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Author: Heather Janssens

Swan River hosts medical students as part of rural workshop

Swan River hosts medical students as part of rural workshop

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) was proud to once again partner with the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee (SVMPRRC) to host a medical student rural interest group (RIG) workshop in Swan River October 2-4. The annual weekend event featured 25 first- and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine who explored the benefits of career and lifestyle opportunities in the Swan River Valley. It followed a successful RIG workshop held in the communities of Brandon and Minnedosa in January 2026, where PMH hosted 75 students across the two rural centres.

PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung, who worked in Swan River for nearly six years, says it’s a great time of year to explore the Swan Valley and local medical opportunities.

“We’re very excited that with the organizational and financial support from the SVMPRCC, we were able to have another annual workshop in Swan River. PMH and the provincial Health Care Recruitment and Retention Coordination Office sincerely appreciate the support of the U of M, local physicians, staff and community volunteers who help make the RIG weekend a success.”

The SVMPRRC greeted the students and provided welcome bags for everyone, as well as an ‘Explorer Pass’ allowing students to return and visit Swan River at their convenience.  Following the welcome, Dr. Leah Koetting invited all of the students back to her house for a bonfire.

There were hospital and facility tours, along with casting and suturing clinical stations, with Dr. Burnside, Dr. Cazakoff, and Dr. Koetting as preceptors, and Charnae Betcher (Swan River Physician Assistant), Enas Alharethi (Year 2 Resident-Neepawa), and Ihuoma Amako (Year 1 Resident-Parkland) assisting. 

After clinical station rotations, workshop participants moved to the newly renovated Amphitheatre at the Swan Valley Regional High School for an Indigenous Teachings Presentation from Elder Caroline Quill. A town tour and a visit to the Swan Valley Historical Museum, where students rode a miniature train around the museum grounds, were another community highlight before departing for the Thunderhill Ski Area for a delicious catered supper.

The Rural Interest Group and the University of Manitoba Medical Classes of 2028 and 2029 were honoured to join the Swan River community for a weekend of clinical skills and festivities.

“We are grateful to PMH and Swan River for providing us with this opportunity, as this is the northernmost trip we were involved in this year, giving students invaluable insight into what it means to live and work rurally.”

5) Residents visited the Swan Valley Historical Museum, where students rode a miniature train around the grounds.
Residents visited the Swan Valley Historical Museum, where students rode a miniature train around the grounds.
6) Medical students relax and have a fireside chat thanks to Dr. Leah Koetting.
Medical students relax and have a fireside chat thanks to Dr. Leah Koetting.
3) Dr. David Cazakoff has some advice for medical residents at a clinical station workshop on casting.
Dr. David Cazakoff has some advice for medical residents at a clinical station workshop on casting.
2) Dr. Leah Koetting assists medical residents with the finer points of casting.
Dr. Leah Koetting assists medical residents with the finer points of casting.
4) First-and second-year medical student residents got a chance to tour Swan River.
First-and second-year medical student residents got a chance to tour Swan River.
Swan River Physician Assistant Charnae Betcher goes through some stitching details at a clinical station workshop.
Swan River Physician Assistant Charnae Betcher goes through some stitching details at a clinical station workshop.

Dauphin Regional Health Centre: Building Back Better

Dauphin Regional Health Centre: Building Back Better

On Canada Day, July 1, 2026, Manitoba residents woke up to news that floodwaters had inundated the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, closing the Prairie Mountain Health region’s second-largest acute care centre.

Hospital patients were evacuated. Services suspended. Emergency plans activated in full.

Initial shock and sadness quickly gave way to resilience and action.  Emergency Department and some inpatient services shifted to the welcoming communities and facilities of Ste. Rose and Grandview. Temporary lab services were set up. An on-site assessment and treatment clinic was implemented.

Now, just over three months later, restoration efforts remain a priority.

Thanks to the determination and dedication of the provincial government, Prairie Mountain Health and Shared Health, local community stakeholders, staff and physicians, much has been accomplished in the push to restore clinical services. As of October 1st, progress includes:

  • Reopening the 24-7 Emergency Department.
  • Reestablishing hospital lab and outpatient diagnostic services.
  • Implementing a Mobile CT scanner Unit on the hospital grounds.
  • Reopening four dedicated palliative care beds within Dauphin Personal Care Home.
  • Exploring on-site options to establish dialysis services.
  • Working on next steps for cancer care services closer to home.

We remain equally committed and laser-focused on building back better at Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Together, we are making a difference!

For the most up to date information service information on Dauphin Regional Health Centre please visit Dauphin Regional Health Centre Services Updates – Prairie Mountain Health

