Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages


Emergency Department

Mobile Addictions Clinic Pilot Project Underway in PMH

March 15, 2023

In partnership with Health Canada and Shared Health, Prairie Mountain Health has commenced a pilot project to further enhance access to addictions services within the health region. With the support of $897,416 from Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), and in collaboration with local health partners and stakeholders, PMH is offering mobile Rapid Access to Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic days in three communities: Wuskwi Siphik (weekly) and Russell and Virden (bi-weekly).

The Mobile RAAM Clinic is a crucial step in addressing addiction, the stigma surrounding substance use disorders, and trying to eliminate barriers to access services and support. I am privileged to be a part of this program, and allow for change within Indigenous communities burdened by this epidemic. – Colton Roback, Nursing staff, Mobile RAAM Clinic – Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation

Mobile RAAM Clinics feature a staffing complement consisting of a physician, nursing staff, rehabilitation counsellors, and administration support. On clinic days, nursing staff and rehabilitation counsellors, with experience in harm reduction, will travel to the local health care clinic to provide services. A physician will be present (in-person or by virtual means) on the first day of each clinic in each community.

The team clinic approach supports ‘in-community’ services and builds capacity for local primary health-care providers to manage ongoing treatment of all substance use disorders, including the use of Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT).

The mobile clinic project is an extension of the RAAM model, first introduced to Manitoba in 2018. Service delivery is based on improving access to addiction medicine through low barrier walk-in clinics. People can visit to get help for substance use without an appointment or formal referral. There are currently six site-based clinics located in Manitoba, including one in Brandon at the 7th Street Health Access Centre.

To view the RAAM Clinic schedules within Prairie Mountain Health, visit the PMH website here.

Making a Difference in our Communities

I feel the Mobile RAAM Clinic pilot project in our community is truly a blessing!
With the assistance of PMH and the clinic staff we can help our community members to survive and possibly live a longer life. The mentoring that is being provided to our Nurse Practitioner will give her the ability to assist our members in the areas of harm reduction. She will also be able to manage ongoing treatment of the substance disorders for our clients. We are very grateful for this opportunity to help our community members in need. The PMH staff, doctors and nurses are very friendly and wonderful to work with. The community members are very grateful to have this health project in our own community.

Cynthia Munro – Health Director, Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation

As the physician on the ground for the project, I’m very glad to have the institutional backing to provide care directly to populations most affected by the stark economic realities of travelling for healthcare in rural Manitoba. I’m excited by the connections we’re forming with health-care providers in very small communities, which are increasing their ability and confidence to care for challenging and complicated patients. If we’re lucky and committed, we can create a robust integrated network of addictions care throughout the region appropriate for our geography and social circumstances.

Dr. James Rae, Mobile RAAM Clinic Physician, PMH

As someone who has worked in addictions for over eight years, I am most enjoying the medical support of the Mobile RAAM team. The mobile RAAM clinic offers an opportunity for people to reach out and receive support when they need it. There is no waiting weeks for appointments in order to start the process and people come in when ‘they’ are ready to explore or begin the process of change.
Having the opportunity to speak with a counsellor, nurse, and physician in one location on the same day helps to manage the significant transportation barriers we see in our rural communities.

Christine Little, Rehabilitation Counsellor, Mobile RAAM Clinic – Virden, Russell

Being able to reach people a little closer to home who aren’t able to get themselves to a larger center like Brandon on a regular basis due to distance. I’ve enjoyed being able to see this service expand into rural communities where services like this are nearly non-existent.

Lynsey Jensen, Nursing Staff, Mobile RAAM Clinic – Virden, Russell

In working collectively with the Mobile RAAM team, we’ve had the ability to harness our own unique knowledge and strengths, while providing a service that is fluid and supports the autonomy of each individual we work with. I continue to learn so much from my team, and am so grateful for the support I receive from each of them. We have also had the opportunities to collaborate with different agencies, which has supported our ability to increase substance use treatment education in the community, enhance service opportunities, and build opportunities to overcome barriers and bridge gaps in services for those accessing substance use treatment and care. In bridging gaps and building connections with our clients as we support them holistically in making positive, we ensure no one is lost within the gaps, providing greater access to increased levels of success for each individual. In a short time, I have already witnessed the positive changes our program has provided and look forward to the months to come as we continue to expand our program to an exceptional capacity!

