Provincial summer student initiative continues to prove popular in PMH
PMH has sponsored 10 medical student positions this year for the Discover Health Careers initiative. Pictured are Jeffrey Li and Dr. Kelsey Connelly who are participating this year in Brandon.
It’s summertime, and for some eager students, early exposure to health care careers can be a valuable experience that influences their future decisions. Discover Health Careers Manitoba (formerly the ‘Home for the Summer’ program) offers term positions to students within the health region to provide a ‘hands-on’ experience in clinical, hospital or healthcare site environments that apply to their areas of training. The program initially started with medical students and extends to nursing and allied healthcare students (including career areas like public/community health nursing and pharmacy). PMH and Shared Health cost share the initiative.
PMH offers 26 approved positions this year in Pharmacy, Primary Care, Mental Health, Therapy Services, Acute Care, Public Health, and Nutrition Services. For first and second-year medical students, PMH has sponsored 10 positions in Neepawa, Virden, Deloraine and Brandon (in Brandon the areas include Anesthesia, Obstetrics-Gynecology, General Surgery, Psychiatry, Radiology, the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology and Hospitalists).
Dr. Sydney McLaughlin is preparing to start her first year of Residency in Neepawa based out of the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic. In 2022, she spent eight weeks through the program at the clinic in Neepawa. In 2023, she participated in various locations including Dauphin, Ste. Rose, Killarney and Neepawa. She spent time seeing patients with a preceptor in a variety of clinical situations, and appreciated opportunities to advance her education.
“I found the experience to be very rewarding and a great way to continue my learning over the summer in order to further prepare myself for my clerkship years in medical school. ‘Home for the Summer’ gave me the opportunity to explore my career options while also earning an income that helped to pay for my medical school. This is something that I am very thankful I had the opportunity to pursue,” McLaughlin stated.
Students must be enrolled in a healthcare training program that fits a future need for PMH. The duration of sponsored positions varies depending on the type. Medical students’ positions are up to a maximum of six weeks. The maximum duration for nursing, allied health, and other positions is 10 weeks. The program requires an agreed-upon time commitment; students do not start or finish simultaneously.
More information on this program, as well as other Discover Health Careers initiatives, can be seen at healthcareersmanitoba.ca or Students.
Question & Answer with Dr. Sydney McLaughlin
Dr. Sydney McLaughlin holds her University of Manitoba diploma.
Dr. Sydney McLaughlin, who is preparing to start her Residency this summer in Neepawa answered some questions for us with her insight of the Discover Health Careers program. She previously participated in the Discover Health Careers (formerly known as Home for the Summer Program) in 2022 and 2023.
Can you elaborate on where you participated in the (formerly Home for the Summer) program, what you did during those weeks, and generally how you found it?
I participated in the Home for the Summer (HFTS) program during the summers of 2022 and 2023. In 2022, I spent all eight weeks of my employment at the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic in Neepawa. During my second summer, I spent time at various locations throughout Manitoba, including Neepawa, Killarney, Ste. Rose du Lac, and Dauphin.
During these weeks I spent my time seeing patients with my preceptor in a variety of clinical situations. A typical week would include spending time in the clinic, shifts in the emergency department, seeing inpatients, helping with obstetrics, and spending some time in the operating room, either as an assist during surgical procedures or working with the anesthesia team.
I found the experience to be very rewarding and a great way to continue my learning over the summer in order to further prepare myself for my clerkship years in medical school. HFTS gave me the opportunity to explore my career options while also earning an income that helped to pay for my medical school. This is something that I am very thankful I had the opportunity to pursue.
Did anything stand out to you during that “Home for the Summer” experience? Any key learnings? Any preceptors that should be acknowledged?
HFTS taught me many things, not only about clinical medicine, but also about life in medicine and how to cope with the challenges that come with pursuing a career in medicine. I had a variety of preceptors throughout my time in HFTS that offered advice on work life balance and how to build a rewarding career. It also gave me the opportunity to further develop my procedural skills, as I gained more confidence in suturing, emergency room procedures, and management of obstetrical cases.
