Warden acclaimed to third term

From Front Warden Robinson expressed her appreciation for the work of Mr. Yakabuski.

“The kind of relationship we have with our MPP and the kind of respect he has from his colleagues,” she said.

The warden received congratulations from several mayors in the county. Don Eady of Renfrew noted being unopposed for a third term is quite an accomplishment.

“COVID has changed our lives,” he said. “We are doing things differently. It takes real resilient people to keep things going.”

“We all strive to do the best for our constituents, but without the county’s help we would be hanging out to dry,” Whitewater Region Mayor Michael Moore said.

Pembroke Mayor Mike LeMay spoke of the success of the partnership with the County of Renfrew.

“We continue to share costs,” he noted. “Pembroke council is pleased we were able to complete a Memorandum of Understanding with county council for long-term care.”

Colonel John Vass of Garrison Petawawa offered his congratulations and reflected on the challenges of the last year.

“As an organization we have learned to navigate like the rest of you,” he said. While vaccine intake has been very high, it has been a difficult year in terms of the allegations of sexual misconduct in the military, he admitted.

“The Canadian Armed forces is in a bit of a crisis here,” he said, noting there have been harmful news reports regarding senior leaders.

“Culture change is needed across all ranks,” he said. “Culture change for me is one of my top priorities.”

He thanked all communities for allowing Petawawa soldiers to train throughout the county in realistic settings.

Warden Looks Forward Warden Robinson expressed her thanks for the support from council and staff.

“As we enter 2022, we do so as a united team,” she said.

Instead of dwelling on the challenges of 2021, it was important to highlight the successes of 2021, she said. The Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre is still functioning and has served more than 51,000 people since its inception, which is outstanding, she said. Permanent funding is needed, she said.

“Our residents will accept nothing less,” she added.

Council interested itself in the healthcare issue to deal with the fracturing of healthcare applications.

“Fast forward to today where Network 24’s steering committee, its membership includes our CAO Paul Moreau, our director of long-term care and our chief of paramedic services,” she said.

Working in partnership with four original applicants it is a joint submis- sion, she explained. The Official Plan Amendment 31 became a reality after lots of open meetings, closed meetings and consultation.

“The struggle to get there will be well worth the effort,” she said. “Growth will also be happening in our tourism sector.”

The Algonquin Trail, which she said is destined to be the pride and joy of area residents, is closer to completion.

Warden Robinson also expressed support for her senior leadership team at the county, noting they are “steadfast, bull-headed, innovative and battle-ready warriors.”

There have been major staffing changes in both Human Resources and Planning and the building has also been renovated, she pointed out. The need of help in community services continues, including the 456 people, including families who found themselves homeless.

“All but four now have a place to call home. The enormity of their situations cannot be understated, nor can the positive impact our staff continue to have on the health and wellbeing of our residents,” she noted.

Her address was heard by members of council both virtually and in person in the hybrid session.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be in council chambers again. It is a rarity and hopefully we will be able to engage in council chambers more in 2022,” Warden Robinson said.

New visiting policies at hospitals

Renfrew – Local hospitals are revising their visitor policies and adapting new regional recommendations effective immediately since the Omicron variant has been deemed a variant of concern.

Each admitted patient may designate only two visitors for the duration of their stay. Only one designated visitor can visit the patient per day.

At Renfrew Victoria, visitors can only visit the Acute Care Unit between 1 and 5 p.m. and the Complex Continuing Care between 2 and 6 p.m.

All designated individuals must be fully vaccinated and pass entrance screening prior to entering the hospital.

Visitors must perform hand hygiene when entering and leaving the facility and the patient’s room. They should remain in the patient’s room to minimize movement in the facility, use the call bell if assistance is required, use public washrooms (by ER waiting room) and not visit the cafeteria.

Visitors cannot consume food or beverages in the hospital.

The current list of exceptions for essential caregivers/care partners and visitors will be maintained (such as in end-of-life circumstances).

Outpatients can only bring an essential caregiver/care partner if necessary and if safety can be maintained.

Recognizing the impact these changes will have on patients, especially at this time of the year, the hospital will deploy iPads to patients so they can connect with family and loved ones virtually.

Only the following gifts can be brought to patients: new or freshly laundered clothes in packages that can be wiped down, packaged food items such as chocolates or edibles from a commercial kitchen (these cannot be shared with designated visitors who must remain masked during their visit), plants or unscented flowers and other items that can be disinfected with hospital-grade disinfectant. Home baked or cooked food items cannot be brought to the hospital.

At Pembroke Regional , only es - sential caregivers/care partners (only one at a time) may be present at the patient’s bedside at the same time as a visitor.

Unlike essential caregivers/care partners who can be with patients 24/7 as they are assisting in provision of care, visitors can only visit patients between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The current list of exceptions for essential caregivers/care partners and visitors will be maintained (such as in end-of-life circumstances). Outpatients can only bring an essential caregiver/care partner if necessary and if safety can be maintained.

The hospital will be accepting dropoffs of gifts for patients from friends or loved ones who are not designated visitors. These can be delivered to the screeners at the Tower B (Emergency Department) entrance and must be clearly labeled who they are for. Gifts such as plants or flowers should be unscented and home baked or cooked food items are not allowed.