In November of 2012, Council announced that a new doctor had signed on to practice locally. A positive piece of news for residents given the growing concern regarding local medical care since the Emergency Room closures four nights per week began May 1, 2012.
Once the program she is involved in is complete, Dr. Sandhu will begin practicing in Princeton in August of this year.
More positive news for Princeton comes in the form of additions to both the hospital and to the health care services offered there.
In March, a Mr. Sean Walsh will join the health care team at Princeton General Hospital. (PGH) Walsh is a Physical Therapist, a graduate of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Walsh is experienced in outpatient, inpatient and home care in the areas of rehabilitation, long term care and acute care services. He feels that Princeton will be a good fit as he, “enjoys working in a smaller environment where you can get to know and work closely with everyone on the health care team.”
Walsh looks forward to the move to Princeton and to the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor activities the area has to offer.
In a recent interview with The Spotlight, Community Integrated Health Services Administrator Susan Brown said, “I think that Sean Walsh will be a good fit for us.” Princeton has been without a Physical Therapist for over three years. Having a Physical Therapist in Princeton will expand the types of patients that PGH can care for—like those recovering from accidents, or those requiring convalescent care. “Patients will have a much faster return to home community,” said Brown.
Cascade Medical Centre has been undergoing upgrades and renovations in order to provide a more conducive space for physician practice. Services at PGH will also be enhanced with the addition of three new pieces of equipment valued at approximately $80,000—not including installation costs.
A new tub for the acute care side of the hospital will aid in the care of patients with mobility and specialized care issues. The lab will benefit from new testing units; Hematology and I Stat Analyzers.
“We are committed to maintaining and upgrading PGH,” said Brown. “Princeton people are great people,” she added.
The ER Sustainability Committee continues to work hard on the immediate issue (24/7 ER services) but is broadening their scope and are looking at long term healthcare goals for Princeton too.
As to the question, of when the ER be open 24/7 — when there is sufficient physician coverage to have it open.