Dr. Sandra Wiebe was my preceptor in Neepawa for both of my summers. She provided me with lots of guidance not only for furthering my clinical medicine learning, but also my bedside manner and professional development. I am very grateful for the summers I got to spend with her and look forward to learning from her more in the future.
Dr. Brian Milligan also provided me with lots of guidance and was very great at involving me in any procedures that came up around the hospital and gave me the opportunity to learn from him whenever possible!
How have you turned that previous experience into furthering your career path? Where are you now in your health care career journey?
HFTS solidified my interest in rural medicine. I knew when I started medical school that I wanted to practice in a rural community, but having the opportunity to participate in HFTS allowed me to experience the scope of practice of a rural family physician and further strengthened my decision to pursue rural medicine as a career choice. I am now just about to start my residency in rural family medicine in my home community of Neepawa. I am looking forward to returning home and giving back to my community and continuing to learn from so many amazing physicians!
Any other comments about the initiative you feel would be worth mentioning?
HFTS is a great initiative for not only exposing medical students to rural medicine, but also giving health regions an opportunity to recruit medical students that are soon to be participating in the CaRMS match! I would highly recommend that any student pursuing a career in medicine give the program a try as it can open doors and create opportunities for learning and career advancement. It also offers great exposure to rural medicine, which may help some students to realize a career in rural medicine is perfect for them!
To the families and communities affected: please know that your loved ones are in capable, caring hands. Our thoughts are with you all during this extremely difficult time and we are here to support you.
Clients relocated to PMH facilities
To prioritize the safety and continued care of our patients, Northern Health Region has made the decision to proactively relocate higher acuity patients out of the community of Flin Flon.
Some of these patients have been relocated to facilities within the Prairie Mountain Health region. The safety and well-being of all patients and healthcare teams remains our highest priority.
Staff of Northern Health Region will keep patients and long-term care residents, and their loved ones, informed about the transfer location and care throughout this process.
Health Information and Patient Relocation Line
Call 1-888-315-9257 (toll free) or 204-788-8200 and press 1 for:
Assistance in locating your loved ones who have been relocated from hospitals and personals care homes
Information on healthcare services in your current location
Accessing Prescriptions/Pharmacy Needs
Click here to see information on accessing prescriptions & pharmacy needs for evacuees.
Our Public Health and Primary Health Care teams are active in communities and are available to assist with any health-related questions or concerns. If you need to contact the local Public Health office find an office where you are.
Home Care
If you or a loved one had home care needs and have been displaced to our region and need home care assistance, please contact our home care intake line at 1-855-474-3338. Click here for more information on home care within our region.
Know Where to go for the Right Care
From an emergency to less urgent care, there are options.
Call 911 or go to nearest OPEN Emergency Department FOR:
Chest pain or tightness
Severe difficulty breathing
Sudden weakness or paralysis
Uncontrollable bleeding
Loss of consciousness, seizure
Major trauma (life or limb-threatening injury)
Poisoning or overdose
Weakness/numbness on one side/slurred speech
Confusion/change in mental state
Ongoing fever in infants
Severe burns
Head or eye injury
Concussion/fainting
Severe allergic reaction
Asthma attack
Severe cuts that may require stitches
Broken bones & dislocated joints
Fever that persists
Severe pain
Need support due to safety concerns: can include: suicide risk, risk to others, overdose
Visit a Medical Clinic or Brandon Minor Injury & Illness ClinicFOR:
If you, or someone you know needs to speak with someone right away, or are experiencing mental distress, contact the numbers below. This can include panic or worrisome thoughts, thoughts of suicide or death, sadness and depression or if you just need support right now.
Send Well Wishes to your family & friends who have been relocated to one of our hospitals or personal care homes.
Once received, staff will print, seal & deliver your message between 8am - 4pm, weekdays. You will need to indicate the name of the facility in which the client is staying.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. It can lead to serious complications, especially in young children and those with weakened immune systems.
