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Re ST mT ON 2 - PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, September 19, 2000 "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" Benefits of health accord not known yet: Hospital CEO By Chris Hall Port Perry Star Local hospitals will benefit from the recent funding announcement by the federal government, but they'll have to wait until next year to see any of the money. During a trustees' meeting held last Thursday evening (Sept. 14) in Port Perry, Lakeridge Health Corporation CEO Brian Lemon said the agreement between the federal government and the provinces could be beneficial for the corporation's five hospitals. But. at this time, details were still sketchy, he said. "We have no further word from the ministry (of health). I've been told there will be discussions at a later date," Mr. Lemon told more than 40 trustees assembled at the Port Perry hospital. He added that there "would be no further federal L money until 2001... emon we don't really have a lot of details, and there is a lot of confusion." Mr. Lemon also noted that because of the recent funding announcement, some regional councillors assumed that Lakeridge Health Corp. would not be seeking money for the upcoming con- struction of some facilities. Hospitals across Durham Region are planning capital expansions totalling $409.5 million, and have asked Durham Region to pick up $100 million of that tab over the next five years. Regional councillors opted to table the issue until their Oct. 4 meeting. "The federal funding announcement will not alleviate our request for a local principle benefit (from the funding) will come next year, any money we get this year will come from the province." He noted that the federal cash infu- sion is for salaries and equipment, not construction costs. Federal Health Minister Alan Rock announced on Sept. 11 that the federal government had come to an historic health care accord with provinces in an effort to provide better medicare ser- vices. Part of that agreement was a record $23 billion influx of cash in the health care system over the next five years. share of funding," said Mr. Lemon. "Our The Durham Region Health Department will try to ease the congestion in hospitals this winter sea- son by offering up a mas- sive flu vaccination cam- paign in the upcoming months. While the flu shots are not a "miracle cure", it was noted during last week's Lakeridge Health Corporation's trustees meeting in Port Perry that it would "possibly" lighten the load for staff at emer- gency rooms throughout the region when the annu- Officials hope flu shots will help this winter al flu-and cold epidemic begins. The comprehensive vaccination program would target those most- vulnerable, including seniors, children, staff, and the fragile. 'The flu shot would be offered up at family doc- tors' offices, clinics, and hospitals. It would not be offered through the emergency rooms on a walk-in basis. Vaccination times, loca- tions and costs are not yet available. A Federal election may be on the horizon, but don't expect the rul- ing Liberals to go to the polls this fall. During the annual Durham Federal Liberal Association picnic last weekend, held Saturday evening in Orono, local edly noted that Canada is "on the verge of a fed- eral election", but not to expect an announce- ment this fall. Instead, expect an election call for either April or June of next year, they said. It is still highly expected by political pundits in the main- stream media that Prime Minister Jean Chretien will send the people of Canada to the polls this fall. An election call is expected in the fall, rather than next spring, so the Prime Minster can ride a growing economy Grit supporters repeat- Don't expect vote this fall, Durham Liberals are told Shepherd back into the House of Commons for a third time. It is also highly anticipated that the Liberals will call an elec- tion soon before the growing Canadian Alliance party gets any stronger. Durham MP Alex Shepherd has already confirmed that he too would be seeking his third term in office.