Health board sees need for primary care for newborns, making connections

Medical officer of health for Hastings and Prince Edward counties Dr. Piotr Oglaza told the health board there are a number of families with newborns who don’t have access to primary care. Photo by Syerra Turry, QNet News

By Syerra Turry 

BELLEVILLE – The region’s medical officer for health said there is a shortage of primary care in the area, especially for newborns who don’t have access to a doctor or pediatrician. 

Dr. Piotr Oglaza told members at Wednesday’s health board meeting that a partnership is being developed with other community organizations and health care centres to address this need.

It’s increasingly difficult to access primary care, and a number of family physicians are retiring, making it even harder to get an initial assessment on a baby, Oglaza said.

Discussions are underway to figure out how Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health can collaborate with other partners to provide necessary services, including breastfeeding instruction and delivering first assessments.

Belleville Coun. Sean Kelly says there is a need to educate and connect with younger people about health issues. Photo by Syerra Turry, QNet News

“This is to address the pressing need of the community,” said Oglaza, especially the “critical first assessment of a baby.”

The local public health unit currently offers baby feeding drop-in sessions in Belleville and Trenton where someone can speak with a nurse about feeding their baby.

Belleville Coun. Sean Kelly echoed more generally to the board the critical need for healthcare.

“I hear stories of a young mom that has a newborn and doesn’t have a family doctor. Healthcare is critical…and as a councillor, I’m hearing it more and more all the time.” 

Kelly mentioned during the meeting that the health unit needs to look at their methods of reaching out to connect with more young people.

“There has to be a change in how we get our message out.”

He mentioned that most people under the age of 30 do not read newspapers, so the information needs to get to them in a more modern way.

“Healthcare is critical. Homelessness, people struggling with mental health, it all comes back to public health. How can we give an individual or family a helping hand?”

Chair of the board Jo-Anne Albert says it might be helpful to use social media to connect with younger crowds. Photo by Syerra Turry, QNet News

Chair of the board Jo-Anne Albert agreed that communication is an important element to focus on.

“Social media is how to get to (young people). I think we need to use more of Facebook and Instagram. We’ll have to investigate that, and I think the conversation was started today,” she told QNet News.

A number of connections have been happening behind the scenes, Oglaza told the board.

He said the unit reached out to school board boards to determine what topics they see as a priority to discuss, and how best to deliver those messages.

“We are not resting here. We are always looking or new suggestions and new ideas,” he said.