RENFREW COUNTY (Renfrew) — County of Renfrew staff, elected officials and the Mayor of the Town of Renfrew met with Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski and Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton to review existing services and discuss potential models of care involving Paramedic Services and Long-Term Care.
“It is an honour to share the stories and experiences of front-line Paramedics with the Ministers. We also had an opportunity to explore many of the innovative services such as the use of drones, remote patient monitoring and point of care testing,” said Chief Paramedic Michael Nolan, Director of Emergency Services, County of Renfrew. “Additionally, there were discussions regarding Community Paramedicine to support vulnerable residents in the community.”
The tour took place on Thursday, October 17 at the County of Renfrew Paramedic Base in Renfrew, a visit to a Community Paramedic patient and ended at the Bonnechere Manor.
“Welcoming Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, the Minister of Long-Term Care to Bonnechere Manor is a highlight for our Home and great source of pride for our residents, staff and volunteers. I am very pleased that Ministers Fullerton and Yakabuski took time out of their busy schedules to chat with residents and tour the Manor,” said Shelley Sheedy, Director of Long-Term Care, County of Renfrew. “We look forward to continuing the conversation and collaborating with the government of Ontario on our services to the residents in Renfrew County.”
There are currently 1,200 people in Renfrew County on the Long-Term Care waitlist. Staff and elected officials were encouraged that both Ministers were engaged in the conversation to reduce the pressures on Paramedic Services and Long-term Care.
“It is a privilege to convene a meeting of local, county and provincial elected officials to discuss the many challenges facing the residents of Renfrew County and develop solutions as to how municipalities and the Government of Ontario can help to make Renfrew County a healthier community for all,” said Mayor Jennifer Murphy, Warden, County of Renfrew.
The Bonnechere Manor is a highly regarded long-term care home in Renfrew, which is owned and operated by the County of Renfrew. Since 1958, a wide-range of quality long-term programs and services including 24-hour nursing care, accommodation, meals, as well as physiotherapy programs and a variety of social and recreational activities have been provided to the 180 residents that call the Manor ‘home’.