Due to the growing number of MEASLES cases, the Manitoba Government has expanded the eligibility criteria for MEASLES, MUMPS AND RUBELLA (MMR) vaccine.
If you think you have measles, were exposed, or have questions:
Call Healthlinks at 1-888-315-9257 (24hours/7 days) It’s important to avoid contact with others Stay home from work, school or childcare centres Contact your primary care provider for assessment and testing
Call first!
It’s important to call and tell your primary care provider or health care facility you may have measles BEFORE you visit their office or health care centre so they are prepared and can prevent exposing others
Symptoms include
Fever
Cough and runny nose
Red, watery eyes
Red, blotchy rash that spreads across the body
There is no cure
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms
Help stop the spread
Make sure you and your children are up to date on vaccines
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that it recently received its national accreditation designation—its third since the health region was formed in 2012—following on-site surveys that took place in the region in May. Accreditation Canada affirmed PMH was successful meeting 97 per cent of surveyed criteria. PMH also met 23 out of 30 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs). Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum framework affects everyone in the organization and helps assess all aspects of operations, from Board and Leadership, to care and services, to infrastructure.
“The survey results reinforce what we know, and what we are so proud of, which is the professionalism of our staff, our accreditation teams, physicians and health partners who are dedicated to providing care to the patients, residents and clients that we serve,” Slate stated. “This designation demonstrates PMH’s commitment towards quality improvement efforts by continually monitoring, evaluating and enhancing all of our programs and services to provide better care within our region”. Accreditation Canada, which conducted the on-site assessments May 26- May 31, helps improve outcomes through independent assessments against global standards. Some highlights noted within the final report included:
The survey team, consisting of 17 surveyors from across Canada, evaluated PMH programs and services against 23 standards sets across 49 locations in multiple programs and services;
Since the last review in 2022, surveyors noted PMH has successfully managed through the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient’s focus group recognized the efforts of the staff in supporting patients and the community throughout this unprecedented period;
Stakeholder and health partner engagement was acknowledged and recognized. PMH works to obtain feedback from patients on their programs and services to advance quality care and ensure there is constant connections with individuals served;
Recruitment and retention of staff remains a challenge. Surveyors noted the region continues to advance strategies to hire appropriate staff, often engaging in innovative approaches. Educational partners, municipal officials, and community partners recognize the challenges facing the organization while, at the same time, confirming the commitment that PMH has made to engage with them and deliver on shared solutions;
Surveyors also noted the lack of a consistent electronic patient record across the system. Additional work is required to modernize medication administration systems.
Prairie Mountain Health holds Annual General Meeting
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) wrapped up its 12th full year of operations during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) October 30, 2024. PMH Board Chair Lon Cullen said reviewing fiscal year 2023-2024 allowed interested community representatives, health stakeholders and partners, staff and residents to learn more about the region’s strategic priorities, objectives and financial position.
“Communication with our partners and stakeholders regarding health care within our communities and region as a whole is a top priority,” Cullen stated. The AGM is another way we are able to provide a status report on PMH activities and an opportunity to keep residents and communities engaged at the same time.” recap
Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says the AGM also provides the opportunity to reflect back on accomplishments, acknowledge the challenges and opportunities for improvement that lie ahead, and move forward with a focus on future program and service planning.
“We’re making great strides in several areas as our recent Accreditation Report notes although we know there is much more work to do,” Slate said. “We acknowledge and sincerely appreciate the commitment of our staff—our most valuable resource. They continue to give of themselves with unwavering dedication, care and compassion. To our staff, thank you for all that you do!”
This past year saw the region undergo its third national accreditation survey, which found PMH met 97 per cent of surveyed criteria. Other AGM highlights noted were:
The Region focused on it’s Strategic Plan (2023-2028) that identified the health region’s four key priorities aimed at building a healthier population and creating a quality, integrated and sustainable health system through collaboration and informed-decision-making.
Patient and family engagement, along with patient-centered care, remained key objectives for PMH.
