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MLTON Pu USRAIw ,LOWEK SIIOFn t Weeccl to1ýt5 ýi1windshlelds lV! 781 MAIN ST. #1 & 2 MILTON 876-478ý A Metroland Community Newspaper Vol. 138 No. 78 Fniday, November 21, 1997 24 Pages 75s0 (GST included) It's a sigh of relief fromn hospital board By KAREN SMITH The Champion What was feared by citizens as a ferocious lion threatening to devour Milton District Hospital alive turned out to, be more like a Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Touchdown Milton District High School Mustang fullback Jason MoGuffe butts over the goal lIne white quarterback Adam Gertzbein raises hie arma triumphantly ciuring Miton's playoff victory agaînat Burllngton's Lord Elgin Lancers Tuesday. Milton plays for the championshlp today in Burlington. S.e page 16 for the story on Tuesday's game. pussycat. The Health Services Restructuring Commission, which released its much- anticipated interim report Tuesday, announced that Milton's hospital will remain open and continue to provide its three main services - in-patient,1 out- patient and emergency care. But it won't do il atone. The commis- sion, a group of health professionals appointed by the Harris government to redesign the Ontario health system, called for an amalgamation between Milton and Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial hospitals. Milton hospital's administration and the board of directors breathed sighs of relief after leaming the news. "White we neyer envisioned closure as a possibility, we did have concemai that the commission woutd reduce services more drastically," said hospital executive direc- tor Allan Halls, who, met with staff, physi- cians and the board immediately following the commission' s announicement. "The commission's report certainly sup- ports the continued provision of these ser- vices here in Milton. By working co-oper- atively with Oakville under a new corpo- rate structure, we also hope to take henefit from the nmajor re-investments heing made in health services here in Halton." The commission has recognized that Milton residents deserve local accesa to key services, said Milton hoapital board Initial donations have started rolling in for The Champion's Christmaa Bureau Fund. The community newapapeýr has accepted $369 so far for the Salvation Army fundraiser, which ensurea local citizens have ail the trimmings for -Christmas dinner and toya for the kids. The goal has been set at $20,000. To contnibute, drop off donations by cash or cheque (payable to Christmas "W'Ne did have concerns that thie commission would reduce services more drastically." chair Nonn Flemington. "This is a good result for our communi- ty. We will he well-positîoned to accom- modate local hospital needs as our com- munity's population grows in the future." Mr. Hall added that Milton and Oakville already share services and have somewhat of a partnership, however the amalgama- tion will make it officiai and put more emphasîs on improving relations. StilI, Mr. Halls and Mr. Flemington agreed a lot of work is in store for both facilities. The commission instructed the hospitals' boards of directors; to plan the amalgama- tion on their own and subinit a report by May 31, 1998. "This commission report will clearly involve a great deal of discussion, plan- ning and negotiations over the next few months," Mr. Flemington said. -se. FEARED on page 3 Donations rolling in for Xmas lund 191 Main St. E. 327 Brents St. S. Milton LeT 4m Dr. Jo-Ann McKinnon 875-1322 ecoutyw