If it appears like local health care is a mutual admiration society, we have a lot to be proud of in Renfrew County- where it seems everyone is on the same page with innovation. Oldies 107.7 presents a series of themed features to be excerpted over the next several days, highlighting the opinions of three key players who’ve been with us to keep us well.
Mike Nolan, EMS Chief for the County of Renfrew reminds us that just twelve days into the COVID-19 pandemic, RC VTAC was up and running.
He says a critical function has been providing virtual physician access to those who have no family doctor.
But our local paramedics have been diversifying their skill sets to relieve the pressures of having to visit the hospital.
Renfrew County Paramedics are now working side-by-side with ER staff to give these critical workers a break and keep the local Emergency open.
Nolan says ARH is where VTAC got its start.
Former Acting Medical Officer of Health, Doctor Robert Cushman, only retired at 2022 year’s end.
Cushman says the closely-knit nature of Renfrew County was our biggest asset in circling the wagons against COVID-19.
The retired Medical Officer of Health says it was great to see so many oars pulling in the same direction, and where that wasn’t always the case, the courtesy of respecting other opinions prevailed.
As the RC VTAC program expanded, it became the backbone of our local coping mechanism, according to Cushman.
Where other local hospitals have difficulties staffing their Emergency Departments, not so Arnprior Regional Health, according to CEO Leah Levesque.
The ARH CEO says it’s a template that is now being copied elsewhere.
Levesque recalls the early days of the pandemic when folks would bang kitchen pots in appreciation of our health care heroes.
She says recognition of jobs well done in trying circumstances is important to staff retention in critical times.
By Rick Stow