November 24, 2016 – On-Call Service Remains Active for Public Health Emergencies
Peterborough Public Health will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, November 29 for an all-day professional development event. This affects both its location at 185 King St. and the downtown Community Dental Health Centre in Peterborough Square at 360 George St. N.
Both locations will re-open and resume full operations on Wednesday, November 30 at 8:30 a.m.
Public health services and programs will be impacted as follows on Tuesday, November 29:
- no clinics or classes running or appointment bookings (including sexual health, travel and immunization clinics, food handler courses, and prenatal classes)*
- no sewage system application submissions or responses
- no vaccine pick-ups
For those looking to book appointments, please call back the next day and do not leave messages. If you have symptoms or feel your matter is medically urgent, please seek medical attention from your healthcare provider, or visit a walk-in clinic or the emergency department.
We apologize for any inconvenience and remain available to respond for public health emergencies. Non-urgent messages can be left on staff voicemails and will be followed up the next day. Local healthcare providers and community partners have also been apprised.
For all public health emergencies please call our answering service at 705-760-8127 to reach an on-call manager. Public health emergencies include:
- reportable disease and outbreak notifications
- emergency vaccine distribution
- Rabies reports
- food-borne illness
- urgent health hazard complaints
- boil-water advisories
- septic system emergencies
The Jackson Square building at 185 King St. remains open for other tenants, however all Peterborough Public Health Offices will be closed that day only.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
November 18, 2016 – Peterborough Public Health Releases 2015 Annual Report Video
Peterborough Public Health released its 2015 Annual Report video today to celebrate the many public health accomplishments made that year.
“2015 was a year of major milestones and we are pleased to share these along with how we empower others to live healthier lives in this new video,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “In addition to our daily work in the community, this video captures the exciting transition to our new home at 185 King St. and how our new location is quickly becoming a community hub where people come together to improve the quality of life for all.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that last year when Peterborough Public Health released its annual report in video format for the first time, it received more than 650 views. “We learned how using video was a far more effective way to reach residents to report on our progress and it also better showcases the many contributions our staff make every day to the public health of our community.”
The video is available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca where viewers can also find the 2015 audited financial statements. Community groups and local agencies are encouraged to request a presentation by Peterborough Public Health staff to share the video and discuss current strategies to advance public health in Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, and in the County and City of Peterborough.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
November 17, 2016 – Free Flu Shots Available Throughout the Community, Including December 5 Clinic in Millbrook
Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza today.
“The case is lab-confirmed for influenza A, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our community,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab, so we strongly encourage residents to get their flu shot to protect themselves and others as it’s still early in the season.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that this year’s first case arrived much earlier than last year’s first lab-confirmed case which Peterborough Public Health reported on January 15, 2016. The flu shot is recommended for everyone over six months of age. It is especially important for people with a weakened immune system, pregnant women, young children, the elderly and anyone who takes care of people in these groups.
Flu shots are widely available at many local pharmacies, from physician offices, and local walk-in clinics. Since September 1, Peterborough Public Health has distributed approximately 30,410 doses locally, which is in addition to those pharmacies who receive vaccine directly from other distributors approved by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Peterborough Public Health is also offering a free influenza vaccine clinic in Millbrook, on Monday, December 5, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The clinic is taking place at the Cavan Monaghan Township Office Gymnasium on 988 County Road 10 in Millbrook. No appointment necessary, and walk-ins welcome.
Dr. Salvaterra advised that in addition to getting the flu shot people take the following precautions to reduce the spread of infection:
The Peterborough County-City Health Unit is committed to providing information in a format that meets your needs.
To request information in an alternate format, please call us at 705-743-1000.
- Stay home if feeling unwell
- Wash your hands frequently
- Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards-30-
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
November 16, 2016 – Parents Invited to November 18 Presentation by Pediatrician Dr. Karolyn Hardy-Brown
Peterborough Public Health invites parents and expecting parents to attend a presentation by local pediatrician Dr. Karolyn Hardy-Brown entitled “Babies & Vaccines: Minimizing Pain & Maximizing Comfort” on Friday, November 18 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 185 King St., Peterborough.
