She gave a brief overview of what to expect at the meeting on June 13 at the Hilton Hall. There will be separate groups to give overviews of what they have been doing. Dale will be doing the public relations group. She encouraged each of us to attend as well as inviting friends and neighbours as well. The Katimavik students have been inputting the petitions and auditing them. We should be doing some as well as we pick them up.
The buttons are all here. Dale has been distributing them to area residents and businesses to sell them. She also handed in money from previous sales of buttons, etc. Most of her invoices that she had been holding have been submitted for payment.
Dale is hoping after the public meeting on June 13 that there will be an influx of new members for our group. We could then hopefully get volunteers for going to area events to advertise the cause. We should come up with lists of events upcoming in the area that we should have a presence at.
Donald suggested we approach the St. Joe museum about featuring what they have on Matthews as well as having buttons and other information there. He also suggested asking at the Fort as well. Since this is under federal jurisdiction, it is not certain if they would allow things on the area. Signs can be put up though on the public roads.
Heather Fox will be resigning from our group so she can operate as a private citizen to get the hospital back again. A discussion ensued about what is required to keep the hospital open and to get better services. Hopefully we will get a clear objective from the public meeting on June 13 as to what we need to do to save what we have and then look forward to having more services.
It is also important to educate the general public about the fact that Matthews is not a hospital since the inhouse beds were taken away over 10 years ago. All that was saved last time was the emergency department.
Discussion ensued about the steering committee. Many points of view were brought forward and were talked over. We have to be careful of rumours and deal with the facts and present a united front.
Next Meeting: MacLennan Hall on Thursday June 18 7:00pm
Donald/Joan will book the hall and let Dale know if it is a go.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
May 28th 2009
Dale discussed what happened at the Steering Committee meeting last week – there was lots of passion expressed – Steering committee minutes will be emailed out to each individual and they are also available at each municipal office. We all need to be focused and stay on track. Brian and Heather attended the meeting but did not participate with the verbal attacks. The meetings are open to the public but not open to participation. We have to avoid rumours and conjectures in our dealings with each other. If you are not sure what is happening, ask someone in the know. Dale will ask at the next steering committee meeting whether we are allowed to attend other than in delegations.
June 13 is the date for a next public meeting at 10am at Hilton Beach Hall. Many people are really wondering what is happening with our groups.
Steering committee will be meeting before this on June 1
Steering Committee Update: The impact analysis (of the closure of MMH) is finished. A financial impact analysis will be completed soon (real estate values, etc.). We all need a positive outlook to work together. They met with Ron Gagnon and Elaine Pitcher recently as well. Jody discussed what he has been dealing with for the past year and a half – representatives on the SAH board All of us who have signed up to be members of the board must attend the annual meeting of the SAH board. Ron Gagnon’s quote of “Status Quo is not an option” can work in our favour – we could get more! Working with other professionals, etc. Phase 2 Strategy: there is a document done up from the Steering Committee brainstorming earlier. These will be presented at the public meeting on June 13. Some of the sub-committees may be finished, those going forward are: Public Relations, Research & Analysis, Negotiating, etc. The townships will be sending out questionnaires to residents regarding their health care needs.
The township councils should be writing to the LHIN regarding who the experts meet with in each municipality when they are here. Ask the LHIN if the timeline is set for the consulations.
Buttons are not here yet, Kathy is working on them and will let us know when in. Many events coming up where we should have buttons
Petition: Dale has given them to the Katimavik to start inputting. It is felt we should have at least 2500 to 3000 signatures so far. Copies will go to everyone involved (Photocopying will be required) We will require a volunteer to enter all the additional petitions into the spreadsheet.
Media and Funding: Sue & Keith report there is no more funding at the moment, but there is income from the buttons. A school group had a play and took donations for the cause! General Meeting at Hilton Hall – information, where do we go now? Updates on what has been done, etc.
Ad material for papers : Stand up for Rural Health Care. What is next for Matthews Memorial Hospital and Health Care services in central Algoma? Public Meeting June 13 10 am at the Hilton Beach Community Hall. Donald will email this to the Sentinel tonight for inclusion for next week and the week after. Brian to add to the Island Clippings.
Float: Jody reported that they have the old Cornfest float available for us to use. This can be redecorated to suit our needs. We need to get volunteers possibly from the public meeting on June 13. Katimavik students may have artsy backgrounds as well. Cathy will ask them.
New Pamphlet: the Integrated Health Committee have a new pamphlet ready for what is available at MMH. We feel we have to include the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for those to contact who are in power. Coloured pictures are not really needed, but coloured paper is great. Brian volunteered Heather to do graphics, etc. after final copy is accepted by us. Dale will contact Teresa from the Integrated Health Committee about our thoughts and go from there. Pamphlet can be handed out at parades, events, etc.
