well and followed the Canada’s Food Guide. After two deaths in her family, she found that she was eating more and gaining weight. She stopped teaching clogging and began quilting and her physical activity level decreased dramatically.

“After my son died, I weighed 233 pounds in 1996.” Then, after hearing from her family doctor that she had a problem with her heart, she thought to herself, “I count too.”

She made a decision to improve her health. She joined a local gym and returned to the TOPS plan which follows the Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating. She incorporated foods from all food groups and increased her consumption of fruits and vegetables.

“I have more energy now and I’m feeling better. I’ve lost 65 pounds since February 2006.”

She has given motivation to her family and has inspired her TOPS group members thus being awarded TOPS club’s first place winner for her weight loss. When accepting her award on April 21, she delivered this poem:

Self Love Moves Pounds

One day I got a thinking
About the shape I’m in
And realized I needed help
If I were to be thin

It was then I remembered
My TOPs pals of ore
And my mind was made up
To eat junk food no more

Mango’s Champion of the Community is brought to you by McDonald’s restaurants: working with Mango to recognize healthy champions in our community.

Mango is a population-health based community program that promotes healthy eating and active living throughout the region. Its’ goal is to decrease overweight and obesity by 10% by the year 2008 through initiatives such as this one.

Labels: Mango, Success Story, wellness

Third session of Stepping Out starting soon

The Mango program begins its third session of its popular pedometer program the week of May 7.

Stepping Out with Mango is a 12-week program which will be offered to all members of the public and is accessible in the communities of Newcastle, Chatham, Douglastown, Rogersville, Néguac, and Baie Ste. Anne. This program is designed to help people increase their physical activity.

Stepping Out with Mango first started in September 2006 with a flurry of people filling community halls and workplace lunch rooms to join the program to help increase their physical activity. In January 2007, another session seen hundreds of people clip on the tiny instruments and getting physically active despite cold winter temperatures.

Now, the week of May 7, a new group of Stepping Out followers will hit the streets and the fitness facilities in an effort to increase their own physical activity.

“Since September, we’ve had over 800 people join our Stepping Out with Mango initiative and we couldn’t be happier,” says Mango Coordinator Jacqueline Noseworthy. “We are extremely impressed with the number of people that are making the commitment to join a program designed to increase their physical activity and help keep them motivated. The response has been overwhelming.”

As a participant in the program, each person receives a pedometer- a tiny instrument that counts every step the person takes. At the end of the day, participants record the number of steps they take. Each week they set new goals for themselves and gradually try to increase their daily steps over the 12-week period.

In addition to wearing the pedometer, participants also attend five 30-minute group support meetings facilitated by a trained program leader. In these meetings, the group is encouraged to determine weekly goals and progress is shared. Participants receive tips on how to be more active and ways to increase their steps. There is also nutrition sessions offered in the communities.

“Stepping Out with Mango is a program that can be easily used by an individual, family or workplace.”

To register for the session nearest you, to offer this program in your workplace, or for more information, please contact the Mango office at 627-7564.

Mango is a population-health based community program that promotes healthy eating and active living throughout the region. Its’ goal is to decrease overweight and obesity by 10% by the year 2008 through initiatives such as this one.

Labels: health, Mango, program, wellness

Two additional medical specialists join the Miramichi Regional Health Authority

Gary Foley, president and CEO of the Miramichi Regional Health Authority (MRHA) is pleased to announce that two additional physicians have been recruited to the region. “I am delighted to announce the recruitment of an internist and a general surgeon,” says Foley.

Dr. Walter Binedell, internist and Dr. Prabaharan Balasingham, general surgeon have begun work with the health authority this week. “Dr. Balasingham completes our compliment of three general surgeons for the region,” says Foley. He says that over the last year, the health authority has been successful in recruiting a total of 13 physicians. “Our success is based on a team approach from health authority staff, physicians and the community.” He says an urologist, and an ophthalmologist are expected to join the region’s medical team in the next few months and are actively recruiting for a family physician, internists and radiologists.


