The new Ontario Public Health Standards came out in March that led to some changes with positions at the Health Unit.  More emphasis has been placed on promoting our agency and the services that we provide and the new jobs reflect that focus. 

The final bumping of jobs due to the Ontario Work’s cancellation has been completed and I am happy to say that no staff have been laid off at this point.  There have been a number of internal changes with staff movement however.  Postings have been put up for the following positions; Health Promotion Specialist, Program Evaluation Specialist, Epidemiologist, Public Health Inspectors, Information Co-Ordinator and Graphics Designer.  Recruitment is ongoing for these positions.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board will visit the Health Unit on April 11th to review all documentation and determine if we are complying with Best Practices.  This is not an audit.  This is a follow-up of the Safe Communities Incentive Program that I participated in last year.  The Health Unit received a rebate of $3,000 from WSIB that was used for ergonomic assessments and equipment purchases.  We are being assessed for a second rebate based on if our rate of accidents decreases over a specified period of time.

Our Wellness Program, the Vitality Committee, is holding our 2nd Annual Soup Event.  This is a fund-raising event as well as an opportunity for staff to eat healthy and get together with other staff members for fun over lunch.

Staff Changes
(As of April 2007)

No Changes this month. No hires this month.

Respectfully submitted,

Nancy Smith, HR Officer