Brainstorming –
1 Jody suggested getting candy with our name, etc. for the parades.
2 Marina Mania is this weekend as well as the bridge walk, some of us will be attending with possibly handing out buttons, pamphlets, etc.
3 Rudy Barich owns the empty lot across from Kents Korner. Keith and Sue will ask him or his daughter if we would be able to put up a good sized sign advertising our cause. MTO may object.
4 Dale will contact Billy Wells to see if any of the permanent boats would allow signs.
5 Jody stated that we have to simplify our approach and concentrate on MMH with reference to the attacks on rural health care. Mention the outlying services available and the possibility of working with them. STAY FOCUSED!! The final decision about MMH will come down to being a political decision.
June 13 is the date for a next public meeting at 10am at Hilton Beach Hall. Many people are really wondering what is happening with our groups.
Steering committee will be meeting before this on June 1
Steering Committee Update: The impact analysis (of the closure of MMH) is finished. A financial impact analysis will be completed soon (real estate values, etc.). We all need a positive outlook to work together. They met with Ron Gagnon and Elaine Pitcher recently as well. Jody discussed what he has been dealing with for the past year and a half – representatives on the SAH board All of us who have signed up to be members of the board must attend the annual meeting of the SAH board. Ron Gagnon’s quote of “Status Quo is not an option” can work in our favour – we could get more! Working with other professionals, etc. Phase 2 Strategy: there is a document done up from the Steering Committee brainstorming earlier. These will be presented at the public meeting on June 13. Some of the sub-committees may be finished, those going forward are: Public Relations, Research & Analysis, Negotiating, etc. The townships will be sending out questionnaires to residents regarding their health care needs.
The township councils should be writing to the LHIN regarding who the experts meet with in each municipality when they are here. Ask the LHIN if the timeline is set for the consulations.
Buttons are not here yet, Kathy is working on them and will let us know when in. Many events coming up where we should have buttons
Petition: Dale has given them to the Katimavik to start inputting. It is felt we should have at least 2500 to 3000 signatures so far. Copies will go to everyone involved (Photocopying will be required) We will require a volunteer to enter all the additional petitions into the spreadsheet.
Media and Funding: Sue & Keith report there is no more funding at the moment, but there is income from the buttons. A school group had a play and took donations for the cause! General Meeting at Hilton Hall – information, where do we go now? Updates on what has been done, etc.
Ad material for papers : Stand up for Rural Health Care. What is next for Matthews Memorial Hospital and Health Care services in central Algoma? Public Meeting June 13 10 am at the Hilton Beach Community Hall. Donald will email this to the Sentinel tonight for inclusion for next week and the week after. Brian to add to the Island Clippings.
Float: Jody reported that they have the old Cornfest float available for us to use. This can be redecorated to suit our needs. We need to get volunteers possibly from the public meeting on June 13. Katimavik students may have artsy backgrounds as well. Cathy will ask them.
New Pamphlet: the Integrated Health Committee have a new pamphlet ready for what is available at MMH. We feel we have to include the names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for those to contact who are in power. Coloured pictures are not really needed, but coloured paper is great. Brian volunteered Heather to do graphics, etc. after final copy is accepted by us. Dale will contact Teresa from the Integrated Health Committee about our thoughts and go from there. Pamphlet can be handed out at parades, events, etc.
Brainstorming –
1 Jody suggested getting candy with our name, etc. for the parades.
2 Marina Mania is this weekend as well as the bridge walk, some of us will be attending with possibly handing out buttons, pamphlets, etc.
3 Rudy Barich owns the empty lot across from Kents Korner. Keith and Sue will ask him or his daughter if we would be able to put up a good sized sign advertising our cause. MTO may object.
4 Dale will contact Billy Wells to see if any of the permanent boats would allow signs.
5 Jody stated that we have to simplify our approach and concentrate on MMH with reference to the attacks on rural health care. Mention the outlying services available and the possibility of working with them. STAY FOCUSED!! The final decision about MMH will come down to being a political decision.
May 7th 2009
Dale congratulated everyone on their work to keep the hospital open
And have everyone check out the Island Clippings to find the LHIN website to fill out the Engage 2009. We need to particate.
She gave an update from the Steering Committee
Steering committee met for over 4 hours last time, regarding how to keep people engaged and motivated, and strategies/next steps. They are planning a combined meeting with all the groups to share ideas – status quo is not an option according to Ron Gagnon
Funding – still not sure on where we are financially, Dale has not submitted bill for the signs she had done. Ad in Island Clippings placed by Dale and paid for by the township.
