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Vol. 10, No. 31, Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Lamont man wants 24 hour emergency care Recent health crisis forces senior to make request Michelle Pinon Editor
A recent health crisis for one Lamont senior citizen was enough for him to wonder why the local health care centre does not have a true 24 hour emergency service. Len Doskoch, who developed sever abdominal pain the evening of May 4 was surprised when the ambulance had to transport him to the hospital in Fort Saskatchewan instead of dropping him off at the Lamont Health Care Centre (LHCC). Doskoch, who resides in Greenfield Echoes, (which is situated directly north of the health centre), says that he decided to retire in Lamont because of the hospital, but that it is not currently serving the community properly. In a letter to the health care board, Doskoch stated, “Accidents and sickness does not happen just between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.” He questioned why the health centre does not have 24 hour emergency service and asked when that will be restated. He went on to say in the letter, “It is my understanding that in the mid 1990’s, the emergency service was limited due to a doctor short-
age. Times have changed and I believe that with the beautiful facility we have to serve not only this community, but the surrounding area, this has to be revisited. I know for a fact that without proper emergency services, it is hurting the development of the Town of Lamont and is creating undo pressure on the Fort Saskatchewan Hospital.” Doskoch also sent his letter to the Town of Lamont, and is hoping for a response from the municipality as well as the health care centre board which next meets on Tuesday, June 23rd in the rotunda of Morley Young Manor at 2 p.m. Doskoch says the Lamont Health Care Centre is a first class facility, but is not being utilized to its full potential, and he says having 24 hour emergency care would go a long way to reaching full potential. He vows to continue to pursue the matter “until it gets taken care of” so that all town and county residents will have emergency access 24/7. Both LHCC Executive Director Harold James and Lamont Mayor Bill Skinner were contacted via email for comment, but did not respond before press time.
MICHELLE PINON PHOTO
These youngsters were getting a helping hand with the hair dryer before the annual Chipman 4-H Beef Club Show and Sale on Monday, June 1 at the ag. grounds in Chipman. Members showcased their goats, sheep and cattle during the one day event.