Several key capital projects were in varying stages, including construction on the new Neepawa Health Centre, clinical spaces renovations at Brandon and Dauphin Regional Health Centres and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.
A building addition for a new cancer care unit in Russell and enhanced space for a new CT Scanner in Swan River were finalized in the spring of 2024. Both of the projects received significant financial contributions from local communities.
Emergency Department renovations in Virden, Killarney and Souris were completed. These refreshed treatment spaces now provide dedicated space for registration and triage, greater privacy, wayfinding and better sight lines for staff.
Various recruitment and retention strategies for physicians, nurses and other health care-professionals remained a priority area and several activities to sustain, enhance and develop capacity within the workforce continued. The region has seen some recent recruitment success including new specialist and nurse practitioner hires.
The region continues making strides on improving mental health and addictions services. Enhancements to in-house treatment services, support and treatment programs and community mental health improvements were continuing throughout the year.
PMH’s Mobile Clinic passed a significant milestone in February, marking 10 years since the first primary care bus in the Province began providing access to services where some care barriers remain. Currently, the Indigenous communities of Birdtail Sioux First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation and Keeseekoowenin First Nation receive regular visits. The communities of Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation, Skownan First Nation, Sioux Valley First Nation, Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation and Waterhen also receive regular Nurse Practitioner services from Mobile Clinic providers.
PMH experienced an operating deficit in 2023/24 of $29.7 million after having balanced its operating budget the previous year. This was largely related to the increase in salary expenses related to the use of agency and overtime to maintain current service levels. A financial accountability working group has been established to look at fiscal sustainability initiatives and cost savings opportunities going forward.
Support is available to our healthcare staff during strike action
We acknowledge the potential psychological and emotional impact strike action may have on healthcare workers during this period. This can be especially strong following the pandemic. We know this time may feel uncertain, and stress levels can be high. Support is available to you whenever you may need it.
Even though the strike is no longer forthcoming, you still may feel the need for personal support.
Supports available to all staff:
Access support through your wellbeing team at 1-844-820-2010 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00
This is a one-on-one support line for all staff. Call to speak with our dedicated Wellbeing Leaders for personalized support. They are here for you to listen, provide support, and connect you with any appropriate resources to help you navigate this challenging time.
Drop-in virtual wellbeing practice sessions for all staff: Dates and times to be announced.
Supports available through your Manager: Wellbeing Check-Ins and On-Site or Virtual Drop-In
Supports available through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access support from your Manitoba Blue Cross EAP 24/7 at 204-786-8880 or 1-800-590-5553 (toll free) or [email protected]
Support for leaders: Consultation support is available to assist leaders in supporting their team and organizing services on-site or virtually.
Other Resources
The Mental Health & Wellness Resource Finder provides a number of mental health, wellness, and addictions supports and resources for you and those you care about.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with Mindfulness (CBTm) is available specifically for health care workers to improve mental well-being: https://cbtm.ca/cbtm-programs/healthcare-workers/
Mindfulness Meditation Videos with Dr. Jo Ann Unger:
Strike actions impact everyone differently. Some will have modified duties or increased workloads and others will be on the picket lines. Emotions can run high for everyone, from employees to patients and their families. Leaders will need to balance keeping operations running with supporting their teams’ wellbeing. Patients and their families may have questions or concerns about the changes that are unfolding around them.
It’s normal to feel stressed during a strike. Our bodies and minds react to the uncertainty and changes around us. The longer the strike lasts, the more stress we might feel, similar to other crises but over a longer period. During a strike, we may have physical symptoms like headaches, tiredness, trouble sleeping, or an upset stomach. Mentally, we may find it hard to concentrate, feel distracted or confused, or have negative thoughts. Emotionally, feelings like frustration, anger, fear, or anxiety are common. Some people may feel numb or detached. This stress can also affect our behaviour, like withdrawing from our relationships or everyday activities.
Not everyone will react in the same way. How we feel depends on factors like the stress we’re already carrying from current or past events such as the pandemic. For those already under a lot of pressure, the strike can feel even more overwhelming. However, past challenges can remind us of how we’ve coped before and what has helped us through tough times.