Parents are encouraged to bring their questions about vaccines as there will be an opportunity to discuss these with Dr. Hardy-Brown. During her presentation she will share the latest information about childhood immunization and effective strategies for reducing pain from injections.
“We know that all parents want the best for their children, so we are pleased to give them an opportunity to get the information they need from one of our finest local pediatricians to understand vaccine effectiveness and pain management strategies,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Vaccines keep getting better and better and we want to make sure parents are provided with credible information.”
At the event, refreshments will be served starting at 10 a.m. and the presentation itself begins at 10:30 a.m. Parents can register for the event at www.babiesandvaccines.eventbrite.ca or by calling Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 299. Children are welcome to attend the event.
Parents are reminded that they can have their child health and development questions answered by a Public Health Nurse by calling the Family Healthline 705-743-1000 anytime during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
November 14, 2016 – Protect Your Family from the Second-Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
Peterborough Public Health has a limited supply of free radon test kits for local residents conveniently available throughout the County and City of Peterborough, and at Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium found in rock and soil. It can enter buildings through cracks in foundation floors and walls, gaps in service pipes, open floor drains, or any other area of exposed soil. The likelihood of a radon problem cannot be predicted by the age or location of a home; all homes are at risk.
Long term exposure to high levels of radon greatly increases your risk of lung cancer. According to a 2016 Public Health Ontario report entitled The Environmental Burden of Cancer in Ontario, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
“Radon is responsible for anywhere from 1,080 to 1,550 cancer cases in Ontario each year. This colourless, odourless gas can build up in lower levels of buildings unbeknownst to those living there,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health. “We strongly encourage residents to take advantage of these free kits and test their homes to keep their families safe.”
It is easy to test for radon. Just put the detector in the lowest lived-in level of your home, and leave it there for three months. Afterwards, mail it away to the lab and they will send you the results. (Our kits even include the shipping fee.)
So come and pick up your free radon test kit today and take action on radon! Residents in the City of Peterborough can pick up their free kits at Peterborough Public Health is located at Jackson Square, 185 King St., Peterborough. Please visit the third floor customer service counter. Kits are available for rural residents as follows:
Curve Lake First Nation
Curve Lake Health Centre, 38 Whetung St., Curve Lake, ON
Hiawatha First Nation
L.I.F.E Services Centre, 431 Hiawatha Line 10, Hiawatha First Nation, ON
Municipality of Trent Lakes
760 County Road 36, Trent Lakes, ON K0M 1A0
Township of Asphodel-Norwood
2357 County Road 45, Norwood, ON, K0L 2V0
Township of Cavan Monaghan
988 County Rd 10, Millbrook, ON L0A 1G0
Township of Douro-Dummer
894 South Street, Warsaw, ON, K0L 3A0
Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
1 Ottawa St. East, Havelock, ON, K0L 1Z0
Township of North Kawartha
280 Burleigh Street, Apsley, ON, K0L 1A0
Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan
20 Third Street, Keene, ON, K0L 2G0
Township of Selwyn
1310 Centre Line, Selwyn, ON K9J 6X5
For more information contact Wanda Tonus at 705-743-1000 ex. 285.
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For further information, please contact:
Wanda Tonus
Public Health Inspector
705-743-1000, ext. 285
November 11, 2016 – “Keeping Cool About Your Anxious Child or Teen” Featuring Dr. Kevin Nugent, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Peterborough Healthy Families invites parents and caregivers to a free presentation entitled “Keeping Cool About Your Anxious Child or Teen ” on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Peterborough Public Health’s new location, Jackson Square, 185 King St., Peterborough.
Dr. Kevin Nugent, a consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, has developed this presentation for parents and family members as well as professionals who work with children and adolescents. He will provide information to help you better understand and support children and youth struggling with anxiety. There will be opportunity for questions and discussions. Light refreshments will be provided and everyone is welcome to attend.
