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Offloading delaysWalter Used To EatFrozen Dinners Alonepersistent problemContinued from page 1It's not a reflection on the staff atsupposed to cover 50 per cent of EMS costs,the hospital; everyone knowswith the Region covering the other half. Thisthey're overworked.years budget reports show the Province willfund 46 per cent of EMS costs in 2011, leav-Gary Carr, Halton regional chairing a shortfall of close to $1 million.Its not a reflection on the staff at thehospital; everyone knows theyre over-have remained consistent since 2007.worked, said Carr of the delays. Consequently,The ministry has not confirmed DONbecause of the inaction of the provincial gov-funding for 2011/2012.ernment, its essentially the downloading of EMS forecasts call for two additionalservices.12-hour ambulances in 2012.The EMS update shows five instances inTwo new stations, one in southeast Oakville2010 where not a single ambulance was avail-and one in Georgetown, opened last year.able to respond to emergencies and 226Regional staff is currently scouting locationsoccurrences of four or fewer ambulancesfor a northwest Oakville station for 2012 andbeing available. The numbers are slightlywork is underway with the Town of Milton tohigher than 2009, when there were fourconstruct a fire/EMS station in 2016.instances of zero available ambulance, andDuring his presentation, Sage said more167 times when four or less were available.ambulances on the road is not the best way toThe Ministry of Health provided fundingdeal with offload delays.to staff Joseph Brant Memorial and Oakville-Carr said the time is right to push provin-Trafalgar hospitals with a dedicated offloadNow he enjoys a variedcial parties on funding promises, as the elec-nurse (DON) to receive ambulance patientstion is fast approaching. in emergency departments. menu and great company.What were talking about is a life savingOne-time funding for 2010/2011 of service, he said. Its too important not to$261,756 allowed for almost 3,500 hours of ealtimewasmostlyachoreforhave the services they were committing to,DON staffing, which saw 1,346 patients.and then not coming forward.MWHowever, despite the funding, offload delaysalter.Living alone,he would simplychoose what was easiest to prepare andVolunteer literacy tutors neededeat it in front ofthe TV.Nutrition wasTheOakville Literacy Council is looking forincoming students are waiting several months torarely a consideration.volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with adultbe matched with a volunteer tutor. Between 15 tostudents who want to improve their reading, writ-25 students are on the wait list.ing, or math skills. Training is provided, and vol- There is an upcoming option for tutor train-At Chartwell,the chefchanges the menuunteers usually dedicate two to three hours pering. Workshops will be held over two Saturdaysdaily,so Walter not only gets to chooseweek preparing lessons and meeting their stu-on April 30 and May 7.dents. For more information, contact the Oakvillefrom a variety ofbalanced meals,but he Demand for the councils free program hasLiteracy Council at 905-469-8528 or info@oakvil-enjoys them with a side-dish oflaughterbeen growing steadily over the past few years, andleliteracy.ca, or visit www.oakvilleliteracy.ca.and conversation.Inquire About Commercial Outfi tting, Detailing, Parts, Sales & AccessoriesOur 2 MonthsNO RAIN GUARANTEEFREE REWASHWE WILL REWASH YOUR VEHICLE FREE FreeEXTERIOR FOR FREE IF IT RAINS HAND WASH WITHIN 24 HOURS OF ANY Engine Shampoo VIP OR EXECUTIVE PACKAGE PURCHASEwith purchase of plus $IncentiveVIP or Executive Pckg.tax 10$45 valueVehicle Accessories FOR EVERY OFF$$100 SPENT 10(INQUIRE FOR DETIALS)To fi nd out more call ChartwellClassic Oakville at 905-257-0095(Offers cannot be combined or altered)or visit www.chartwellreit.caOFFER VALID UNTIL MAY 15, 2011 WITH REFERENCE TO THIS ADSHUTTLES AVAILABLE1490 Speers Road, Unit #4, Oakville - 905-847-7999UPON REQUESTthe retirement option of choicee-mail: services@absoluteautoimage.comwww.insideHALTON.com OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 15, 2011 4