Media – the ad in the Sault Star was fantastic
Buttons – over $400 most are already distributed (Kathy ordered 500), we should order more. Kathy is to phone for a quote on 1000 and email us for approval. She is to get an email quote as well.
Upcoming Events:
Health Care Luncheon at the Legion May 14 10am to 2 pm – Sue Barlow will work a table there and have buttons, display board and petitions
Signs – Dale removed all the signs on Bridge Road – they were illegal, she will work on re-erect them asap (probably this weekend)
Petition – will probably be audited for multiple signatures of the same people
The pages all need to be numbered and then the names entered into an excel spreadsheet to find out if there are multiples – we need volunteers to alphabetize and enter
Brian suggested contacting the Katimavik students to do this – they have offered to help us. Marilyn Bowyer to contact Joanne regarding getting the students to do the audit.
Page # First Name Last Name Address
Brain Storming:
Float – community parades ‘Rural Health on Life Support’. Richards, Hilton, Desbarats, Bruce Mines, Echo Bay. Also have info tables at Jocelyn Harvest Fest, Laird Fair and Bruce Mines Fair (we have a free table offer from the Bruce Mines Fair committee) Approach Katimavik, Hospital Aux. for help
Brainstorming session: Close the hwy, Cattle in hwy, wrecks on hwy – demonstrations – keep attention including media positive way – Dan Cedolia staging an event for the media close a highway – sponsorship opportunity/corporate sponsers, record in two scenarios, mock disaster, MMH closed to the Sault. Video tapes sent to W5, utube. Proactive and positive. Mock disaster – tanker takes out the bridge. Car wreck, Swine flu, isolate the hospital. Lets practice the plans of the townships… Brian to follow up.
Form Letter – should we have a new form letter available for people to be mailing? Should we provide the phone numbers and email addresses
Can we provide an insert paper for the Sentinel to send out? Donald will check with the Sentinel if they would do this.
A new letter needs to be designed
Placemats – down to legal size – Fox’s will email to township to photocopy as well as to the rest of the group.
And have everyone check out the Island Clippings to find the LHIN website to fill out the Engage 2009. We need to particate.
She gave an update from the Steering Committee
Steering committee met for over 4 hours last time, regarding how to keep people engaged and motivated, and strategies/next steps. They are planning a combined meeting with all the groups to share ideas – status quo is not an option according to Ron Gagnon
Funding – still not sure on where we are financially, Dale has not submitted bill for the signs she had done. Ad in Island Clippings placed by Dale and paid for by the township.
Media – the ad in the Sault Star was fantastic
Buttons – over $400 most are already distributed (Kathy ordered 500), we should order more. Kathy is to phone for a quote on 1000 and email us for approval. She is to get an email quote as well.
Upcoming Events:
Health Care Luncheon at the Legion May 14 10am to 2 pm – Sue Barlow will work a table there and have buttons, display board and petitions
Signs – Dale removed all the signs on Bridge Road – they were illegal, she will work on re-erect them asap (probably this weekend)
Petition – will probably be audited for multiple signatures of the same people
The pages all need to be numbered and then the names entered into an excel spreadsheet to find out if there are multiples – we need volunteers to alphabetize and enter
Brian suggested contacting the Katimavik students to do this – they have offered to help us. Marilyn Bowyer to contact Joanne regarding getting the students to do the audit.
Page # First Name Last Name Address
Brain Storming:
Float – community parades ‘Rural Health on Life Support’. Richards, Hilton, Desbarats, Bruce Mines, Echo Bay. Also have info tables at Jocelyn Harvest Fest, Laird Fair and Bruce Mines Fair (we have a free table offer from the Bruce Mines Fair committee) Approach Katimavik, Hospital Aux. for help
Brainstorming session: Close the hwy, Cattle in hwy, wrecks on hwy – demonstrations – keep attention including media positive way – Dan Cedolia staging an event for the media close a highway – sponsorship opportunity/corporate sponsers, record in two scenarios, mock disaster, MMH closed to the Sault. Video tapes sent to W5, utube. Proactive and positive. Mock disaster – tanker takes out the bridge. Car wreck, Swine flu, isolate the hospital. Lets practice the plans of the townships… Brian to follow up.
Form Letter – should we have a new form letter available for people to be mailing? Should we provide the phone numbers and email addresses
Can we provide an insert paper for the Sentinel to send out? Donald will check with the Sentinel if they would do this.
A new letter needs to be designed
Placemats – down to legal size – Fox’s will email to township to photocopy as well as to the rest of the group.
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