Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation (HHHSF) is in the midst of its annual Believe in the Magic of Giving festive fundraiser, aiming to raise $250,000 to complete several equipment upgrade commitments and support some of the hospital’s most in-demand programs.

HHHSF executive director Melanie KlodtWong said the Foundation wants to wrap up purchases for the new nurse call bell system that has been implemented at Highland Wood and Hyland Crest long-term care homes, while also procuring new IV pumps for the Halibuton and Minden hospitals.

Money will also be used to support “critical” community support service programs such as Meals on Wheels and Medically-Required Transportation.

As is tradition, Klodt-Wong said the Foundation has recently welcomed a new addition to its ever-growing family of bears.

Mosley Moose is available for purchase over the holidays and into the new year while supplies last, priced at $25. The stuffed animal program has raised over $165,000 since it was introduced 25 years ago. To donate, or secure your own Mosley Moose, visit hhhs.ca/foundation/shop, or call 705-457-1580.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation executive director Melanie Klodt-Wong said Mosley Moose is “the most huggable collectible yet” in the Foundation’s family of bears.

While the threat of COVID-19 isn’t looming quite as large this festive season, Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) president and CEO Carolyn Plummer said the community needs to be wary of the “winter triple-demic” that’s sweeping across much of Ontario.

Health experts are warning that increased cases of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) over the busy holiday period could overwhelm some Ontario hospitals.

“This has been affecting our community and hospital services in our region and beyond, particularly with pediatric cases and admissions for older adults,” Plummer said.

“This is leading many hospitals to be in what we call a surge position, which means we have more admitted inpatients than we do beds.”

Plummer said HHHS has been in that predicament “a few times” in recent weeks.

“That means, unfortunately, we’ve had patients waiting in the emergency department on a stretcher, or admitted to a bed that may be in a bit of an unconventional space,” she said. “We’ve been working with staff to make sure people who are admitted to those spaces get the best quality of care that we can provide in these unusual circumstances.”

“We’re expecting it’s going to peak in January,” Plummer said, but then hopefully settle down a little bit after that.”

HHHS has advised that if you think you need to visit the emergency department (ED) over the holidays, first stop, check, go.

If an ED is temporarily closed, emergency medical services will take you to the nearest ED. If the situation is not life-threatening, you should ‘stop’ and see if self-care (for a twisted ankle, minor scrapes, or seasonal allergies), a call to a doctor (for chronic symptoms, back pain, or stomach aches), or a call to the assessment centre (if you suspect you have COVID or a respiratory illness) can address your needs. Next, ‘check’ to make sure the ED you plan to visit is open, by calling HHHS at 705-457-1392 and using extension 2555, visiting the website at hhhs. ca, or visiting HHHS’ Facebook or Twitter. If your need is urgent, you can then ‘go’ to the nearest ED.

If you are in need of serious medical attention (for chest pain, severe blood loss, head injury, shortness of breath, or if you think you are having a stroke), you should call 911.

As of Dec. 18, only essential caregivers were able to visit in the in-patient department and the lower level of Hyland Crest, as both facilities were in COVID-19 outbreaks.

Algonquin Highlands mayor Liz Danielsen expressed frustration over the Ontario government pushing through its More Homes Built Faster Act (Bill 23), saying the new legislation could be catastrophic for the Highlands’ environment and ecosystems.

Introduced in October, Bill 23 proposes significant changes to Ontario’s planning act, land tribunal act, development charges act, conservation authorities act and the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System, making it easier for developers to push through new builds province-wide.

Premier Doug Ford has called the bill a necessity as the provincial government works to follow through on its promise to oversee the construction of 1.5 million new homes in Ontario by 2031.

Some of the key features of Bill 23 include reducing developer charges, allowing more liveable units on one residential lot, and introducing programs promoting modular homes and rent-to-own properties.

The new legislation would allow up to three residential units, including basement apartments and garden houses, on one lot without needing any municipal bylaw amendments. These new units would also be exempt from development charges.

The province is also proposing to freeze, reduce and exempt fees for new builds. New affordable and non-profit housing builds would also be exempt from various charges.

“It’s unfortunate the bill has been passed because there are lots of concerns that have been raised. A lot of townships and activist groups are calling for changes… but our government does not seem to be too inclined to pay a lot of attention to what other people think,” Danielsen said.

In a report to council, township planner Sean O’Callaghan outlined some of the potential implications of Bill 23. He said the proposed changes would have a “direct negative impact” on the natural environment in Algonquin Highlands.

“The changes will weaken the protection of wetlands and natural heritage features at a time when we should be doing the opposite,” O’Callaghan wrote. “The importance of Ontario’s natural heritage cannot be understated. These environmental features play a significant role in mitigating storm water runoff, flood water retention and act as an important carbon sink.

“The government’s proposal to allow a developer to ‘pay to slay’ natural heritage features through the proposed offsetting policy to promote a net positive impact will undoubtedly result in an overall negative impact. These features are irreplaceable and cannot be simply moved or reconstructed in a more convenient location to accommodate development,” he added.

Danielsen suggested drafting a letter outlining council’s discontent and forwarding it to Ford and local MPP Laurie Scott.

“It’s still important for our voices to be heard loud and clear on issues that are as important as this,” she said.

Celebrate safely

Dr. Natalie Bocking, medical officer of health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, is encouraging residents to celebrate the holiday season safely and offered preventative measures as respiratory viruses continue to surge across the province.

“With the upcoming holiday season, many families and friends will gather to celebrate, enjoy festivities, and continue traditions that may have been missed during the COVID19 pandemic. However, the fall respiratory season has brought a significant increase in emergency department visits from residents with flu-like symptoms, and with young children especially at risk of developing more severe illness, residents are strongly encouraged to remain extra vigilant when making holiday plans this year,” Dr. Bocking said.

Her tips included: staying up to date with vaccinations, including a COVID-19 booster and flu shot; staying home if you feel sick, even if symptoms are considered mild; wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, such as shopping centres, private holiday parties and gatherings; always practising good hand hygiene and regularly disinfect surfaces; finding other meaningful ways to connect, such as virtual chats, phone calls or outdoor visits for people who may feel uncomfortable gathering indoors.

There are many ways to get a COVID-19 booster and/or flu shot before the holiday season. For more information on eligibility and booking an appointment, visit hkpr.on.ca.