Sesley Sloboda, Rehabilitation Counsellor, Mobile RAAM Clinic – Wuskwi Sipihk First Nation
Read More

PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAM ANNOUNCED FOR NEEPAWA

Prairie Mountain Health was excited to learn of the province’s investment in a one-time, 25-student cohort for its practical nursing diploma program in Neepawa. The Manitoba government is providing $2.1 million in combined capital and operating funding to Assiniboine Community College (ACC) to offer the practical nursing program in Neepawa.

Advanced Education and Training Minister Sarah Guillemard and Health Minister Audrey Gordon say the one-time offering in Neepawa will provide students with training close to home, allowing them to study, work and strengthen health care in the region.

“Nurses from rural communities are more likely to stay or return to rural health settings and graduates of this program will be eligible to fill positions at the new hospital under construction in Neepawa scheduled for completion in 2025, “ Gordon stated.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to training people for careers in health care throughout the province. Nursing is Assiniboine’s largest single program and our graduates have a track record of getting jobs and staying in Manitoba.” said Mark Frison, president, ACC. “This welcome investment by the Manitoba government allows us to respond to needs in Neepawa and we look forward to working with the community to expand access in this growing region of the province.”

At nearly four times the size of the existing Neepawa Health Centre, the new hospital will include:

  • 63 acute care inpatient beds, an increase from 38 at the current site;
  • an expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that includes assessment and treatment rooms, a trauma room, stretcher bay and ambulance bay; and
  • enhanced space for a number of programs such as surgery, diagnostics and palliative care, as well as various outpatient services including chemotherapy, ambulatory care and an eight-station dialysis unit.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) CEO Brian Schoonbaert says the region continues collaborative efforts with the province and education institutions like Assiniboine to further strengthen the health-care workforce in the region.

“Training nurses close to home allows them to learn in a familiar environment and have the opportunity to learn about and apply for jobs in their community upon graduation,” said Brian Schoonbaert CEO of Prairie Mountain Health. “It also helps meet the high demand for nurses in PMH. We are pleased to work with Assiniboine and our stakeholders to offer learners in the health region this opportunity.”

The investment in Neepawa further aligns with the provincial Health Human Resource Action Plan, which launched in November 2022 with a commitment to add 2,000 health-care providers, invest $200 million to retain, train and recruit health-care staff across Manitoba, and eliminate mandated overtime.

Read More

CancerCare Closing the Care Gap

World Cancer Day is recognized globally every February 4 to raise awareness about cancer, improve access to cancer education, and promote personal, collective and government action for cancer control. World Cancer Day is a worldwide positive movement for people to connect and come together in support of accessible and equitable cancer care for all (www.worldcancerday.org).

In 2023, the World Cancer Day theme was “Closing the Care Gap”. Watch these videos, presented on World Cancer Day by CancerCare Manitoba, to learn about Nurse Navigators and what to expect on a cancer journey.

CancerCare Nurse Navigators

A video highlighting the role of Nurse Navigators, and a patient’s perspective on being supported by a Navigator.

Webinar: Closing the Care Gap – What to expect on your cancer journey

This webinar touches on cancer surgery, radiation and systemic therapy, what care looks like for pediatric patients, and psychosocial supports such as counselling which is available to patients and their loved ones.

Read More

Cancer Unit expansion at Russell Health Centre nears

Construction on a $2.5 million building addition to Russell Health Centre for an expanded cancer care unit is set to begin this April. General Contractor Jacobson Commercial has been awarded the construction tender, and if all goes well, construction on the expanded facility should be completed by the end of 2023.

Through dedication, commitment and passion for the project, the Expanding Community Cancer Committee, represented by 15 area communities surrounding the Russell-Binscarth area, raised over $1.8 million of the $2.5 million needed to move ahead with construction. In May 2022, the province announced that it would contribute the remaining $700,000 so the expansion could proceed.

Once completed, the expanded cancer unit will be nearly four times the size of the current area, with a separate entrance to the facility, seven treatment bays, and a waiting room and physician’s office.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) CEO Brian Schoonbaert says the region has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to plan for the necessary building parameters, construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project. PMH will contribute annual operating costs for the expansion, including staffing and supplies.

“We are grateful for the hard work, dedication and commitment of the Expanding Community Cancer Committee and local support from the entire area,” said Brian Schoonbaert, CEO of PMH. “With the support of Manitoba Health, this much-needed new building addition will better serve patients in this part of our health region and provide a better physical environment for our staff to provide care.”

