Martensville Messenger December 15, 2016 | Page 3

Saskatoon Health Region Notifying Patients Of Risk Of Infection

Saskatoon Health Region is notifying adult patients who have had open-heart surgery between 2011 and 2016 , about a potential infection related to a heating-cooling device used during their surgery . While the possibility of infection is very low , the Region is working with patients and healthcare providers to ensure those who might be affected know what to do .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) and the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) as well as Health Canada have recently been investigating reports that a device used to heat and cool the blood during surgery has been linked to a rare bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium chimaera , a type of bacteria known as nontuberculous mycobacterium ( NTM ). NTM is commonly found throughout nature in water and soil and is not known to cause human disease , except in individuals with a weak immune system . The heating-cooling devices , which are essential to performing open heart surgeries , are routinely used in hospitals throughout Canada , the United States and Europe . Investigations to date show the devices were likely unknowingly contaminated with the bacteria during the manufacturing process . Environmental testing at the manufacturing site identified contamination of water tanks and the pump assembly area of the facility .
For patients who have had open-heart surgery , the chance of getting the infection is less than one per cent . Over 2,173 patients have undergone open-heart surgery over the last five years in Saskatoon , and to date , none have been diagnosed with this infection . There are no known infections in Saskatchewan .
" For most patients , the benefits of undergoing heart surgery far outweigh any remote risk of infection ," said Dr . Greg Dalshaug , Saskatoon Health Region ' s division head of Cardiac Surgery . " As a precautionary measure , and because safety is our highest priority , we are notifying patients and healthcare providers of this potential risk ."
All patients who received open-heart surgery since 2011 are being contacted by letter to explain the potential risk and associated symptoms of infection . Physicians throughout the province are also being notified .
" Saskatoon Health Region is also strictly following the safety recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada regarding the devices to ensure patients who need this essential device in the future are provided with safe , high-quality care ," said Dalshaug . " These national safety recommendations include device testing , replacing all components of tubing of the machine , adhering to strict protocols for cleaning and using filtered water .
The infection is not contagious and cannot be spread person to person . Patients who received a pacemaker or defibrillator , cardiac catheterizations , or angioplasties are not at risk .
There is no screening test to determine if a patient has been exposed to the NTM bacteria . The rare NTM infection develops slowly and it is possible to develop symptoms months or even years after surgery . Symptoms of the NTM infection , which can be confused with influenza , may include unexplained fever and at least two of the following : night sweats , muscle aches , weight loss or fatigue . Patients who experience the combination of symptoms for more than one week should contact their primary care physician .
Patients with questions or concerns may contact Saskatoon Health Region Client Representative Services at 306-655-0250 , 1-866-655-5066 , client . rep @ saskatoonhealthregion . ca or visit www . saskatoonhealthregion . ca / PatientNotices .

FRIDGE NEWS A listing of upcoming events in and around Martensville

To place your organization ’ s ad , contact the Martensville Messenger at advertising @ martensvillemessenger . ca
Thursday , December 15 North Side RECYCLE Collection Day
Friday , December 16 Deadline for MFD Food Hamper Name Submission
Monday , December 19 Registration Deadline for the Christmas Lights Concert
Tuesday , December 20 City Council Meeting - 5pm - City Hall
Wednesday , December 21 South Side WASTE Collection Day
Thursday , December 22 North Side WASTE Collection Day
Sunday , December 25 & Monday , December 26 City Offices and Facilities are Closed
For more information on City events , visit www . martensville . ca

MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY 17 Centennial Drive North 306-931-2868 martensville messenger - DeCemBer 15 , 2016 - Page 3

Monday-Friday 9-8 Saturday 10-5 Sunday 12-5
Closed Holidays

Santa Play and Skate Provides Fun for All Ages Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger

Santa came to Martensville ’ s skating rink Sunday , December 11th to visit with the boys and girls of our city . Santa met with the little skaters on the ice and wished each of them a Merry Christmas and also handed out treat bags to each individual .
More festivities were taking place beyond the skating rink that day as well . A horse drawn sleigh was making its way through Martensville with passengers bundled up to battle the cold day .
Entries into the rink and upon the sleigh were through donations into our local KidSport account . The community of Martensville raised $ 424.50 ! Martensville did well in local community support as the rink was full of skaters young and old . Future hall of famers , Olympic figure skaters , and even first timers hit the ice that day and received a very special visit from the man in red . “ The event went great ! As each year , it was well attended . Chilly weather didn ’ t discourage participants to even go on a sleigh ride . We would like to thank everyone who came and donated to our local Kidsport program ,” stated Events Coordinator , Joanna Zalesiak . This community event was highly successful and will continue to take place every Holiday season .
RIGHT : Santa took time out of his busy schedule to stop by the Martensville rink Sunday , December 11th for the annual Play & Skate With Santa .
BELOW : Although the weather was frightful , once bundled up , passengers enjoyed the sleigh rides .
Ciara O ’ Reilly
Ciara O ’ Reilly