Dr. Binedell joins the health authority from Pretoria, South Africa where he has worked as a hospital internist for the past four years. He completed his medical education at the University of Pretoria in 2003. “My family and I were tired of city life and were looking for an international work experience,” said Dr. Binedell. He says that he is very impressed with the standards of the Miramichi Regional Hospital and the high caliber and friendliness of the staff.

Dr. Balasingham completed his surgical training in Sri Lanka and in the United Kingdom. In 2000, he completed his fellowship in surgery at The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and The Royal of College of Surgeons of Ireland. He worked as a surgeon in Sri Lanka and most recently as a specialist registrar in general surgery at the University College Hospital London, England. He joins the surgical team of Dr. Rex Edwards and Dr. Alexandre Lubin in providing general surgery services to the region. “My family and I are happy to be here on the Miramichi,” says Dr. Balasingham. He says he is looking forward to the opportunity to practice all aspects of general surgery at the Miramichi Regional Hospital.

Both Dr. Binedell and Dr. Balasingham are accepting referrals from physicians in the region.

Labels: health, hospital

“Fly Tying Contest”

The Southwest Miramichi Council for Arts and Culture at Blackville, New Brunswick is proud to sponsor a fly tying contest for the development of a hair wing salmon fly in recognition of the Spirit of the “Dungarvon Whooper”.

The Fly Tying Contest is open to all fly tyers who inhabit the area along the Southwest Miramichi River and its tributaries between the Anderson Bridge at Miramichi City and Juniper, New Brunswick. All fly tyers within these boundaries are asked to submit their creation, to be named the “Dungarvon Whooper”, to the following address no later than June 15, 2007.

Curtis Miramichi River Outfitters
163 Main Street, Blackville, N.B. E9B1S3
curtisoutlet@nb.aibn.com

RULES

• There will be one winner only.


• All entries, including the winning fly and all rights to it, will be the property of the Southwest Miramichi Council for Arts & Culture at Blackville, New Brunswick. The judge’s decision will be final.


• Only one entry can be submitted by each contestant.


• All submissions will be submitted in a secure package and clearly marked “DUNGARVON WHOOPER FLY TYING CONTEST”


• Entries arriving later than the closing date will not be accepted.


• The entry will include the contestant’s full name, age, address, and telephone number along with a written pattern for their entry. Contestants will explain how she/he came up with the design for the pattern.


• Components for the fly cannot be from any animal or bird that is on the endangered species list (C.I.T.E.S.) Convention For International Trade of Endangered Species).


• The fly must be a hair wing version.


• The fly must be tied on a #2 regular salmon iron (Mustad 36890)


• The winner of the contest will receive a cash prize of $100.00.


• If contestants require further information they can call (506) 843-7757.
  
  To assist in the development of this very special fly pattern contestants are encouraged to read the following poem “The Dungarvon Whooper” as a theme and to help inspire them with their creation. The poem can be accessed by going to www.nbflytyers.com
  
  The poem, “The Dungarvon Whooper” was written January 1912 by Michael Whalen (1858-1937) famous Poet of Renous River, New Brunswick. The poem was printed in the Newcastle newspaper, The Union Advocate, on April 3, 1912.
  
  The Dungarvon Whooper
  
  Far within the forest scene, where the trees forever green,
  Form a contrast with the beech and birches gray.
  Where the snow lies white and deep and the song birds seem to sleep,
  And cease their sweetest singing all the day;
  Where the mighty, monster moose, of limbs large and long and loose,
  Thro’ the forest sweeps with stride both swift and strong,
  Where the caribou and deer bound the brooks so crystal clear,
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon rolls along.
  
  Where the black bear has his den, far beyond the haunts of men,
  And the marten, mink and sable swim the stream,
  Where the squirrel light and free, swiftly springs from tree to tree,
  And the little snow-white rabbit sleeps and dreams;
  Where the sounds of toil resound far across the frozen ground,
  With the thousand things that to the woods belong,
  Where the saws and axes ring and the woodmen wildly sing,
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon sweeps along,
  
  In a lumber camp one day, while the crew were far away,
  And the boss and cook were in the camp alone,
  A sad tragedy took place and death won another race,
  When the young cook swiftly passed to the unknown;
  From that day of long ago comes this weird tale of woe,
  The sad and solemn subject of my song,
  When this young man drooped and died in his youth and manhood’s pride,
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon rolls along.
  