Expanding Community Care Committee President Gloria Tibbatts can’t wait for construction to begin, and adds that fundraising efforts will continue to contribute to additional equipment and other possibilities.

Read More

Shoal Lake Yellowhead Clinic secures Nurse Practitioner services

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Cathy Scofield-Singh

The Yellowhead Community Clinic in Shoal Lake welcomes Nurse Practitioner (NP) Cathy Scofield-Singh, who will begin seeing patients on March 13. Scofield-Singh will be joining the Shoal Lake Medical Team on a permanent basis. Cathy will also provide coverage to the personal care home while NP Tanya Radford is on maternity leave. Once Tanya returns from maternity leave, the two NPs will work in Shoal Lake.

The Clinic will also be served by Hamiota physician Dr. Chris Brenneman, who will work some itinerant shifts starting in May to continue to provide services to Shoal Lake and area residents. Dr. Heather Gooden, who practices full-time in Hamiota, will remain to oversee patients within the Shoal Lake Transitional Care Unit.

Nurse Practitioners work independently and can provide many services, including:

  • Completing assessments and physical exams, including pap tests and pre-natal exams;
  • Diagnosing and managing common issues and chronic conditions;
  • Prescribing medications and therapies;
  • Ordering diagnostic tests like blood work, x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs;
  • Performing minor procedures like suturing, biopsies, wart and mole removal; and
  • Referring to other health providers, including specialists.

Schofield-Singh comes to the Shoal Lake Clinic after working at the Ste. Rose Primary Health Care Centre, where she started with Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) in 2018.
Cathy did a short locum in Shoal Lake in the fall of 2022, and the clinic staff and board were so happy with her services they approached her about a move to Shoal Lake. This worked for Cathy personally, so it is a positive move for both the community and Cathy. She will be a welcomed addition to the medical services team in Shoal Lake.

Yellowhead Clinic, Shoal Lake

As an NP since 2013, Cathy has over 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) with a diverse nursing career. She graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Masters of Nursing NP program in October 2013. Before becoming an NP, she also had an opportunity to work in remote northern communities as a Primary Care Nurse for over ten years.

PMH Primary Health Care Manager Diane Ciprick says the Region was pleased to facilitate conversations with Scofield-Singh, allowing her to move into the opportunity in Shoal Lake.
The health region continues to be very active in Nurse Practitioner recruitment and retention efforts. To date, 23 NPs provide service within 27 communities, which include shifts on the Mobile Clinic, services at medical clinics and in the 7th Street Health Access Centre.

Read More

BRHC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Temporary Relocation

As part of the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) expansion project, pile driving of posts into the ground close to the north wall of BRHC will start to take place. This will require the relocation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which is expected to occur near the end of the week of February 6th and continue into the following week(s).

Due to noise and vibration during pile driving close to the hospital wall, NICU babies and their moms will be moved to 200 Surgery (2nd floor) after delivery. Visitation in the NICU may also be limited to one person per baby due to space. If the NICU is at capacity, you and your baby may be transferred to Winnipeg.

In addition, some maternity patients and their babies may also be transferred to 200 surgery after delivery. Patients moved may have to share a room with other moms, and the space may not accommodate a support person overnight.

This part of the construction phase is expected to be completed the second week of March but is subject to change.

Please continue to check our website or follow us on social media for updates.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during the construction phase.

Read More

Western Manitoba Cancer Centre Expansion Project Scheduled to Begin Will Require Parking Changes

The expansion and renovation of the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC) will soon be underway. This project will see a 7,000 square feet addition and renovation of existing space, including exam rooms, treatment spaces, and the Centre of Hope being constructed on the east side of WMCC.

Construction fencing will start going up February 21st, blocking off WMCC’s parking lot. Six-hour parking meters and accessible parking spots have been relocated close to the facility along Frederick Street and the Nurse’s Residence to accommodate this change. There are also 2-hour parking meters along Park Street east of WMCC. We ask patients to allow enough time to park for their appointment.

The front entrance drive-through will remain open for drop-off and pick-up only. Please do not park there for any extended period of time. The front entrance will also be used for patients coming to WMCC by ambulance.

Continue to check our website or follow us on social media for updates and possible changes.

Read More

BRHC MAIN ENTRANCE TEMPORARY CLOSURE Saturday, February 25

Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) expansion project continues with the foundation work of the new building located on the north side of BRHC.

Pile driving of posts into the ground close to the BRHC front entrance is scheduled for Saturday, February 25. This will require the main entrance into BRHC and the traffic loop to be closed on this day from 7 am until 6 pm.