What you can do for yourself during this time:
Monitor Your Perceptions: A strike is tough for everyone. We may start feeling blame or guilt which can affect our relationship with coworkers. When we are tired, it can be harder to show compassion to others. It’s helpful to remember that we will still be working together after the strike is over.
Stay Informed: Knowing what’s happening can reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
Build a Support Network: Connect with your peers and build support. Sharing feelings and concerns with coworkers can help. It’s also okay to take time for yourself to focus on other activities and interests.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritizing self-care activities you enjoy can to help reduce stress.
Stay Active: Movement releases endorphins which supports our moods.
Limit News Consumption: While staying informed is important, too much exposure to news, can increase anxiety for some.
Practice Mindfulness, Grounding and/or Breathing: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay grounded and manage stress.
Advocate for Your Needs: If you need specific accommodations or support during this time, don’t hesitate to ask.
Know Your Rights: Be aware of your rights and obligations as an employee. This can reduce anxiety about potential repercussions.
Seek Professional Help: If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or other challenges, consider seeking professional help. Please see resources below. Resources
Tentative agreement has been reached with both CUPE and MGEU
We are pleased to share that a tentative agreement has been reached with both CUPE and MGEU. This means that the anticipated work stoppage scheduled to begin earlier today will not occur at this time. A ratification process will unfold over the coming weeks.
Work to resume normal operations and reschedule affected appointments will occur over the coming days. For most patients, residents and clients, health-care services will continue as planned today.
Some disruption can still be expected for patients and clients whose appointments and surgeries may have been postponed in anticipation of a work stoppage.
If you have been affected by a change in service or some other disruption to your scheduled health services, you can expect to be contacted directly with an update or a rescheduled appointment.
We are working with our teams to support a smooth return to normal operations and appreciate your ongoing understanding as our dedicated staff do their best to support the care of all patients, residents and clients.
We recognize the planning work for a potential work stoppage may have caused disruption and frustration for you and your loved ones – we appreciate your patience during this time.
Construction complete at Community Cancer Care Centre in Russell
August 21, 2024
Dignitaries, stakeholders and staff gathered to officially cut the ribbon to the new $2.5 million cancer care building adjoined to the Russell Health Centre on August 21, 2024.
Construction to expand Community Cancer Program space at Russell Health Centre has now been completed, and the significant milestone was recognized today with a grand opening celebration. The $2.5 million building expansion, which went into use in mid-July, improves patient experience and access to cancer treatment services for Russell and the surrounding region. The building addition is roughly four times the size of the former space located within the hospital and offers larger patient care areas and improved workspace for staff.
“We’re so proud of the exceptional quality of care delivered by CancerCare here in Russell, and this expansion project will only improve that quality of care for patients,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care Uzoma Asagwara. “Thank you to the dedicated community members who worked to make this expansion a reality. Your hard work will help more Manitobans hear those four amazing words: ‘you are cancer-free'”.
The Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee (ECCC) raised the majority of the funding to construct the 3300 sq. ft building addition, which is aptly named the Community Cancer Care Centre. The province committed $700,000 towards the building addition, which included:
Staff and reception area to the newly expanded Cancer Care Unit at Russell Health Centre
relocation of the dedicated nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area; and
expanded patient care spaces to improve patient privacy.
The Expanding Community Cancer Care (ECCC) committee includes membership from the communities of Angusville, Beulah, Binscarth, Birtle, Foxwarren, Inglis, Langenburg, Sask., Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, St. Lazare, Shellmouth, Silverton, Solsgirth and Waywayseecappo.
“After almost 10 years of fundraising for a new cancer care unit at the Russell Health Centre, we are delighted that this long-awaited project is now a reality,” said Gloria Tibbatts, co-chair, ECCC committee. “Our dream has been fulfilled, and the benefits will serve many. We would like to thank the people from around our region who have supported us. The power of community and of our donors is what made this possible, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts”.
