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In the latter part of 2004 Tavistock Community Health Inc. (TCHI) began a “Question and Answer” forum. Q's and A's are posted on the bulletin board in Reception at the Health Centre and published in the Gazette. This article is the second in a continuing series of “Questions and Answers” about the Tavistock Health Centre.
Q. What happens if my doctor retires or becomes ill and can't practise?
A. There are many benefits to a group practice such as we have in Tavistock. If your doctor retires or takes ill, you will continue to be treated at the Health Centre by another doctor.
Retirement is usually a planned event. In this case, every effort would be made to recruit a new doctor in a timely manner to allow for a smooth transition. Illness, however, is often unexpected. Again, every effort would be made to recruit a doctor to cover for the time your doctor needs to recuperate.
Recruiting new doctors is an ongoing activity at the Health Centre. Depending upon known needs, the recruiting effort is either an all-out concerted campaign or a more day-to-day part of doing business.
Q. What is the role of the Business Manager?
A. The main focus at the Health Centre is providing patients with high-quality medical care. Our doctors and staff do an excellent job of providing that care. Behind the scenes, there is an incredible amount of administration. Managing the Health Centre takes the same business acumen and skills as managing any other service organization.
The Business Manager does just what his title suggests. He is responsible and accountable for managing the business of providing health care to our community. He hires and supervises all full-time and part-time staff (nurses, receptionists, administrators) as well as all contract personnel (health-care specialists, service people, cleaners, etc.). Government and health-care organizations (for example, Federal and Provincial Ministries of Health, Labour and Revenue; Perth and Oxford Public Health Offices; Ontario Medical Association; College of Family Physicians, College of Nurses) each set administrative requirements, health care policies and legislated acts that require completion and compliance. The Business Manager has the duty to ensure that the Tavistock facility complies and that all paperwork is accurate and completed on time within a constantly changing environment. He ensures that required healthcare products, information and services are delivered when needed and that all medical equipment, computers, telephone, etc. are functioning properly. Repairs and/or upgrades to the facility are under his supervision. Preparing and managing the operations budget, overseeing payroll and accounting entries, interfacing with accountants and auditors are all part of the Business Manager's role.
Most importantly, the Business Manager is the communications link … a vital role … between and amongst the TCHI Board of Directors as a whole and its committees; the doctors and staff; the many governmental/ organizational/ legislative contacts; other medical centres such as Norwich, Parkhill, Delhi and K-W; and, most importantly, you, the people of this community who so strongly support our health centre.
In summary, the Business Manager is the central focal point that keeps all of the people-related and equipment-related and building-related and government/legislated-related elements in smooth working order.
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If you have a question you would like answered, please drop it off at the clinic in the “Questions” envelope posted on the bulletin board in Reception at the Tavistock Health Centre. You may wish to include your name or you may wish to be anonymous. Should you want to discuss a Q&A or any related subject, please call the clinic at 655-2322 and ask for Blain McCutchen, the Business Manager.