Reading University graduates PAGE 2
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 105 Issue 48
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 s
Health Minister addresses Emergency Room closures Town of Tofield cautiously optimistic Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
The Town of Tofield has received a response from Provincial Health Minister Adriana LaGrange around their letter of concern, sent in May, regarding the continuous overnight closures of the Tofield Emergency Department since Dec. due to ongoing staffing issues. Tofield Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards said, during an interview in May, that the Emergency Department overnight closures were concerning as it puts additional pressure on ambulance services. “Not only is that putting additional strain on the ambulance services, but that’s also increasing volume for our neighbours at these other facilities,” he said. “The ambulance services are being requested to do transports to other facilities, such as Viking, Lamont, Vegreville, Sherwood Park, and Camrose.” Edwards sent a letter to the health minister’s office that included signatures from Beaver County and the villages of Ryley, Holden, and Viking. LaGrange said in her response, received by Tofield on July 11, that she shared their concern around the closures and they were a temporary measure. “AHS also has a dedicated team in place to support health care professional retention and recruitment efforts in the region,” she said in her letter. “In fact, four registered nurses have been recruited to the Tofield Health Centre and are currently in orientation. Two new licensed practical nurses have also been hired. These new staff members are expected to support the site's return to regular hours over the summer.” LaGrange also addressed plans to combat the future staffing issues for rural hospitals.
The Emergency Department at Tofield Health Care Centre has been plagued with overnight closures since December due to what is described as ongoing staffing issues. LISA KUFLAY PHOTO “Additionally, AHS is engaging with the Rural Health Professions Action Plan to collaborate on staff attraction and retention strategies and support health care professionals who are new to rural communities,” she said. “The province's Health Workforce Strategy (www.alberta.ca/health-workforce-strategy.aspx) is also focused on addressing health labour shortages, including those in rural communities, and streamlining the credential recognition process for internationally educated health care workers.” LaGrange said the Alberta government is investing $72 million over three years to create more than 3,400 new seats in post-secondary institutions including seats for students in nursing, health care aide, and paramedicine programs. Edwards said that, after receiving LaGrange’s response, the Town is cautiously optimistic.
“The Town respects the response provided by the Health Minister, and views this with cautious optimism. There have been changes initiated, such as longer operating hours for the Emergency Department. This is a relief for our residents, and the whole of Beaver County,” he said by email. “We remain hopeful that the already implemented change can continue, and the return to normal operating hours is soon. “The process has been long; however, we do understand the constraints in having this move forward. Ultimately, the service needs to return for the betterment, and safety of our region.” According to AHS the opening hours for the Tofield Emergency Department have been extended since June 30 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. up to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m with a return to regular 24-hour service anticipated later this summer.
&1* &1*
&:* 5- &:* 5-
SJJ WIPIGX JVEQIW SJJ WIPIGX JVEQIW SJJ FPYI PMKLX GSEXMRK SJJ FPYI PMKLX GSEXMRK & &YK YK
4++.(* -497 4++.(* -497 2 243)&= 43)&= 8 89* )&= 9* )&= ; ;*)3* )&= *)3* )&= 8 -97 )&= 8-97 )&= +7.)&= +7.)&= &897)&= &897)&=
'440 =497 *=* *<&2 ).7*(81= 431.3* &8 ;;; 84+.*1)*=*(&7* (42 '440 =497 *=* *<&2 ).7*(81= 431.3* &8 ;;; 84+.*1)*=*(&7* (42
Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, August 2, 2023
L
THE LAMONT
Affordable Advertising with
The
Classifieds
CLASSIFIED AD RATES
$14 minimum for first 25 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE BOLD $10 $5 Go into The Community Press for an extra $5 WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com
TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com
LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS Raspberries are ready! Pickling Cucumbers with Dill Potatoes Onions Carrots Beans Are All Ready! Off Highway 13 Turn North on RR 122 go North 3 Miles. Helen Tanton 780-888-6800 tfnc COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS Brian's U-Pick Fruits and Berries and Vegetables will be opening the U-Pick August 1. Must phone for picking and times 780-678-0053 30/31p ________________________ Brian's U-Pick Fruits and Berries and Vegetables will be opening on Friday, July 28 at 11 am to 5 pm for vegetables. Here are the vegetables that are ready for picking: Beets, Swiss Chard, Peppers, Herbs, Pickling Dill and Garlic. Must phone in advance for times 780-678-0053 30/31p
Does your club have an event planned? Advertise in the Classifieds
EADER
Serving
Lamont
county
3 papers for the price of 1!
