Dryden hospital decides against smoking ban

The board of directors of the Dryden Regional Health Centre have decided not to pursue a smoking ban. The hospital's CEO Wade Petranik says the board decided against the ban to respect patient rights and because of concerns about the enforcement of the ban. The decision runs contrary to the hospital's advisory board recommendation in favour of a ban. Petranik says the hospital will continue to encourage individuals to stop smoking through various programs. Currently, smoking is allowed in a outdoor courtyard at the hospital.

Two area residents recognized for life saving efforts

A Minnesota woman was is in town Friday to present an award to a couple of area residents who saved her life by administering CPR.

Judith Taylor was attending the Red Rock Folk Festival's closing ceremonies in 2009 when she went into cardiac arrest. Nipigon Mayor Richard Harvey and visiting nurse Wendy Houston acted quickly by administering CPR and saved Taylor's life

Taylor, who had a heart condition at the time, says she feels lucky to have been at the festival when she collapsed because individuals trained in first aid were on hand to help.

Harvey says it was fortunate he and Houston could help and adds that learning CPR and first aid is much easier than many people think.

The award was presented at a Superior North Emergency Medical Services dinner on Friday.

West Victoria Avenue crash

There was a head on collison yesterday on West Victoria Avenue. A pick up truck and a car collided around nine in the morning. Police say the driver of the car was taken to the Regional Health Science Centre by ambulance. The driver of the truck had minor injuries. The traffic unit is investigating the crash.