Wednesday June 11, 2014 www.saobserver.net $1.25 GST Included
Heading for home Shuswap barrel racer Candice Mitchell, riding Kita, heads for the finish line at the Salmon Arm Barrel Bonanza held Saturday and Sunday at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds. For more coverage, see page A19.
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More resources for city’s ER Shuswap Lake General: Additional doctor for summer caseload.
By Barb Brouwer OBSeRVeR STAFF
Shuswap lake General Hospital docs are doubling up this summer. every year between the May long weekend and September, the hospital’s emergency ward experiences a 30 per cent increase in visits, says hospital manager Mark Pugh. Instead of having one dedicated eR doctor on duty, there will be two between the hours of noon and 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, Pugh says. He says the summertime influx of patients to emergency often translates into very long wait times. “We looked at it proactively with the medical staff,” Pugh
said. “Historically we have always had a seasonal-pressures plan for the nursing staff and now this is another piece to reduce wait times in eR.” dr. Stacey Kirkman, newly appointed chief of medical staff, calls the plan a big improvement. “Before, it was volunteer extra coverage and while people were stepping up, there were holes (in the schedule),” he says. “now it’s rostered… people are already stepping up, but there are still empty slots for GPs, and locums who would like to do a bit extra. That’s tremendously helpful for keeping the flow in emerge.” Both Kirkman and Pugh agree that members of the public can do their part to help alleviate long waits in emerge by
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Improved service: Chief of medical staff Stacey Kirkman, hospital manager Mark Pugh and Interior Health area director Peter du Toit go over plans for the Shuswap Lake General Hospital summer season. taking more minor concerns to one of three walk-in clinics. There are clinics open during the day and evenings Mon-
This week By mixing fun and education, the iLearn Fair draws crowds to the fairgrounds. See A12 for more. Five ballet students will get unique training opportunities this summer. See A23.
day through Friday, as well as some daytime walk-in hours on Saturday. none of the walkin clinics are open Sunday.
Teachers vote on full-scale walkout Rotating one-day strikes will continue as the province awaits word on whether the Bc Teachers’ Federation will move to a full-scale walkout, potentially disrupting the final nine days of regularly scheduled classes. School district #83 teachers will be on the picket lines tomorrow, Thursday, June 12. As with the previous strikes, parents are asked to make alternate arrangements for their children that day. Teachers also voted Monday and Tuesday as to whether they support a full-scale walkout. The earliest strike action could take place is Monday, June 16. Salmon Arm Secondary’s graduation ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, June 26, will proceed regardless of strike action. School district administrative staff will be on hand to assist with the ceremony. Results of the vote were expected Tuesday evening, after the Observer’s press deadline.
Index Opinion ....................... A6 View Point .................. A7 Time Out..................... A8 Life & Times ............. A12 Sports................A19-A22 Arts & Events ... A23-A26 Vol. 107, No. 24, 44 pages