FOR SALE FOR SALE
SERVICES SERVICES
SERVICES SERVICES
SERVICES SERVICES
E X C E P T I O N A L Opportunity…80 acres, newer bungalow with separate entrance, triple attached drivethrough garage, 60’x120’ drive-through shop, multiple outbuildings. Only 30 minutes to Sherwood Park & Scotford! Call Lori Hunt RE/MAX River City 780 231-3682.
Carpet and Upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV Cleaning. Call John and Sheri at Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at 780-384-3087 ________________________ Mike & Dave RV Inc. Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 Or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca ** Located just 11 kms North of Tofield on Highway 834 ** TM31-36p ________________________ Hummingbird Landscape & Concrete LTD, concrete work - shop floors, garage floors, patios, sidewalks. Call Ernest Rudy 780-632-1792 ________________________ Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097
Drywall Taping/ Ceiling Texturing
Need to re-order: •Company Forms? •Invoices? •Envelopes? •Business Cards? •Bookmarks? •Magnets? •Score Cards? •Stamps? •Certificates? •Receipts? •Posters? •Invitations? •Calendars? •Letterheads? •Menus? And more! Call your local paper with your print order today! WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com
31/36p ________________________ 8.5 dozen 32 oz. (946 ml) quart jars, 6 dozen 16 oz. (500 ml) pint jars, 22 8 oz. (237 ml) jelly jars & 1 twin hospital bed. Call Doreen 780-4462686 FOR RENT RENT FOR 1 month FREE rent with 1 year lease. 2 bedroom apartment in Killam. Call Chuck at 780-263-7290 tfnp HELP WANTED WANTED HELP Light labourer position; part time or full time. Pickup required. $25 to $50/hr depending on experience. Text Toby at Artistic Renovations (780) 907-3622 30p ________________________ K-9 Choice Foods in Tofield, Alberta is now hiring for all departments with opportunities in lead hand and management positions! "No Experience Required" positions available in our raw pet food packaging and processing departments starting at $18.00/hr. We are also looking for skilled meat cutters, band saw operators, delivery driver, and livestock processors. $20.00/hr to $30/hr to start depending on applicants level of experience and expertise. Deliver resumes in person to: K9 Choice Foods Inc. 5025 - 47A Street Tofield, Alberta. Email resumes to: deb@k9choicefoods.com. Call to book an interview appointment: Phone: (780) 922-6642. TM28-33p
40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call! Willing to travel anywhere in the county. I also do ceiling textures. Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251 tfnp ________________________ Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 tfnp
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - Page 17
Campbell McLennan
CHRYSLER ER DODGE JEEP RAM KILLAM, AB
L I A H E N O ! e l a s a f o
MONSTER HAIL HIT UP TO 50 NEW & PRE-OWNED VEHICLES WITH SLIGHT TO MODERATE DAMAGE
CALL 780-385-2121
! Y R R U H s are e l HISTORICALLY BIG SAVINGS NEVER SEEN BEFORE! c i h e V ! t s a F g n WE’RE PASSING THOUSANDS IN CLAIM MONEY DIRECTLY TO YOU! Movi
New 2023 Ram 1500 Rebel Havoc
4x4 Crew
New 2023 Ram 1500 Limited 4x4 Crew
HAIL DISCOUNT: $14,033 OFF!!! HAIL DISCOUNT: $18,843 OFF!!!
Campbell McLennan
CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM KILLAM, AB
New 2023 Jeep Wagoneer Series II Carbide
! d l so
780-385-2121 campbellmclennan.com HAIL DISCOUNT: $16,473 OFF!!!
Located at: 4519-51a Avenue, Killam, AB