gstruthers – Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

Note: Under its State of Emergency, Ontario is prohibiting public events or gatherings of more than five people. The only exceptions are families with more than five people and child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first responders (so long as each centre does not exceed 50 people). Funerals are permitted, but only with up to 10 people at a time).

Given the current COVID-19 situation and new ban, do NOT organize any large gathering/event until further notice.

General Tips for Event Planning After COVID-19

In future, when organizing or attending a large gathering/event like a concert, festival, worship service or cultural/sporting event, you need to make an informed decision. Many people in close contact in one location for a long time can lead to the spread of respiratory illnesses. Other factors also come into play, such as venue cleanliness, crowd size, health and age of attendees, and number of high-touch areas (like doors, elevators).

Organizers

Each event is different, so assess the type, size, scope and need for it. Consider the number of people who may attend too.
If you still plan to hold an event, assess the risk and take steps to reduce the spread of illness. Consider things like:
- Reducing the number of participants or changing the venue to prevent crowding
- Thinking about who will attend. If they are older or have weak immune systems/pre-existing health conditions, they may be at higher risk of getting sick from illnesses like COVID-19
- Staggering arrivals and departures
- Providing packaged refreshments instead of a buffet
- Increasing access to handwashing stations
- Promoting personal protective practices (hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, staying home if ill)
- Offering virtual or live-streamed activities
- Changing the event program to reduce high risk activities such as those that require physical contact between participants.
These resources offer further guidance to assess risks and take steps to reduce spread of illness at events:
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- World Health Organization

NOTE: If you are a church/place of worship, you may also want to review the sharing of items during special religious sacraments/rites. Check with your diocese, parish or national denomination for more specifics.

Attendees

Do not attend a large gathering/event if you are a health care worker, police, firefighter or paramedic, or someone who would have difficulty being in home isolation for 14 days
Avoid events/gatherings if you are sick. Stay home, except to get medical care
Use precautions if attending a large event. Wash hands frequently with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer). Cover cough/sneeze. Keep a two-metre distance from others

Medical Officer of Health – Summary

Posted on March 13, 2020March 13, 2020 by gstruthers

A Little About Us:

Covering an area of more than 9,000 km, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit offers the best of both worlds. The area includes an urban and rural mix that encompasses beautiful cottage country, yet also sits in close proximity to Toronto along the 401 corridor. Explore HKPR District Health Unit and come work where others come to play!

A Little About You:

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH) is responsible for ensuring the administration and provision of public health programs and services to our area residents. As Chair of the Health Unitʼs Executive and Management team, the MOH provides leadership, support and advice on matters of population health, epidemiology, health promotion and health protection. You have a deep understanding of Ontarioʼs public health system and are a leader with demonstrated relationship-building skills who can guide the organization through strategic and human resource planning, financial management, policy and procedure development, and compliance with relevant legislation.

Other Key Qualities:

You are:

compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of others
respectful, treating people as equals, and valuing othersʼ perspectives and differences
accountable, and take responsibility for what you say, and what you do
looking for solutions and committed to strengthening public health
always learning, and receptive to different perspectives
curious and always seeking a deeper understanding
a mentor to others by sharing your knowledge and experience
a solution finder, empowered to solve the challenges we face in public health

Qualifications:

A Medical Degree (MD) with a full license to practise medicine in Ontario Current certification in Community Medicine/Public Health and Preventive Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

A minimum of five years experience as a Medical or Associate Medical Officer of Health serving as executive officer/division head/senior manager of a public health organization

Location: Port Hope

Start Date: July 2020

Accommodations are available, upon request, to support the participation of persons with disabilities in the recruitment process. All recruitment documents are available in alternative format, upon request.

Qualified applicants are invited to send a resume and cover letter by
4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2020 to:

Human Resources
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
200 Rose Glen Road Port Hope ON L1A 3V6
Tel: 1-866-888-4577
Fax: 905‑885‑9551
E‑mail: jobs@hkpr.on.ca

We would like to thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Medical Officer of Health – Description

Posted on March 13, 2020March 13, 2020 by gstruthers

Position Summary:

As the Executive Officer of the Health Unit, the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) is accountable to the Board of Health (BOH) for ensuring the administration and provision of public health programs and services to residents of the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District as delineated by the Health Protection and Promotion Act, Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) 2018, policies and directives of the BOH, and other relevant legislation.

