Recent announcements of significance from County of Renfrew.
Warden Robinson applauds MPP Yakabuski’s intervention on behalf of paramedics
Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson in her address on April 29 said, “MPP Yakabuski has been influential in ensuring our voice is heard and has personally taken our issues to Ministers Elliott and Fullerton, to Premier Ford and to the Treasury Board. He has first-hand knowledge of the extraordinary work being done and the proactive planning undertaken by our long-term care Director Shelley Sheedy and our Chief of Paramedic Service Mike Nolan.
“MPP Yakabuski’s influence has resulted in some significant gains for us. Just yesterday he successfully advocated, on our behalf, for the inclusion of paramedics in the recent announcement of a $4 an hour wage hike for frontline workers. MPP Yakabuski’s efforts and the province’s willingness to review the list of eligible workers is much appreciated by this council and by our 124 paramedics who continue to tackle this pandemic every single day.
“We are all extremely proud of their efforts and the efforts of all frontline workers in the County of Renfrew and across the province of Ontario.”
Robinson also explained how the County is planning for the future. “The County of Renfrew established a Renfrew County Economic Recovery Task Force to reach out to sectoral leaders to share information and to create an action plan to allow us to be prepared to move forward from a position of strength following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effects of this pandemic will leave organizations and local businesses in great financial hardship. Economic Development staff have been contacting local businesses to hear how they are coping and to learn about the challenges they are facing. The first meeting of the task force held on April 23, 2020 was to discuss options with the intent of forming a practical work plan.”
Barber,M.(2020,Apr.29) April 29 2020 Warden’s Address final [media release]
74 percent fewer Emergency visits thanks to RC VTAC
A media release received on April 29th states early data shows that 74 percent of patients assessed by the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) would otherwise likely visit an Emergency Department and/or call the 9-1-1 Service to address non-emergency health concerns.
The 24/7 health-care service launched on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 situation. To date, the RC VTAC clinicians have assessed more than 2,000 Renfrew County residents via phone or video appointments. In addition, there have been well over 550 patients who receive an in-home assessment from a community paramedic and out of these visits, 80 percent meet the criteria and are swabbed for COVID-19 testing.
“We’ve noticed a significant change in the way people are using 9-1-1 as well as Emergency Departments,” reported Mike Nolan, Chief of the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service. “We know that many of the people calling RC VTAC would have, in the past, called 9-1-1 or presented themselves to the Emergency Department as it was their only choice. For those that primary care providers are concerned about, a community paramedic will go to their home, do a follow-up assessment, initiate treatment, and in some cases leave behind remote monitoring devices so they can be managed virtually, 24/7.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic all five Renfrew County Emergency Departments remain open and residents who are experiencing a health emergency should call 9-1-1 immediately. This may include:
- suspected heart attack
- suspected stroke
- major bleeding
- severe breathing problems
The RC VTAC is available to eligible Renfrew County residents, 24/7 by calling 1-844-727-6404. Learn more at www.rcvtac.ca
McDermott,M.(2020,Apr.29) Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre results in 74% of patients avoiding a likely Emergency Department visit [media release]