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Update - Nov. 2, 2009 - Logistics of Using the Clinic
Update - Oct 30, 2009 - Official Announcement of Clinic in Markham
Update - Oct. 30, 2009 - Markham Gets a Clinic
Update - Oct. 29, 2009 - A message from Mayor Frank Scarpitti
Update - Oct. 29, 2009 - A message from the Chair of Health Services
Markham Congratulated for H1N1 Clinic
November 18, 2009
I have received a report from our first day of providing H1N1 flu shots to the general public in Markham. Total attendance at the clinic today was 1340. We have been advised by health personal that the media has been present today and complimented our clinic as operating the smoothest of the ones visited, it is also my understanding that this clinic will vaccinate more than any others in the region today. We will continue to monitor the clinic and increase resources as necessary. My compliments go to our Emergency Services and all other personnel who have made the Markham Clinic a success.”
Frank Scarpitti tries to find a Markham H1N1 Assessment Clinic
November 11, 2009
Update - The Mayor has succeeded. Please click here for the press release.
Over the past week Mayor Frank Scarpitti has been trying to accelerate the Region’s timetable on the opening of a H1N1 Assessment Clinic in Markham. A number of potential sites were forwarded to the Region for evaluation, including a site that I suggested in Ward 5..
While the Region had picked a preferred location Frank personally took the time to visit the site as well as the other potential locations. After reviewing their chosen location he felt strongly that it was inadequate in terms of the parking configuration, ability for the public to locate it and security (particularly at night) as it was located in an industrial area.
Mayor Scarpitti recommended that the Regional staff review another site which was more suitable and could be opened earlier as it did not require leasehold improvements.
The Region has concluded its arrangements at this new site which could be opened as early as this week (earlier than originally planned). There should be an announcement from the Region shortly.
The Toronto Star Got it Wrong about The H1N1 Clinic
October 31, 2009
The Toronto Star misprinted the date for the H1N1 Clinic to be held in Markham on Monday November 2, 2009. People have been lining up since 5:00 am and they are still arriving. Those who show up are being referred to Richmond Hill.
Please click here for the details for the times and places.
Markham Wins in Push for a H1N1 Clinic
October 30, 2009 3:19 pm
Markham has managed to convince the Region to open a H1N1 Click here in Markham on Monday November 2, 2009.
Please click here for details.
York Region Public Health Needs a Shake Up
October 29, 2009
York Region Public Health is responsible for setting up the H1N1 Flu vaccination clinics and they messed up by not opening one in the largest populated area in the Region. York Region has ignored the Town of Markham and have treated us as though we're not important. Please click here for more
Region of York H1N1 Flu Vaccination Plan a Disaster
The officials at the Region of York Public Health need to question their actions. I know the residents of Markham want answers from them.
How the Region thinks they can forget about the health of the residents of Markham is beyond me.
Markham has been forgotten as far as the H1N1 vaccination centres and clinics are concerned, and the only answer that comes from the Chair of the Pandemic Committee is that "It's complicated".
That answer is not good enough when they have had months to prepare for this event.
I will keep pushing and questioning for answers and will be back to you with more information when they come out from hiding.
A Message from the Chair of Health Services
October 29, 2009
At 6:33 pm I received an e-mail from Deputy Mayor Jack Heath. He is the Chair of both the Regional Community and Health Services Committee and Markham's Pandemic Committee, and so far, this is the most response I've received from the Region. I have copied an excerpt below for you, which gives some explanation and hope, although there is still nothing specific.
From Deputy Mayor Jack Heath.
"Health and other soft services such as housing are Region of York responsibilities as opposed to Markham responsibilities.
The Regional Health Department have been working very hard on getting immunization clinics staffed and established, such as the one in Newmarket and the others, but meeting the complicated criteria has been more difficult in Markham - room for an extra 300-500 cars over the ones usually parked there, cold storage facilities for large amounts of vaccine, a proper location / route for very long lines, etc.
Some of the obvious places such as Angus Glen Community Centre and Library don't work because they have, at their busiest times even now, almost no vacant parking spots. We get complaints regularly. Many people wanting to go to the clinic would do so at the AGCC's busiest times such as after work or on a Saturday / Sunday.
I chair both the Regional Community and Health Services Committee and Markham's Pandemic Committee. We met again on Tuesday and spent most of the meeting working through the logistics of the best prospect in Markham. Is this satisfactory? Of course not because it is only the opening which will count. But we are working very hard, both staff and Council here in Markham and at the Region.
The Mayor has been on the phone almost constantly and emailing as well as others including myself. Our Fire Department has been busy overseeing emergency preparedness."
I will keep you updated.