As the Chair of the Health Unit Executive and Management Committees, the MOH is accountable to the BOH for leading the operation and administration of the Health Unit.

The MOH regularly encounters differing complex problems requiring judgment to identify and analyze alternative courses of action and apply them to new solutions or applications.

The position involves travel and variations of the working day.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Administration and Human Resources

Leads the overall operation and administration of the Health Unit including strategic and human resource planning, financial management, policy and procedure development and compliance, and ensuring adherence to relevant legislation.
Ensures the establishment of and adherence to collective agreements with local bargaining units of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and/or the Ontario Nurses Association.
Chairs the Health Unit Executive and Management Committees.
Participates in the recruitment and supervision of Directors and other staff as appropriate.
Conducts performance management of Directors, assigned Management staff and Executive Assistant, Medical Officer of Health.
Advises the BOH of staffing issues, needs, and accomplishments.
Consults with the Executive and Management Committees and the BOH on labour relations and personnel matters as appropriate.
Generates regular, timely, complete and accurate records and reports to adequately reflect the general operation of the Health Unit, and reports as required by the BOH.
Works in accordance with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
Consults with the Chief Nursing Officer on matters related to professional practice.

Professional

Exercises the powers of and carries out the duties of a medical officer of health as defined in the Health Protection and Promotion Act and related Acts.
Provides leadership, expert information and advice to the BOH, the Executive and Management Committees, Health Unit staff, community partners and the general public regarding public health concerns, programs, and services and matters requiring medical expertise.
Maintains competency as a Public Health Physician in accordance with Regulated Health Professionals Legislation and by attending appropriate continuing education workshops, conferences and seminars, through private study and/or participation in networks.
Maintains effective working relationships with Health Unit staff and personnel of other community agencies.
Liaises with Ministry Consultants, elected and appointed Officials, other health units, provincial organizations, and other agencies.
Represents the Health Unit on committees, Boards and task forces as appropriate and as approved by the BOH.
Maintains awareness of and takes steps to increase public awareness of Health Unit activities and ensure the positive reputation of the Health Unit in the community.

Financial

Is accountable to the BOH for the financial management of the Health Unit.

Program

Facilitates cooperation, coordination and collaboration amongst staff to support the efficient and effective administration of the Health Unit.
Ensures the creation, maintenance and communication to Health Unit staff of a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan.
In collaboration with the Executive and Management Committees and others as appropriate, ensures that the assessment, planning, delivery, management, evaluation and documentation of Health Unit programs are completed, and are in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
Includes a system of continuous quality improvement in assigned programs and services.
Ensures divisional programs and services are compliant with the Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee’s relevant best practice documents.

Physical

Ensures that Directors and assigned Management staff work in a safe manner and ensures that the Health Unit provides a healthy and safe working environment as required by Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
Performs work in an environment (primarily indoors) with little to no exposure to disagreeable conditions or hazards.
Does light physical activity of long duration and medium physical activity of intermediate duration.
Performs work involving almost continuous periods of mental, visual and/or auditory concentration of intermediate duration and/or frequent periods of long duration.
Detects and works toward eliminating health hazards throughout the Health Unit.

Qualifications:

Education

Requirements for employment as a Medical Officer of Health as per Section 64 and Regulation 566 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act
Certification in Community Medicine/Public Health and Preventive Medicine from and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Experience

Minimum of five years as an Associate/Medical Officer of Health and serving as executive officer/division head/senior manager of a public health organization

Other

Proof of current registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Proficiency in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the role of Public Health, Manager/Supervisor as defined by the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada
Understanding of the Health Protection and Promotion Act and related Acts
Working knowledge of the OPHS
Understanding of Ontario’s public health system
Understanding of modern public health practice and related sciences (epidemiology and biostatistics, emergency preparedness, environmental health, health promotion, infectious disease, etc.)
Understanding of current and (re-)emerging public health and preventive medicine issues
Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Current and satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
Proof of immunizations required by HKPRDHU
Satisfactory completion of Health and Safety certification and Basic Emergency Management training within one year of hire.
Satisfactory completion of probationary period (6 months)

