by Betty Bardswich
MINDEMOYA—It was a banner day for Manitoulin on September 10 when a formal announcement was made at a shovel in the ground ceremony to tell the public that construction has started on the addition to the Mindemoya site of the Manitoulin Health Centre.
Manitoulin Central Family Health Team (MCFHT) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Lynn Foster gave the opening remarks at the celebration stating, “This is an important occasion for us” and went on to remark what a privilege it was to lead the project.
MCFHT CEO Lori Oswald spoke of the honour she had working with her team and told the audience, “We had a vision. We had a vision to have extra space. Today is an incredible day for those who have worked on this project.” Ms. Oswald also thanked those who had a hand in having this dream come to fruition, including The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care who’s Capital Branch and Primary Care Branch gave approvals to move the project forward. She said she was also grateful to Mayor Gerry Strong and the staff and council of Central Manitoulin for their support and direction and the demonstration of their commitment to health care as well as the support of the MCFHT Board and the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC).
“I do not have enough words to thank you,” Ms. Oswald told those in attendance. Ms. Oswald also told MPP Mike Mantha how much she appreciated his help, saying, “We were stuck at one point and you had the courage to take this to the floor.”
Mr. Mantha brought greetings from the Ministry of Health and said, “It is amazing to see all the work that you have done. Congratulations to all of you. I am looking forward to helping in any way I can. We have got a lot of major projects for the Island and we have to keep this momentum going.”
Angela Becks, vice-chair of the Manitoulin Health Centre board, also spoke at the meeting and offered congratulations to the MCFHT for their courage, stamina and leadership and noted that Mindemoya is a great community in which to live. “The new Family Health Team (FHT) facility will make it even more attractive,” she said as she went on to explain the function of the FHTs as directed by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care as “being created to expand access to family health care facilities across Ontario. Each team is set up based on the local health and community needs and focuses on chronic disease management, disease prevention and health promotion. All of these health services have been available from the MCFHT, but what a difference it will be for the team to provide care and guidance in this new and what is going to be a wonderful space.”
Doctor Nick Jeeves is the chairman of the board of the MCFHT and he noted at the beginning of his remarks that, “This project represents the most significant phase, to date, of the ongoing development and strengthening of primary care services for the communities of Central Manitoulin. It further represents the culmination of the collaborative efforts of a variety of agencies and individuals, many of whom are represented here today. It is a testament to what can be accomplished through the application of diligence, persistence, compromise and the commitment to a common cause.” Doctor Jeeves also noted, “It is important to reflect on the significance of this entire project with respect to local communities, from the inception of the original idea back in 2006. It has directly provided new and meaningful jobs for office staff, administrative support, and professionals as well as a significant construction project that will enhance the existing hospital structure as well as the town of Mindemoya.” Dr. Jeeves spoke of the opportunities for sharing and collaboration with community agencies and organizations, the strengthening of the bonds of shared service, to introduce new services, to continue to enhance the care available to local residents, to build on a commitment to health services and excellence of care as well as the need to ensure sustainable, ongoing health care and services in the communities for patients and their families as well as hospital and clinic workers and professionals.
Barry Parsons is the project manager for the expansion of the Mindemoya hospital. The majority of the space will be for patients with 10 rooms so dedicated and four rooms will be for administration and patient support. There will also be a healing room for smudging ceremonies and group meetings. Completion of the project is expected for May 2015.