A celebration barbecue was held for staff and stakeholders following the grand opening event at Russell Health Centre.
Prairie Mountain Health has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to plan for the necessary building and construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project.
The regional health authority will contribute annual operating costs related to the expansion, including staffing and supplies.
“We are very grateful to the Expanding Community Cancer Care committee for their vision, hard work and dedication in fundraising for this expansion,” said Treena Slate, Chief Executive Officer, Prairie Mountain Health. “Cancer is a journey, and this new addition will better serve patients and families travelling for care in a more comfortable setting.”
“The expansion of the Community Cancer Program in Russell is a testament to the power of community spirit. By bringing high-quality care closer to home, we are working together to improve access for our cancer patients and honouring the local community’s incredible support and generosity,” said Dr. Navaratnam, President & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba “This project is a shining example of what we can achieve together”.
Construction on the additional parking lot has commenced. The $800,000 separate project is also being completely funded by the Expanding Community Cancer Committee.
A separate project has just begun with the construction of a new community cancer centre parking lot. The parking lot, which the Expanding Community Cancer Committee is completely funding, is anticipated to be completed this October.
On Louis Riel Day and every day, Prairie Mountain Health recognizes that we provide health services on the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation and on the original lands of First Nations and Inuit Peoples. Manitoba’s health authorities respect that First Nations treaties were made on these territories, acknowledge harms and mistakes, and we dedicate ourselves to collaborate in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in the spirit of reconciliation.
As we pursue equitable and trusted pathways to care for all Manitobans, we thank health-care workers of Métis ancestry for your efforts and commitment as members of a team dedicated to excellent patient care. Shared Health encourages all who deliver health services on the original lands of First Nations and Inuit peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation to recognize our ongoing obligation to the delivery of culturally safe care.
Health-care workers – and all Manitobans – are encouraged to take time to learn more about the contributions of Louis Riel and Métis peoples to our province.
Events in Prairie Mountain Health
Here are just a few events happening in our region for anyone to attend.
Events around the Province
Friday, Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Join the Office of the Vice-President (Indigenous) to celebrate Louis Riel Day at University of Manitoba’s Marshall McLuhan Hall, 204-UMSU University Centre! This free event will include short remarks, music (a fiddle jam session!) and lunch.
Feb. 16 – 25, Festival du Voyageur – Western Canada’s largest winter festival for the whole family with lots of entertainment including music, dancing, jigging, French-Canadian food, meeting historical characters, sculptures and much more.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Experience the life of a Voyageur with a Marsh twist during Voyageur Day at Oak Hammock Marsh! Try their friendly Voyageur-themed contests, competitions and games. Participate in their “Concours des Meilleurs” and take home some great bragging rights!
Sunday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – The Richer Métis Local is hosting a Louis Riel Day Celebration at the Richer Young at Heart Hall located at 22 Dawson Rd. W in Richer, Manitoba that includes performers, kids activities as well as a hot meal of chili, bannock and hotdogs.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Journée Louis Riel / Louis Riel Day at Le Musée de Saint-Boniface in collaboration with the Manitoba Métis Federation featuring free admission, free bannock, launch of Tracy Charette Fehr’s project “Honouring our Mothers” and more.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Set your inner voyageur free at FortWhyte Alive! Spend Louis Riel Day playing voyageur games with FortWhyte volunteers, and enjoy some friendly competition between your family! Try your hand at tug-o-war, a voyageur relay, and other fun games.
Monday, Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Celebrate Louis Riel Day at The Forks for a day filled with family-friendly festivities, like: lively dance parties and lessons for the whole family, engaging arts and crafts, specially crafted kid menus and mocktails, and, of course, winter activities, attractions, and amenities that are unique to The Forks.
Manitobans are encouraged to get outside and explore fishing opportunities throughout the province during this year’s Winter Family Fishing Weekend. From Feb. 17 to Feb. 19, anglers may fish without a licence in the province, except in national parks where a federal angling licence is still required.