Follow Us on COVID-19

Posted on March 11, 2020March 20, 2020 by gstruthers

You can find and follow updates on COVID-19 in your local community via the following HKPR resources:

If you have questions about COVID-19, you can also contact the Health Unit via email at info@hkpr.on.ca

Public Health Nurse -Health Protection

Posted on February 27, 2020February 27, 2020 by gstruthers

Competition #0003-20 – Public Health Nurse
(Parental/Pregnancy Leave Coverage)

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has an opening for a 1.0 Full-Time contract Public Health Nurse within its Health Protection Division based in our Port Hope office.

Position Summary:

As a member of the Communicable Disease Prevention & Control department (CDPC) of the Health Protection Division, the CDPC Nurse is accountable to CDPC Management for the implementation of the assigned Requirements of the Infectious and Communicable Diseases Prevention & Control Program Standard, Immunization Standard, and/or School Health Standard of the Ontario Public Health Standards (OPHS) 2018 and related protocols and guidelines including but not limited to the:

Infection Prevention and Control Protocol
Infection Prevention and Control Complaint Protocol
Infection Prevention and Control Disclosure Protocol
Infectious Diseases Protocol
Institutional/Facility Outbreak Management Protocol
Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevention and Control Protocol
Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Protocol
Vaccine Storage and Handling Protocol
Immunization for Children in School and Child Care Settings Protocol
Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Guideline

Ontario Public Health Standards and Protocols and other duties as assigned by CDPC Management.

Areas of emphasis may include Infectious Diseases Prevention and Control; Sexual Health, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Blood-borne infections (including HIV); Tuberculosis Prevention and Control; Immunization and/or Harm Reduction

All Registered Nurses employed by HKPRDHU are required to maintain competency in immunization and participate in clinics as required.

The successful candidate will have:

1. Education

Requirements for employment as a Public Health Nurse as per Regulation 566 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act
University degree in Nursing

2. Experience

CDPC nurses in the following assignments: Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Sexual Health Services, Vaccine Preventable Diseases and/or Harm Reduction Services
Community/public health and/or health promotion experience is an asset

3. Other

Proof of current registration with College of Nurses of Ontario
Proficiency in the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the role of Public Health, Front Line Provider as defined by the Core Competencies for Public Health in Canada
Working knowledge of the OPHS
Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Current and satisfactory Criminal Records Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
Proof of immunizations required by HKPRDHU
Satisfactory completion of probationary period (3 months ONA)
Current CPR and First Aid (HCP level) or willingness to be certified at this level within two months of hire

CDPC Nurses in the following assignments: Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Vaccine Preventable Nurse

Successful completion of Infection Control Certification is an asset

Location: Port Hope

Salary Range: Based on 1.0 FTE annual salary of $76,030 – $83,489 (ONA Scale 2019)

Start Date: TBD

Qualified applicants are invited to send a resume and cover letter by
4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020 to:

Human Resources
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
200 Rose Glen Road Port Hope ON L1A 3V6
Tel: 1-866-888-4577
Fax: 905‑885‑9551
E‑mail: jobs@hkpr.on.ca

We would like to thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Haliburton Office

Posted on February 11, 2020February 19, 2020 by gstruthers

191 Highland Street
Haliburton ON K0M 1S0
Toll-free: 1-866-888-4577

The Health Unit’s programs and services are developed under the guidance of the Ontario Public Health Standards: Requirements for Programs, Services and Accountability (OPHS). The Standards are published by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and include Protocols and Guidelines that define specific requirements for programs and services.

