A new program to ensure newborn babies have improved doctor care has been undertaken in the Hastings Prince Edward area.
The idea is to ensure newborn babies see a doctor one week after leaving hospital.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza gave the Board of Health a report on the program on Wednesday.
Oglaza told Quinte News the babies need to be assessed after leaving hospital and that’s difficult if they don’t have a family doctor.
Public Health formed a partnership with Quinte Health Care and the Nurse Practitioner clinic to have the assessment at the health unit if needed.
The Medical Officer of Health says the initial assessment on discharge is to ensure the baby is feeding well and all is going well.
“We are not able to trouble shoot but able to refer to a specialist. This was a concern that arose during meetings with committee projections about the number of babies being born while not having family physicians.”
Oglaza said it offers a short-term first visit.
“We have an agreement with the clinic to bring a health care provider onsite here. The parents will be directed by QHC, when they know there’s no family doctor, within week from discharge they will be directed here.”
So far during the summer, there were no referrals which indicated the medical community was able to care for any new babies leaving hospital.
Preparing for flu season
It may not be flu season yet, but medical officials are getting ready.
Hastings Prince Edward Medical Officer of Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza told the board of health Thursday officials met this summer to discuss preparations.
Oglaza says flu becomes active in the Quinte region in late fall, reaching its peak in early January.
The vaccine’s effectiveness varies and the average is about 50 per cent.
Oglaza says getting the flu shot early is one of the best things people can do to protect themselves.
