Loading...
April 4, 2002 Minutes COUNTY OF ELGIN Thursday, April 4, 2002 The Elgin County Council met this day at the Administration Building, at 2:00 P.M. for a special meeting to discuss the discontinuance of some rehabilitative outpatient services at the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital (STEGH), with all members in attendance except Councillor Crevits. Warden Wilson in the Chair. Warden Wilson thanked all for attending and indicated that a meeting would be held later in the day on this matter with M.P. Knutson, M.P.P. Peters, Mayor Ostojic, Councillor VanBrenk (Elgin County's representative on the STEGH Board), and himself. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST AND THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF- None. DELEGATIONS Mrs. Mary Muscat, Mr. Mike Uffen, and Ms. Donna Murray, Elgin "Cares" Group, attended at 2:00 p.m. to present their views on the announced closing of some of the rehabilitative services programs at the STEGH. The group emphasized, among other issues: the hardships citizens would encounter with the closing of these services; that some of the services were not offered anywhere within a reasonable travelling distance; the lack of consultation or public meetings prior to closing the unit; and a general frustration in trying to obtain information from the parties involved. The delegation noted that a petition has been circulated and, to date, has over 5,000 signatures objecting to the closure. Councillor VanBrenk indicated the Hospital has to cut costs to remain viable and has contacted the Province on many occasions to discuss the financial hardships due to downloading of services and lack of funding to keep the programs operating. Councillor Habkirk requested that both the capital and operating budgets be forwarded to Council for perusal, as it would provide a clearer picture of the Hospital's financial position. Councillor VanBrenk indicated he would request it from the STEGH Board. Warden Wilson handed out a newspaper article, which was printed in conjunction with the opening of the new rehabilitation services addition in 1990, and reviewed the grants to the STEGH from the County over the years totalling more than $3,235,000. A question and answer period followed. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now move into Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre WHEREAS the Hospital Foundation has requested a grant from the County in the amount of $500,000 payable over five years for its Capital Campaign to modernize the emergency department, to establish an ambulatory care centre and to establish an endowment fund; and, WHEREAS the County of Elgin supports in principle the Capital Campaign; and, WHEREAS the County does not believe in funding hospital infrastructure projects, while, at the same time, discontinuing vital medical services; and, County Council 2 April 4, 2002 WHEREAS with a new Provincial Premier in the offing and possibly a new Minister of Health with a new direction from the current Provincial Government combined with former Premier Romanow's examination of health care in Canada, the possibility for change and new funding for hospitals beckons; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the County of Elgin is willing to consider funding the Capital Campaign as requested providing the Board of Governors for the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital re-establishes the outpatient rehabilitation services scheduled for discontinuance on October 1 S\ 2002 for a one year period (October 1 S\ 2003) thereby allowing sufficient time to determine the future direction of health care funding in the Province of Ontario and in Canada as a whole; and further, THAT any resolutions contrary to this one be hereby rescinded; and, THAT copies of this resolution be circulated to Mr. Ernie Eves, the Ministers of Health for Ontario and Canada, the local M.P. and M.P.P., Mr. Roy Romanow, the Board of Governors of the St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, the Hospital Foundation, the City of St. Thomas, all lower-tier municipalities in the County of Elgin, and the Thames Valley District Health Council. Councillor Rock requested a recorded vote on the motion: YEAS NAYS ABSENT McPhail VanBrenk Mcintyre Rock Crevits Habkirk Faulds Stewart Wilson TOTAL 8 0 1 As a result of the recorded vote, the motion was declared CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Councillor McPhail suggested that the process of Council's actions be outlined in the letter which would accompany the above resolution, and Council concurred. Moved by Councillor Stewart Seconded by Councillor Habkirk THAT we adopt the recommendations of the Committee Of The Whole Council. - Carried. Councillor Habkirk noted that he could not attend the April 23 Council meeting in the morning and asked if the start time could be moved to the afternoon or if Council could meet on another day. This matter will be discussed at the meeting on April 9, 2002. Councillor Faulds questioned if County dress was appropriate for the ceremonies to be held on April 15, 2002 at the Court House for the proclamation of opening of the County's Sesquicentennial. Warden Wilson indicated that Council dress is required. Councillor McPhail asked how many Councillors would be attending the Agricultural Forum at the New Sarum Diner on April 5th. Councillors Habkirk and Rock indicated part-day attendance and Councillor McPhail indicated that he would forward the information to the local Agricultural Office. County Council 3 April 4, 2002 BY-LAWS Moved by Councillor Faulds Seconded by Councillor Stewart THAT By-Law No. 02-08 "A By-Law to Confirm Proceedings of the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the County of Elgin at the April 4, 2002 Meeting" be read a first and second time. - Carried. Moved by Councillor McPhail Seconded by Councillor Mcintyre THAT By-Law No. 02-08 be read a third time and finally passed. - Carried. Moved by Councillor VanBrenk Seconded by Councillor Faulds THAT we do now adjourn at 3:52 P.M. - Carried. Mark G. McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer. John R. Wilson, Warden.