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Was the Town of Oakville correct in banning the collection of grass clippings that started on April 1st? Yes :8 No: 23 A groUp culled Save Oakville Paediatrics, does not intend to let the issue of bed closures die with this vague recommendation. They intend to submit a brief further outlining their concerns about the situation to the HDHC as part of their input into the decision-making process. One of the difiiculties in dealing with hospital services in this area is that of both demographics and geography. If taken in isolation, there is enough of a patient-base to justify paediatric and other services in both Joseph Brant and OTMH. Not only Burlington and Oakville are growth areas in the region but all of Halton is expanding and will continue to so, sandwiched as it is, between Hamilton and Toronto. If either Burlington or Oakville were located a substantial distance from one another, as in the case of Windsor and London, for example, there would be little question of rationalizing paediatric units. No one still knows what will happen but it is at least encouraging to note that it looks like the views of parents are being taken seriouslyâ€"just how seriously, remains to be determined. Helping out Atkinson's job, through the Halton District Health Council, is to look at how medical services are delivered in the region and recommend. ways to do it more efficiently and costâ€"effectively. Parents immediately expressed concerns that given the size of Oakville, it would be folly to shut down operations hene, for instance, and transfer the paediatric func- tion to Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, for instance. The recent recommendation by Atkinson to the Steering Committee for the Hospital Utilization Study, still doesn't fully address concerns of these parents. The recommendation is only that neither Joseph Brant nor OTMH will lose all of their paediatric department beds. The inference, of course, is that both hospitals will lose some paediatric beds and the only remaining question is just how many beds will be lost.We‘ll have to wait until late next month before we know the full extent of the decision. Robert Glasbey Advertising Director Norman Alexander Editor Geoff Hill Circulation Director Teri Cane Ofllce Manager Tim Cole: Production Manager en medical consultant Dr. John Atkinson told area residents that a ‘J" review of operations at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, could see some areas, including the paediatrics unit, rationalized with other Halton hospitals. there was an immediate outcry. Ian Oliver Publisher And this past week, the Easter food drive launched by Oakvillers Fareshare Foodbank, along with other similar foodbanks from here through Metro Toronto, has fallen short of its target. . is the amount of money people are willing to give for these causes. Volunteers from these groups, such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Sal yation Army and the like, are meeting with resistance when soliciting funds. One of the greatest concerns facing any kind of support group in a recession The campaign was disastrous for Fareshane. Over the week the foodbank col- lected only half the amount of food they received last year. Donations are still being accepted; especially itenls such as canned mean and stews, spaghetti sauce, cereal, juice, peanut butter and canned beans. If you can help out, drop off you} items to‘Famhare at 1240 Speers Rd., Unit 6 on Mondays, from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 pm. and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m.â€"7:00 p.m. CALL845-5585 Waiting game EDITORIAL RESULTS OF LAST WEEK'S POLI 467 Speers Road. _Oakvil|e, Ont. L6K SS4 Classified Advertising: 845-2809 Circulation: 845-9742 or 845-9743 WEEKLY POLL 845-3824 'Fax: 845-3085 Are you in favor of some kind of standardized testing in Ontario schools? Cast your ballot by calling 845-5585, box 5008 to vote yes or no. Calleré have until 12 noon Thursdiy to register their vote. Results of the poll will be published in the next _Friday edition of the Oakville Beaver. The Oakvllo Beam. published every Sundsl. Wmsday and may. a! 487 n Rd. Oakvile. Is one o! the Marohnd Pnnmg. Pubishlng A Dldlbuflng le olsubuman "W! Mlichlnchdos ' ‘Pidgflo? News Advanbar. ' Manes. ammo" Guadian, Bu n on Colhgwood Connection. Etobiccke Gunman. Geo own I Anon Fm Plus. Danger: This Week. Lhdsa Week. Mama" Economist and Sun. 9mm Ttbum, M n Cal-dun WWW? “ WWW“ $.19 “m: smmm °w "° or. us no as Is ask. Ridlmond HIVThom I/Vauyan Limnl. Alli-amid whiishedhlm Oakvila Baevorispmleasdby ‘ .Any mprommoninvm qhmdmismelhlismalylomidden nwi tho cdmmol mo pmm Dear Sir: - This letter is in response to an article written by Diane Hart titled “Timeless message endures.” As an employee of OTMH, I was disturbed by Ms Hart's comments. She goes on to say how she had to hold an IV drip and her OTMH gown while making a phone call, and being curiously watched. Why did she not ask a nurse or an aide to use a telephone from one of the beds. Then she goes on to say how the “blood lady” or “Attila the Hun” (meaning the one who lead a massacre in the Roman era) jabbed her. Helping out at times tak- ing blood, I personally know this “blood lady.” She is a decent caring person. I once helped her withdraw blood from an infant (not an easy task). I saw her cry in happiness when'she saw blood filling the tube. She knew she would hot have to inflict more pain on this helpless little infant. Dear Sir: During the month of April, our awareness of cancer is intensified. The Canadian Cancer Society together with our donations are working towards reducing the incidence of.cancer and helping those already diagnosed with it. When one hears of this disease, rarely do we think of it as being one that affects children. However, cancer is the second most common cause of death in children (accidents being the first). In 1992, the Paediatric Oncology Group of Ontario recorded a total caseload of 2408 children living with cancer in Ontario, By the year 2000, it is estimated that one in 1,000 Canadian adults will be survivors of childhood cancer. When one meets these children, one can't help but be amazed at their attitude. We could all learn from their bravery. Childhood cancer treatment is fundamentally different from adult treatment. It is more intensive, longer-termed, and requires more in-patient treatment. there are repeated transitions between acute illness and health. through all the resultant side-effects-the children are able to bounce 'back, to laugh and to smile. Their Childhood‘s have been intruded upon by this disease. Time to think of cancer children in April Column on hospital stay was disturbing I've had f0 take blood from people who didn’t The Oakville Beaver welcomes your comments. All letters must be signed and include the writer's address and phone number. Letters should be typed, double-spaced and addressed to: Letters to the Editor, The Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, Ont. L6K 354 Their playground is often located in hospital wards, playrooms and lounges. Even very young children with cancer develop an unusually intense medical vocabuâ€" lary. Intravenous, port-aâ€"cath, lumbar puncture, spinal tap, CT. scan and the names of each chemotherapy drug they receive become part of their everyday language. These children's futures are uncertain. Their present is filled with periods of physical and emotional pain. yet they continue to attack life with great zeal, vigour and excitement. At times they are forced to grow4up and face what might seem to be insurmountable challenges. Then just as quickly, they revert to being the cheerful, unincumbered children they are and should be. They have been presented with a giant hurdle at a very early stage of their life. one that many of us will never have to face. Children with cancer have the willpower and and hope‘to overcome this hurdle. Let us ensure that they have the means to do so. help my confidence. When people see you coming to take blood, you often hear “are you a vampire” or"‘you better not miss.” How do you think that fells? Let me tell you it hurts. But as health care professionals we deal with it. Having worked in emerg. on occasion, I see the pressures; obnoxious patients; screaming patients; and unfortunately dying patients. But we realize it’s part of our job. And as for Ms Hart’s clothing going into a personal effects bag â€" it is one term frequently used throughout hospitals. Unfortunately in hospitals people do pass away. In such a case should we then transfer the clothing to a bag marked “morgue.” Then there would beno compassion for any family receiving that bag at the other end of this sometimes “imperfect World.” Helen Pastoric Parents of Childnen with Cancer Self-Help GroupJ-Ialton Region Claudio Furlone OTMH Lab.