Port Hope Office

Posted on February 11, 2020February 19, 2020 by gstruthers

200 Rose Glen Road
Port Hope ON L1A 3V6
Toll-free: 1-866-888-4577

Lindsay Office

Posted on February 11, 2020February 26, 2020 by gstruthers

108 Angeline Street South
Lindsay ON K9V 3L5
Toll-free: 1-866-888-4577

Office Locations

Posted on February 11, 2020February 26, 2020 by gstruthers

Haliburton Office

191 Highland Street
Haliburton ON K0M 1S0

Lindsay Office

108 Angeline Street South
Lindsay ON K9V 3L5

Port Hope Office

200 Rose Glen Road
Port Hope ON L1A 3V6

Media Release – 2019-nCoV

Posted on January 30, 2020March 18, 2020 by gstruthers

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Working together to prevent spread of seasonal illness and novel coronavirus

Healthcare partners in our community, including the health unit, hospitals, primary care providers, and Emergency Medicine Services, are working with each other and with the Ministry of Health to ensure residents are protected from the potential spread of the 2019-Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

“The Health Unit has always worked with our local hospitals regarding the implementation of infection prevention and control measures and case and contact management related to reportable diseases,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “With the introduction of the novel coronavirus, and Ontario’s identification of it as a new reportable disease, we have heightened our communication to ensure we continue to share the information and resources needed to protect the public’s health.”

At this time of year, there are many respiratory viruses and other illnesses circulating in our community, and the steps to protect yourself from those illnesses are also effective protection against 2019-nCoV.

What is the 2019-nCoV?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. They can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. In rare cases, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. This was the case with SARS and MERS and with the 2019-nCoV novel coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

How are local healthcare partners prepared?

Although the risk continues to be low, staff from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Northumberland Hills Hospital, Ross Memorial Hospital, Campbellford Memorial Hospital, Haliburton Highlands Health Services and primary care partners have implemented precautionary measures required to ensure the safety of patients, visitors, and health care workers, including thorough symptom and travel screenings. As a reportable disease, healthcare partners are now required to report a suspected case of the novel coronavirus to their local medical officer of health. If a suspected case of novel coronavirus was to be identified in this area, the Health Unit would work with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario Laboratory, and local hospitals in the management of the case and potential contacts.

Where can you find the most reliable and up-to-date information?

It’s important to check credible sources of information about 2019-nCoV, including daily updates on:

The Health Unit is monitoring the situation and sharing information with its partners and the public through its website. Residents with questions can visit the Health Unit’s website at hkpr.on.ca or call 1-866-888-4577.

Flu Season

A number of respiratory illnesses, including some common coronaviruses, are circulating at this time of year and it is peak flu season. Most people with common coronavirus illness will recover on their own. Your health care provider may recommend steps you can take to relieve symptoms.

The best way to protect yourself and others from circulating respiratory illnesses:

Get your flu shot
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or arm if you don’t have a tissue
Stay home if you or a family member are ill. Avoid visiting people in the hospital or long-term care homes if you are ill.

What to do if feeling ill, with recent travel history to China

Be prepared to identify your travel history and/or potential contact history with novel coronavirus so that paramedics and/or the health care provider are appropriately prepared to assist you.

Call your local health unit or health care provider if you become sick with a cough and fever AND have returned from Hubei province in China in the past 14 days or have had close contact with an ill person who is either under investigation for novel coronavirus or is a confirmed case.
If you have severe respiratory symptoms, call 911 and explain both your travel history and symptoms to arrange swift and safe transport.

Quotes:

“The health and safety of our patients, residents, clients, staff, volunteers, and community as a whole is a key focus for us, and we continue to work collaboratively with the Health Unit as well as our local and regional health service provider partners to ensure health and safety remain a top priority,” says Carolyn Plummer, CEO of Haliburton Highlands Health Services.

Varouj Eskedjian, CEO of Campbellford Memorial Hospital, added “the heightened awareness and screening measures put in place for the novel coronavirus along with having hospital staff ensuring best infection control measures are practised every day, will help protect staff, patients and the public from influenza and coronavirus.”

For media inquiries, contact:

Chandra Tremblay, Manager, Corporate Services; Communication and IT Services, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. 1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212 ctremblay@hkpr.on.ca

Amanda Carvalho, Communications and Public Affairs Officer Ross Memorial Hospital. 705-328-4548 acarvalho@rmh.org

Jennifer Gillard, Senior Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, Northumberland Hills Hospital. 905-377-7757 jgillard@nhh.ca

Carolyn Plummer, President & CEO, Haliburton Highlands Health Services. 705-457-2527 cplummer@hhhs.ca

Varouj Eskedjian, President & CEO, Campbellford Memorial Hospital. 705-653-1140 veskedjian@cmh.ca