Mac Olsen
Express Staff
@SmokyRiverExprs
During their meeting on Dec. 5 at the Town of Falher office, the members of the Smoky River Regional Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee passed a motion to keep $25,000 in reserve for future operations.
Also, $2,000 will be used as part of the 2018 budget. The remainder of the surplus over $27,000 is to be paid out to each of the five municipalities using the same formula as it was collected.
The committee also passed a motion for SRRPR&R Coordinator Myrna Lanctot to attend the Rural Health Professionals Action Plan Conference in Brooks during April 10-12, 2018.
Barbara Mader, RN BScN and Site Manager Community & Rural Hospitals in McLennan, also gave her report.
The endoscopy program continues to be running well, with the surgeons from Grande Prairie travelling to our site to do endoscopy procedures.
The Sacred Heart Community Health Centre will be receiving new electric beds and new endoscopy equipment to support the site through AHS provincial funding grants. The new equipment is expected to arrive on site soon.
Also, a lot of support has been provided by the palliative care society, ladies auxiliary and public donations for other equipment needs for the hospital.
“These generous donations are very much appreciated,” says Mader.
She concluded her report saying that Christmas events are being held on site throughout the month of December including a door decorating contest, potluck, Christmas snacks and a staff bowling event will be held in January.
Also during the committee meeting, it was noted that Dr. Pierre Cloete will arrive in the region in January, under a three-year contract.
The next committee meeting will be held at the Town of Falher office, beginning at 7 p.m on Feb. 5, 2018.