  When the crew came home at night, what a sad scene met their sight,
  There lay the cook all silent, cold and dead,
  Death was in his waiving hair, in his young face pale and fair,
  While his knap sack formed a pillow for his head;
  From the belt around his waist all his money was misplaced,
  Which made the men suspect some serious wrong,
  Was it murder cold and dread that befell the fair young dead
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon sweeps along?
  
  When they asked the skipper why he had made no wild outcry,
  He turned away and hung his haughty head;
  “Well, the youngster took so sick and he died so dreadful quick.”
  “I hadn’t time to think” was all he said;
  Each heart heaved a heavy sigh and a tear was in each eye,
  While strangest feelings thro’ each bosom throng;
  Then each reverent head was bared as the funeral they prepared,
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon rolls along.
  
  Fast fell the driven snow, while the wildest winds did blow,
  Till five feet deep it lay upon the ground,
  So that on the burial day, to the settlement away
  To bear the corse impossible was found;
  So a forest grave was made and therein the cook was laid,
  While the woodmen and the song-birds ceased their song,
  The farewell words were said o’er the young and lonely dead
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon sweeps along.
  
  When the crew to camp returned, their dear comrade still they mourned
  While the shades of night were falling o’er the hill,
  All that long and fearful night all the camp were in affright,
  Such fearful screams and whoops the forest fill;
  Pale and haggard was each face. “We will leave this horrid place,”
  “For this camp unto the devil does belong,
  “At the dawning of the day we will hasten far away
  From where the deep Dungarvon sweeps along”.
  
  Since that day, so goes the word; fearful yells have long been heard,
  Around the scene where lies the woodman’s grave,
  Sounds the stoutest hearts to thrill, yells that warmest blood to chill,
  And strike terrors to the bravest of the brave;
  Till beside the grave did stand God’s good man with lifted hand,
  And prayed that He this scene would not prolong,
  That these fearful sounds should cease, that this soul might rest in peace
  Where the dark and deep Dungarvon sweeps along.
  
  Since that day the sounds have ceased and the region is released
  From those most unearthly whoops and screams and yells,
  All around the Whooper’s Spring there is heard no evil thing,
  And around the Whooper’s Grave deep silence dwells;
  Be the story false or true, I have told it unto you
  As I heard it from the folklore all life long,
  And I hope all strife shall cease and our people dwell in peace,
  Where Renous and deep Dungarvon sweeps along.

Labels: arts, contest, fishing, sports

Summary of April 23, 2007 Board Meeting

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority (MRHA) Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on April 23, 2007 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. The following are highlights of the meeting:

1. Procedure developed to address overcrowding in the ER

In her report to the Board, Annette LeBouthillier, vice president of patient services reported that a protocol had been developed to outline the procedure to be used if more than four patients are waiting in the emergency department for admission to hospital. She said the procedure would be implemented immediately, assessed on a daily basis and completely reviewed in two weeks.

Gary Foley, president and CEO reported that he had attended a Strategic Think Tank Session in Fredericton to address the current situation of patients in hospital waiting for a nursing home bed. He said the session was very productive and involved senior members of government and representatives from the regional health authorities, nursing homes and senior citizen homes. A report will be generated from the recommendations and submitted to government for consideration. He stated that an average of 22 patients per month are in the Miramichi Regional Hospital waiting for a nursing home bed or alternate level of care facility. This equates to one nursing unit in the MRHA facility.

2. Smoke Free Properties Policy to be implemented on May 1

The Board was informed through the Professional Advisory Committee report that everything is in place to implement the Smoke Free Properties policy on May 1. All properties owned and operated by the Miramichi Regional Health Authority will be smoke free including vehicles parked on the property. Gary Foley, president and CEO says that patients will be offered support during their hospital stay and smoking cessation programs are available to staff. Information available to patients includes a “Quit Kit” that contains information about how to quit smoking and available resources. Patients admitted to hospital will also be offered nicotine replacement therapy. “Although we recognize there will be challenges along the way, we are committed to health promotion and disease prevention within our region. This policy is a positive step forward in building both a healthier work environment and a healthier region.” The Board unanimously supported the implementation of this policy.