A Message from Mayor Frank Scarpitti
October 29, 2009
The Mayor is getting results, but he too is not happy.
Here is an excerpt from his e-mail.
"I wanted to provide you an update on the status of an Immunization Clinic for the Town of Markham.
This afternoon we confirmed to the Region of York that we have secured a site in the Town of Markham and that Markham staff would make final arrangements to prepare the location to accommodate the Region’s needs and to establish an indoor cuing area that would be comfortable for the public.
<Snip>
The Region has advised us of the overwhelming response at the other clinics and will indicate to Markham tomorrow how soon they can open the clinic based on available product and staff resources. I did express our strong desire to have the clinic open this weekend and to re-direct both product and staff resources to make that happen.
There is an Immunization Clinic opening in Richmond Hill this Monday at the Rouge Woods Community Centre, 110 Shirley Drive, in the Bayview and Major Mackenzie area.
The Region also advised us they were reviewing two Markham sites today for an Assessment Centre and might be in a position tomorrow to tell us if they have a suitable location.
I do appreciate the efforts of both Markham and Region staff; however I have expressed my strong desire about developing a protocol that resolves critical issues in a timely and effective manner.
I will update you tomorrow.
Frank Scarpitti
Mayor
Markham Gets a Clinic
October 30, 2009
I just received work from our Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Markham, Mr. John Livey.
"As you know, the second wave of the H1N1 virus is taking place throughout North America and in our community.
We have been working closely with York Region Public Health to make sure that our residents are able to receive appropriate immunization to stay healthy for some time. As the situation has evolved faster than expected in the past week, the planned opening of an Immunization Clinic in Markham has been accelerated.
The Region will open an Immunization Clinic at 8100 Warden Ave. on Monday, November 2. The Clinic will be located in the lower floor of the building and is expected to be open from 10:00am – 5:00 pm daily for the next several weeks.
We are anticipating large crowds and currently developing a parking and traffic control plan for the site."
Official Announcement of Clinic in Markham
October 30, 2009
Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Regional Chair Bill Fisch Announce
H1N1 Immunization Clinic for Markham
MARKHAM – Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Region of York Chair Bill Fisch announced today that Markham will have H1N1 immunization services beginning Monday, November 2.
“Establishing a Markham H1N1 immunization clinic as quickly as possible was a top priority for me,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “I was only made aware Tuesday this week that there was uncertainty about having a Markham H1N1 clinic ready. As a result, I immediately took action to mobilize Markham staff and asked Chair Bill Fisch to expedite efforts at York Region to ensure we were ready.”
York Region Chair Bill Fisch said, “When I was informed by Mayor Scarpitti of the situation we immediately worked together to ensure any barriers to our success were eliminated in Markham and at the Region.”
Mayor Scarpitti added, “This experience has convinced me there is a need to improve the way York Region and Markham work together to address health and community emergencies. It is absolutely critical we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to similar community issues in the future. I will be leading this review effort on behalf of Markham in conjunction with the Region of York.”
The H1N1 flu vaccine is available only to those who need it most. Parking may be limited at some locations and residents are encouraged to use public transit or car pool. Attendance at the H1N1 flu clinics, operating since October 28, has been extremely high. People are asked to please be patient, show courtesy to others and be prepared for a long wait.
York Region clinics in close proximity to Markham residents are:
Location and Address |
Dates and Times |
Town of Markham 8100 Warden Avenue (former Markham Hydro building - just south of Highway 7)
|
Monday, November 2 – December 18 Monday – Sunday – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Town of Richmond Hill Rouge Woods Community Centre 110 Shirley Drive |
Monday, November 2 – December 18 Monday – Friday 12 noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday – 12 noon to 5 p.m. |
The H1N1 flu virus vaccine is being provided to York Region residents at no cost. For electronic tracking purposes only, residents attending the H1N1 flu shot clinics are encouraged to bring their health card and/or driver’s licence. Vaccine will be offered to residents who attend a clinic without their health card.
The clinics are operated by York Region Community and Health Services. For a complete list of immunization clinics and updated information on this year’s flu season, please visit www.york.ca/H1N1 or contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
Logistics of Using the Clinic
November 2, 2009
I am being asked what residents can expect when they arrive at the clinic.
When you get there, you will see, there has been a lot of work done by Town Councillors, and staff to pull this together in record time since I discovered the Region overlooked us on Monday. Thank you to all involved from the Mayor to those who volunteered their time.
When you arrive at 8100 Warden Avenue, you will be given a number and then you may wait indoors until you number is called. Staff of various levels are available to help you, and from what I've heard from this morning, all is working smoothly. Arrangements have been made to be ready for any contingency that arises.
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