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A fundraiser is taking place March 22 to help victims feel safer. — Page 3
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SPORTS
Aiden Leggett of Smiths Falls has his Team Canada hockey jersey signed by Walter Gretzky at a charity hockey game in Arnprior Feb. 16 between the NHL Alumni team of former National Hockey League stars and the Law Enforcement all-stars made up of area OPP officers. The game raised money for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Special Olympics. Gretzky, the father of NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky, is the alumni team’s guest coach and ambassador.
News - Settlement agreements approved by the court on Monday, Feb. 24 will give access to compensation to former residents of the Rideau Regional and Southwestern Regional Centres who suffered harm while living at the facilities between 1963 and 2009. The combined value of the settlements is $32.7 million. The settlements were approved in Superior Court on Feb. 24 as the result of class action lawsuits brought against Ontario by former residents. Class members will be able to apply for compensation through an independent claims administrator. If money is left over after class members have been compensated and legal fees have been paid, Ontario will invest up to $2.7 million in programs that benefit people with a developmental disability. This is in addition to Ontario’s commitment to provide up to $5 million for the same purpose under the Huronia Regional Centre settlement, approved on Dec. 3, 2013. The Rideau Regional and Southwestern Regional Centres were residential facilities for
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News - Your health and the health of our communities is a primary concern for staff at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital and it’s for this reason that starting on Saturday, March 1, smoking will not be permitted anywhere on site in Smiths Falls or Perth. Staff will be implementing a smokefree property policy as part of its commitment to providing the healthiest environment for patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and visitors. “This decision sends a clear message to our constituents that prevention is as important as treatment of illness and that we at the PSFDH are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment,” said Lynda Hendriks, chair of the board of directors.
Smoking will no longer be permitted anywhere on the hospital property, inside or out. All staff, patients, visitors, volunteers will be required to leave the hospital property entirely – including parking lots – if they wish to smoke. Tobacco enforcement officers will be patrolling the area and if smokers are caught on the property, an incident report will be sent to hospital staff, said Linda Bisonette, president and CEO. “It’s actually a $305 fine, if caught,” she said. Bisonette added that they have wanted to bring in this policy for some time but because the hospital has been under construction, they didn’t want to send people into the street for a smoke. “It was really a safety concern about sending people into the street while we had construction going on as that was re-
ally difficult,” she said. “But now that’s all finished and we can implement this new enforcement.” Tobacco-related diseases cost the Ontario economy more than $1.6 billion in direct health care costs and account for 500,000 hospital days per year in the province. “As a healthcare leader, it is essential that Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital take a proactive role in protecting anyone who comes to our sites from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke,” added Bisonette. “We know smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in Ontario. It is a major risk factor for chronic disease such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema.” For many years, smoking has been banned within nine metres of any hospital entrance. “We are taking the extra step of
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banning smoking anywhere on hospital property this March,” Bisonette said. On March 1 signage at the two hospital sites will be posted stating that all property is smoke-free. “The medical staff supports and applauds the decision of the board of directors to implement the Smoke Free Property Policy,” said Dr. Peter Roney, chief of staff. “As physicians, we see the impact of smoking on the health of our patients on a daily basis.” Staff training in smoking cessation is currently under way and physician ordering of Nicotine Replacement Therapy through the hospital pharmacies is planned. The hospital offers its thanks, in advance, for everyone’s support in maintaining the smoke-free sites to combat this avoidable cause of cancer.
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people with developmental disabilities. Rideau Regional Centre operated near Smiths Falls and Southwestern Regional Centre operated near Chatham. The facilities closed in 2009 and 2008, respectively. “I am pleased that we have reached a fair settlement with former residents of the Southwestern and Rideau Regional Centres who were harmed there,” said John Gerretsen, Attorney General. “We cannot change the past, but we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that all Ontarians – regardless of their abilities – are treated with the compassion, dignity and respect they deserve.” Ted McMeekin, Minister of Community and Social Services, added: “Our vision is an inclusive Ontario where people have the supports they need to live as independently as possible within our communities. We are all enriched by this diversity.” On Dec. 9, 2013, Premier Kathleen Wynne delivered a
Hospital properties to be smoke-free by Saturday, March By LAURIE WEIR
The Bears get hung up in Carleton Place. — Page SF16
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Residents can apply for compensation from class action lawsuit
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