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APRIL 14, 1976 TERRACE BAY NEWS PAGE -3 LETTER TO EDITOR: Cont'd What good is a test result if a physician can- not rely on it? As a requirement of licensure and to insure the efficiency of the facility, a Registered Laboratory Technician was employ- ed. So that answers why and when. SECOND QUESTION: "On:whose recommendation did the board install in the lab a Coulter Counter, cost approximately $6,500.00 to do blood counts that were already being done man- ually?" In setting up the laboratory, the board very wisely sought the advice of the Hospi- tal's Consultant in laboratory medicine and pathology, Dr. Frank Lone of the Port Arthur General Hospital. On his advice the hospital did not purchase the Coulter Counter, but has offered to lease it from the Coulter Company. Dr. Lone pointed out that it was false econo- my to do tests manually as the methods are slow, and a technologist's time expensive. Also, as already mentioned, the tests are re- liable when done by the automated method and, of course, the technician's time is free to perform other laboratory tests. THIRD QUESTION: "In a time of financial stress, where will the funds come from?" The Ministry of Health, realizing that there are implicit minimum standards regarding hospital laboratory capability, .has agreed to consider these expenses in view of the fact that no hospital laboratory existed during the time period on which financial calculations for the Ministry's constraints were based. FOURTH QUESTION: "Why is a qualified person under utilized? The present Director of Nur- sing has never been involved in the decision making related to reduction and revision of hospital staffing." I certainly agree that anyone guilty of not utilizing any source of experience and know- ledge when confronted with such a disagreeable and lonely task would not only be stupid, but masochistic as well. I can, however, put your minds at ease. Your hospital board is neith~ er. It did its level best to spread the res- ponsibility around, but found few takers. I have first hand knowledge that the board con- sulted with all levels of employees and asked for their suggestions. I hope this will shed some light on these questions for Althea and the rest of the com- munity. None of this information has ever been confidential as implied in the letter, and I would entreat anyone who has burning questions about development and decisions at the hospital to ask and keep asking. Perhaps a few more comments are in order regarding the distressing confrontation that has emerged as a result of the nursing cuts that were necessary in order for the board to comply with theMinistry's constraint program. I sympathize with the nurses and I think they should fight to keep their jobs. (As the board has fought long and hard with the Minis- try for exactly the same objective). I am at a loss, however, to understand why the nurses have been attacking the board and using the new lab as a scapegoat. It certainly seems counter productive to me to attempt to divide a community over false issues when it is of the utmost importance that the community be united in its resolve to fight the common en- emy at this time. (i.e. The Ministry of Health -'s constraint program.) I do not mean to downgrade the job done by those who had to put up with these facilities - they did the best possible job. However, I think this community deserves modern medical care, and I don't think you should listen when people tell you that "it has been good enough all these years so why change now". To draw an analogy, the Model T was a very good car in its day but it would just not be allowed on the highways today. Perhaps a comparison with other community hospitals of comparable size might by enlight- ening. Continued page 4 STRAND THEATRE TERRACE BAY - ONTARIO - TELEPHONE 825-3771 * SHOW TIMES - MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:00 P.M. FRIDAY & SATURDAY 7 & 9 P.M. SUNDAY 8:30 P.M. rhe. 15 ri.16 sa 17 NASHVILLE REBEL ADULT ENTERT AINMENT ADULT ENTERTAINMENT Where were Hr mE) you in'62? A iA ANORMAN JEWISON Fig i' | Sun. 18 Mon. 19 - "JESUS : CHRIST = (mys | suprRsIAR] : -- J en vi ch WSL ADULT ENTERTAINMENT rue. 20 wed. 21 ; ADULT ENTERTAINMENT