3. Recruitment Update – two additional physicians join the health authority

Gary Foley, President and CEO provided the committee with a recruitment update. He was pleased to inform them that Dr. Walter Binedell, internist and Dr. Prabaharan Balasingham, surgeon had arrived. The addition of Dr. Balasingham completes the region’s full complement of general surgeons. He was also pleased to report that an urologist has signed a contract and is expected in August and an internist is in the process of going through immigration. He said the health authority is in active discussions with an ophthalmologist, internists, radiologists and family physicians. Board chairperson Russell Whitney congratulated the health authority team for doing a great job in recruiting physicians.

Mr. Foley noted that all office space currently owned by the health authority is now filled and he has acquired additional space at the South Side Medical Clinic and Pharmasave in Newcastle.

In other areas of recruitment, Marilyn Underhill, vice president of professional services was pleased to inform the board that a full time occupational therapist, a full-time physiotherapist and a casual lab technologist had been hired. Annette LeBouthillier, vice-president of patient services reported that 12 graduate nurses and one registered nurse had been hired and will be starting in May 2007.

Mrs. LeBouthillier was also pleased to report that Alice Johnston had been awarded the position of First Nations Liaison Interpreter for the Miramichi Regional Health Authority. Johnston will be responsible to provide interpretative/translation assistance and services to health care staff and First Nations patients/clients receiving care and services at the Miramichi Regional Hospital; act as a liaison between First Nations patients, their families and hospital staff to address issues that may arise; and provide cultural awareness and education to staff regarding First Nation’s culture and traditions.

Johnston’s home community is the Metepenagiag First Nation. “She brings with her over 15 years of experience in working with First Nations people in a health care setting and promoting native culture in the United States,” says LeBouthillier. She says her fluency in the Mic maq language, education in native studies and psychology, understanding of the First Nation’s culture, and knowledge of the health care system will be an asset to First Nations clients who require hospitalization at the Miramichi Regional Hospital.

4. Financial Summary

The Miramichi Regional Health authority reported an eleven month operating deficit of $1.5 million. It is projected the health authority will be within its projected year end deficit of $2 million. “The Board approved the $2 million deficit in September 2006 as a necessity to maintain current services,” said Russell Whitney, Board Chairperson. Contributing factors to the deficit include costs associated with physician locums, recruitment, high occupancy rates of patients in the emergency department observation area waiting for a hospital bed, and high patient days in the medical units, pediatrics and outpatient clinics.

The Board was also informed that all recommendations outlined in the 2001 Deloitte and Touche Financial Controls document had been met and will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis.

Labels: hospital

Community Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony to be held

The first Community Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 6 at the Miramichi Kin Centre. The ceremony will honor patients who have died while being followed by the Miramichi Extra Mural Program. This memorial service will not replace the Palliative Care memorial service that is held at the Miramichi Regional Hospital.

“The Community Celebration of Life Memorial ceremony will allow the family to grieve in an atmosphere strengthened by the community as everyone present will share the common bond of losing a loved one and friend,” says Connie Doucet, Extra Mural Program palliative care coordinator and organizer of the event.

“This ceremony celebrates the life of the individual and also provides closure for the Extra Mural Program staff,” says Doucet.

A total of 31 families have been invited to attend. Doucet says this memorial ceremony has been a goal of the Miramichi Extra Mural Program for some time and it is wonderful that it will be finally realized. “We plan to hold the service twice a year.”

The memorial service is being organized by the staff and volunteers of the Miramichi Extra Mural Program and the Pastoral and Spiritual Care Department of the Miramichi Regional Hospital. Community involvement also includes the Miramichi Kinsmen who have donated the Kin Centre for the event. Reverend Diane Jukes, protestant chaplain for the Miramichi Regional Health Authority and Father Leon Creamer will lead the ceremony. Music will be provided by the Miramichi Extra Mural Program choir led by Doucet and accompanied by fellow musician Paul McGraw.

Labels: event