Hospital ready to comply with new legislation

Lake of the Woods District Hospital says its nearly 70 percent compliant with new patient care legislation drafted by the provincial government.

The Excellence in Care for All Act goes into effect as of April 1st.

Under the act, the Hospital has to create a Quality Control Committee that will report directly to the board of directors.

The Hospital also have to have a Quality Improvement plan in place by April 1st.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen says they have tight timelines, but should
be able to meet them.

Just over 50 percent of hospital workers have flu shot

Concern has been raised about the number of employees at Lake of the Woods District

Hospital who have received a flu shot this year.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen estimates that only 55 percent of staff at the hospital have had their flu shot this year.

He adds that administration and medical staff try to lead by example, and almost 100 percent

of doctors have had their vaccinations.

He adds that they can't force employees to get a flu shot, but they make it as convenient

as possible.

So far this year, the hospital has held 20 clinics for staff, including some during evening shifts.

Gas Prices Up

Higher oil prices have pushed up the price at the pump.


Over the weekend, the price of a liter of unleaded gas went up four cents to
116.9 at most outlets across the city.

The average price in Ontario is 112 a liter.

Kenora is by no means the most expensive place in northern Ontario to fill up.

In Thunder Bay, gas is selling for 1.24 cents a liter at many service stations.

Thistles lose two on the road

The Kenora Triple "a" midget Thistles managed to pick up two points on a western road trip over the weekend, despite a pair of losses.

The Thistles were edged 5-4 by the Yellowhead Chiefs yesterday in a shootout.

It was the same scenario Saturday night in Brandon as the Kenora Midgets were shaded 7-6 by the Wheat Kings, also in a shootout.

Kenora Hydro Expansion

Kenora Hydro will be expanding its workforce this year.

The municipal utility will be hiring a conservation expert.

Hydro president and CEO Dave Sinclair says the position is mandated by the provincial government.

Kenora Hydro is just finishing a 350 thousand dollar renovation to its building on Mellick Avenue to increase office space.

Saints win gold in weekend tournament

 The Thomas Aquinas Saints senior Girls volleyball team capped a perfect weekend with a gold medal.

The Saints were the co-hosts of the Winter Smash tournament, and didn't drop a set in the
round robin or the play-offs.

T.A. faced their NorWOSSA rivals from Dryden in the A-side final, and beat the Eagles two sets to none.

In Winkler, Manitoba Beaver Brae's boys hockey team had to settle for a silver medal.

The Broncos were blanked by the Dryden Eagles 1-0 in a shootout in the tournament final.

Beaver Brae was unbeaten in the round-robin.

Meanwhile, in Winnipeg, the Beaver Brae Girls hockey team skated away with a silver medal from the Piper Classic.

The Broncos faced the St. Mary's Flames in the final, and dropped a 2-1 decision.