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On May 19, two babies were successfully delivered after local health care professionals who found themselves working with the mothers and a doctor on call located in Sioux Lookout. The Community Telehealth Coordinators in Lac Seul and Mishkeegogamang worked with the local health team to successfully connect with the doctor and support the mother and staff throughout the birthing process. In Kejick Bay, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine student was called upon to provide support to the mother during the birth. Everyone involved are happy that all went well and the babies and mothers are reported to be well.

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved but especially the mothers and babies!!

NEWS FROM MISHKEEGOGAMANG TELEMEDICINE

I AM VERY THRILLED TO SUBMIT THIS NEWS FROM MISHKEEGOGAMANG TELEMEDICINE

On, Saturday May 19, 2007 at about 9:00 a.m. the nurse on call called me in to hook up the telemedicine workstation with the Sioux Lookout emerge.  I was still in bed sleeping when the call came in, we got back at 3:00 am from Dryden, that was a long ride.  It was snowing and raining.  The roads were very slushy and we had to slow down to 40 to 50 km/h. We almost went off the road.

I was surprised to hear that it was for a prenatal in labor, I wasn’t expecting to hear that kind of news that early in the morning (still half asleep).  I told the nurse to send the medical driver up for me, still in my p.j.’s and no morning coffee. 

There were two nurses on call, they tried communicating to the doctor over the phone but had difficulty in describing what was happening. As soon as the doctor came on over the video, it was easier for her to know and show the nurses what to do. It was amazing to see the doctor and nurses working together in delivering the baby.

It was a very exciting and emotional experience witnessing life exiting the womb and entering the world ... 4th time again but the first via -Telemedicine.  I don’t know where I got the energy from, to coach and help mom.  The newborn boy arrived at 11:18 am. After the delivery I thanked God for being there, watching over mom and baby and guiding us through this situation.

I was happy and relieved to hear that both mom and baby were fine and healthy, they returned home the next day. The experience was great for me.  Wow, amazing how technology has come a long way.

Darlene Panacheese
Telemedicine Coordinator

Here is the Nurse’s point of view.

Highlight for me, I did my first delivery on May 19, 2007. What a rush that is. 

Here are the pictures of the final result!! A gorgeous baby boy born at 11:18, what an amazing experience from a whole different place when you are not the one giving birth. Amazing absolutely amazing!!

Neither Nicole or I have ever delivered anyone and Nicole is presently pregnant so it was gonna be me to do the delivery!  Well thank the good Lord above, everything was good and no complications.  As a result it was a very positive uplifting experience.

Here are the pictures of the beautiful baby boy, Nicole's and my first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lori

From the Sudbury Star ...

Medical school wise to work with natives

The Sault Star Editorial - May 30, 2007

We look to The Northern Ontario School of Medicine as one way to solve the doctor shortage in this region. However, the school's mandate goes beyond that.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is based on a model established in Australia for medical students, largely from rural areas, to train and eventually work in those settings. The Australian program paid special attention to the health care of aboriginals. Likewise, NOSM pays special attention to our native communities.

When we talk about the list of native issues that must be addressed, health is the most important.

The troubles native communities face with diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are well documented as are issues such as substance abuse, suicide rates and poor diets.

As part of their studies, NOSM students must do placements in aboriginal communities.

"It gives them a better insight and perspective into the cultural aspects of the communities they're involved in. They're immersed in culture, lifestyle, tradition and the people," said registered nurse Maxine Lesage, health services supervisor at the Garden River Wellness Centre.

Two students praised the centre, which offers a wide range of services, including a physiotherapist, dietitian, counselling and foot-care clinics. Such services are not available at many more remote native communities.

There's more to supporting the native communities in their health-care needs than providing new equipment and medicine. Understanding the culture is critical.

We often express concerns about throwing money at various native problems without seeing any results. This is the case when non-natives adopt a we-know-what's-best approach that ignores the opinions of natives and their unique situation. When it comes to something as personal as health care, sensitivity to cultural realities is a must.

By working closely with native health-care workers, NOSM students are addressing this matter. In doing so they are laying the foundations for a health system that will be effective for our native communities.

May 30, 2007

Colin Mayes
CHAIR
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Sixth Floor, 180 Wellington Street
Wellington Building
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A-0A6

SENT VIA FAX: C/O Bonnie Charron, Clerk of the Committee at (613) 996-1962

Dear Sir or Madam:

We would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight. It is our understanding that on May 30, 2007, Minister Jim Prentice conveyed to the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development the opinion that the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, in concert with the Alberta Chiefs of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations shared the view that the present Government of Canada “is one of the best governments that they have ever worked with on the ground getting things done.”

Please be advised that the Union of BC Indian Chiefs finds, at this point in time, Minister Prentice's opinion to be completely inaccurate, greatly exaggerated and premature to say the least.

In fact, the Government of Canada's failure to support the Kelowna Accord, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and a formal apology in relation to the Residential School experience has greatly contributed to the rising tensions and frustrations on the part of First Nations across Canada. Hence, the National Day of Action on June 29, 2007.

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs finds such sweeping inaccurate assumptions from Minister Prentice to be counter-productive.

Sincerely,

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
President
Union of BC Indian Chiefs

CC: Members of the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
Union of BC Indian Chiefs, Chiefs Council
BC First Nations Leadership Council