Dr. Nugent works with several youth agencies and schools in the Peterborough area. In 2011, he received the Naomi Rae Grant Award from the Canadian Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry for innovation and excellence in consultation and community intervention.
Peterborough Healthy Families is a multi-agency initiative made up of several local community partners, including the Peterborough Public Health, Kinark Child and Family Services, Peterborough Family Resource Centre, Peterborough Public Library, and the Asphodel Norwood Public Library.
For more information, please call 705-743-1000, ext 312 or visit www.peterboroughhealthyfamilies.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Leisa Baker,
Public Health Nurse
705-743-1000, ext. 312
November 11, 2016 – To view the meeting summary from the November 9 Board of Health meeting click on the image below.
November 7, 2016 – Residents Encouraged to Participate in Important Telephone Survey November 7-December 18
Leger, a national research firm, will be conducting a survey on behalf of Peterborough Public Health between November 7 and December 18, 2016. A random selection of residents between 18 and 70 years of age will be asked about their employment experiences. Leger interviewers will call individuals in the County of Peterborough, City of Peterborough and Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations to conduct this telephone interview.
Peterborough Public Health, along with its community partners, is interested in collecting information that will provide a local picture of the working and employment conditions faced by workers. The information will be used for future decision-making towards program planning, education and policy work. The survey is confidential and the individual responses, which will be grouped for analysis, will be protected under privacy laws. While participation in the survey is voluntary, it is important that all selected households take part to ensure the information accurately reflects the views of the residents in this community.
This research project is supported by many community partners with some financial assistance from the City of Peterborough (Social Services) and the Peterborough and District Labour Council.
Thank you in advance for your participation in this important survey.
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For further information, please contact:
Monique Beneteau
Health Promoter
705-743-1000, ext. 309
November 4, 2016 – Location: J.K. Edwards Board Room, Peterborough Public Health, Jackson Square, 185 King St., Third Floor
Media and the community are advised that the Board of Health will meet on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
To download the agenda and the online board package, please visit:
http://www.pcchu.ca/about-us/about-us-2/board-of-health/meeting-agendas
The meeting is open to the community and members of the media. Guests are asked to use the buzzer located on the wall to the right of the main front doors to alert Peterborough Public Health staff when they arrive. The board room is located on the third floor of Jackson Square, 185 King St. Free parking is available after 6 p.m. on the street or across the road at the King St. Parkade.
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
November 4, 2016 – Overall Healthcare Worker Influenza Immunization Rate in 2015-16 was 75% for County and City of Peterborough
Today the Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra comme
nded local healthcare workers for keeping vulnerable residents safe by maintaining strong influenza immunization rates last year at their healthcare organizations.
“As we head into another flu season, we wanted to bring our local healthcare organizations together to celebrate their collective efforts promoting the flu shot among their staff,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “Creating a ring of immunity around our most vulnerable residents is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu in healthcare settings, and in the community as well.”
Dr. Salvaterra noted that the overall healthcare worker influenza immunization rate in 2015-16 remained stable at 75%, compared to 76% the year before. “While it’s wonderful to see many long term care homes and retirement residences with high overall flu shot rates, what I found really exciting was that the lowest rate of staff influenza immunization dramatically improved from 51% in 2014-15, to 61% in 2015-16,” she said. “This impressive increase really tells the story because we understand how much effort it takes to bolster healthcare worker immunization rates. It is a testament to the leadership of our local healthcare organizations that we can see the tide is rising for the benefit of all, especially for the health of our seniors.”
Peterborough Public Health recognized those local healthcare organizations who achieved a 5% increase in their healthcare worker flu shot rates in 2015-16 over the previous year. Healthcare organizationsthat achieved an overall healthcare worker flu shot rate of 80% or more in 2015-16 were also honoured. These recipients were:
Please see page 68 from the October 12, 2016 Board of Health meeting package available on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca for a complete list of healthcare worker influenza immunization rates for 2015-16.
This year’s flu vaccine has already been distributed to healthcare workers to protect those at high-risk, and is publicly available through pharmacies and family healthcare providers.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