February 25, the main BRHC entrance will be closed. Please note the following changes:

  • Dialysis patients brought by a Handivan or Medical Transport van will use the laneway entrance off Frederick Street.
  • Outpatients/Diagnostic Imaging Patients and Patients being discharged: The Emergency Department (ER) ramp can be used for drop off and pick up. Please use the staff doors, NOT the ER doors to enter BRHC. This ramp is not to be used for any extended period of time.
  • General Visitors will enter through the Centre for Adult Psychiatry (CAP) entrance off Russell Street and follow the signage to the main lobby and information desk.

Please refer to the map and watch for signage. Information is subject to change.

Read More

CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Health Information Services

The Health Information Services (HIS) team includes Health Information Management Professionals, Medical Transcriptionists and Clerical staff who work in health centres throughout Prairie Mountain Health. This team is about managing healthcare data; collecting, storing, managing and transmitting a patient’s electronic medical records (EMR) in a professional, caring, and confidential manner.

Clerical Staff (Clerk III)

Clerk IIIs work in various areas within the HIS program, such as patient registration, switchboard and the records processing unit. The Clerk III Health Information staff are responsible for accurate and timely registration and processing of the admission/discharge/transfer (ADT) system while following the Provincial and Regional Registration Guidelines and practices. In addition, they process records, including secure storage, maintain the confidentiality of health information, and ensure all records are complete and accurate. This position also supports communication within and outside the facility. The switchboard is the communication hub of the facilities. In this area, they receive patient inquiries, page/communicate with health care providers, and operate the call centre for all Emergency codes within the facilities.

Education Requirements: Clerical staff in HIS are required to have a certificate in Medical Terminology. The Canadian Red Cross and Red River College offer Medical Terminology certificate programs.

Medical Transcriptionists

Medical Transcription changes voice-recorded reports into written texts that become a part of the permanent health record. Physicians and other health care providers dictate information gathered during patient encounters, and medical transcriptionists listen to the recording and transcribe it. These medical reports include clinical findings and therapeutic procedures in the health record and transmission to physicians and other healthcare facilities.

Education Requirements: All Medical Transcriptionists graduate from a recognized Medical Transcription Program. Check out Canscribe Career College or the Academy of Learning College offers the Medical Transcription certificate program as well as Medical Office Assistant (both needed if attending Academy of Learning College).

Health Information Management Professionals (HIMP)

Health Information Management Professionals provide services in all aspects of health records management. This includes data collection, disclosure, retention and the proper disposal of health information. The HIMP codes and summarizes all inpatient and same-day care health records accurately and efficiently. This is done by following the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Standards and utilizing the appropriate Coding Classification System. This health data is transformed into information that can be analyzed and used to help in healthcare delivery, patient safety, and decision-making.

Education Requirements: All Health Information Management Professionals are graduates of a Health Information Management Professional Program and can be certified with the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA). The Canadian HealthCare Association (CHA Learning – online) or Red River College offers the Health Information Management Professional certificate program.

All of the functions within HIS are tied together with our Administrative Assistants and our Management team. The Health Information Services portfolio offers plenty of room for growth and career advancement and is currently recruiting for positions within our team!

Visit our Prairie Mountain Health careers page at https://www.pmh-mb.ca/careers.

Read More

Exploring Citrus Fruits this Winter

The winter months are the perfect time to enjoy citrus fruits. These brightly colored fruits are in season bursting with flavor and add can add a little bit of “sunshine” into those often grey cold winter days!

Eating seasonal fruits has many benefits. It is an affordable and delicious way to add variety to your eating. By choosing fruits in season, there is a greater likelihood that they have had the chance to naturally ripen in the sun, will be fresher, taste better and have the highest amount of nutrition, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Citrus fruits are a good source of fibre with many health benefits. Citrus fruits are known for being rich in vitamin C, which help you to absorb iron, helping to beat winter fatigue. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant which helps to protect the body from damage and helps support your immune system, maintaining healthy skin, bones and blood vessels.

Here are a few different ways to add citrus this winter:

  • Squirt some lemon or lime juice in your water for a burst of flavor
  • Top your favourite hot cereal or yogurt with slices of oranges or mandarins
  • Add slices of grapefruit or oranges to salads or wraps
  • Peel and enjoy as a simple and quick snack

https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/citrus-salad/

(Sources Used: Mayo Clinic and Unlock Food.ca )

Read More
Skip to content