DRHC back loading dock area July 1.
DRHC back loading dock area July 1.
2) DRHC back entrance area July 1.
DRHC back entrance area July 1.
3) DRHC basement air-handling unit, mid-July.
DRHC basement air-handling unit, mid-July.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn joined a contingent that reviewed hospital damage firsthand August 14.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn joined a contingent that reviewed hospital damage firsthand August 14.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, provincial officials and representatives of Prairie Mountain Health debrief after their tour of the flooded-out Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, provincial officials and representatives of Prairie Mountain Health debrief after their tour of the flooded-out Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
Staff and restoration project leaders review plans to reopen the lab.
Staff and restoration project leaders review plans to reopen the lab.
Shared Health Executive Director for Capital Projects, Craig Doersken, and project support Victoria Cockrem lead an extensive planning session August 25 as team leaders work towards the reopening of some clinical services on the hospital’s main floor by Labour Day.
Shared Health Executive Director for Capital Projects, Craig Doersken, and project support Victoria Cockrem lead an extensive planning session August 25 as team leaders work towards the reopening of some clinical services on the hospital’s main floor by Labour Day.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara reviews the space associated with the reopening of services on the main floor of the hospital.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara reviews the space associated with the reopening of services on the main floor of the hospital.
PMH CEO Treena Slate addresses the staff at Dauphin Regional Health Centre on the opening day of the Emergency Department September 7.
PMH CEO Treena Slate addresses the staff at Dauphin Regional Health Centre on the opening day of the Emergency Department September 7.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre staff prepare to re-open the hospital’s Emergency Department on the hospital’s main floor September 7.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre staff prepare to re-open the hospital’s Emergency Department on the hospital’s main floor September 7.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre staff prepare to re-open the hospital’s Emergency Department on the hospital’s main floor September 7.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre staff prepare to re-open the hospital’s Emergency Department on the hospital’s main floor September 7.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre staff prepare to re-open the hospital’s Emergency Department on the hospital’s main floor September 7.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre staff prepare to re-open the hospital’s Emergency Department on the hospital’s main floor September 7.
Prairie Mountain and Shared Health staff gather to celebrate the success of reopening the hospital’s Emergency Department and outpatient lab and some diagnostic services on September 7.
Prairie Mountain and Shared Health staff gather to celebrate the success of reopening the hospital’s Emergency Department and outpatient lab and some diagnostic services on September 7.

PMH Receives Strong Accreditation Report

PMH Receives Strong Accreditation Report

Demonstrating ongoing commitment to Quality and Safety

Accreditation Canada logo with red star

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce the results of its latest Accreditation Canada survey, achieving an impressive 95% overall compliance rate on criteria evaluated during the second sequence of Accreditation Canada’s new assessment model.

Under the new Accreditation approach, programs and services are assessed over a four-year cycle rather than through a single organization-wide survey every four years. Building on a longstanding history of strong performance, this model supports PMH’s commitment to continuous quality improvement, patient safety, and excellence in care.

The recent survey, conducted between May 24 and May 29, 2026, evaluated seven quality standards:

  • Critical Care Services
  • Emergency Department Services
  • Inpatient Services
  • Obstetric Services
  • Perioperative and Invasive Procedures (surgery)
  • Medical Device Reprocessing
  • Infection Prevention and Control; and
  • Medication Management.

Of the criteria evaluated within the eight standards surveyed, PMH met 98% of the “normal” criteria, 96% of the “high priority” criteria and 91% of Required Safety Practices. PMH CEO Treena Slate says these results provide confidence that the health region is on the right path in its continuous quality improvement journey.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of all our staff and teams who remain committed, every day, to maintaining high standards of care and safety,” Slate stated. “The organization will continue building on this solid foundation to ensure safe, excellent care for every patient and client that we serve.”

Full report details can be found on the PMH website under the “About Us” (Regional Reports) section, or you can view it here:accreditation-2026-report-eng.pdf

The regional accreditation team is already working towards the next sequence, which will be evaluated in May 2027.

Get Your Benefits/Financial Wellbeing Tips

Get Your Benefits/Financial Wellbeing Tips

hands holding a pink piggybank with coins underneath

Get Your Benefits/Financial Wellbeing Tip: Nearly 5% of Manitobans have been a victim of fraud, and one in five Manitobans have been approached with a fraud attempt. Visit Money Smart Manitoba to know how to protect yourself and be aware of the types of fraud to avoid. https://moneysmartmanitoba.ca/preservation-risk-management/scams-fraud/

Get Your Benefits/Financial Wellbeing Tip: Manitoba is piloting a new math curriculum with elements of financial literacy in select high schools starting September 2026, with full implementation in September 2027. Financial literacy resources will also be available for grades 4-10. Learn more.

Tips brought to you by:
Vanessa Hamilton, RD
Healthy Living Facilitator
Health Promotion and Community Development

Breastfeeding Week

Breastfeeding Week | October 1-7, 2026

October 1-7 is National Breastfeeding Week, a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of supporting families in meeting their infant feeding goals.

Colourful graphic of baby held in arms of two people with yellow background.

PMH Public Health is currently participating in the Community Baby Friendly Initiative Collaborative (CBFI-C), a 2-year quality improvement project through the Breastfeeding Committee for Canada with partnership from the University of Manitoba. The project allows PMH to work alongside other community and Public Health programs across Canada as we work towards Baby Friendly Designation.

Our multidisciplinary community BFI committee includes members from Primary Care, Public Health, Health Promotion and community development, and our parent partner. Gaining a parent partner through the project has been invaluable: their wisdom, lived experience, and advocacy for other parents has proved key to making meaningful improvements.    

The project is helping us to work towards increasing Public Health contact with prenatal parents. Currently, Public Health has contact with only about 14% of prenatal parents. Prenatal education and support can be one of the more challenging areas to implement but has significant potential to influence infant feeding decisions. Studies have shown that prenatal breastfeeding / chestfeeding education improves breastfeeding intentions, initiation, duration and/or exclusivity. This is especially the case when we focus on empowering parents to overcome potential barriers. 

Public Health Nurses can support and care for prenatal clients by:

  • Reaching out to identify needs and determine what types of support would be most beneficial.
  • Providing direction or referrals to other resources that would be valuable to the family.
  • Providing assessment, education, and support on topics such as having a healthy pregnancy, prenatal and infant care, attachment, parenting, family adjustments, and infant feeding, including breastfeeding / chestfeeding.
  • Assessing immunization and/or STBBI testing needs.

Through the CBFI-C project, PMH has been able to collect data from client surveys and chart audits, allowing us to identify opportunities and make improvements in real time. So far, over 90% of parents that took the postnatal survey said that they received the feeding help they needed when they needed it.  July and August 2026 chart audits revealed high breastfeeding initiation rates of over 90%.

The project has allowed us to share ideas and resources and learn from communities across Canada to improve infant feeding support and education 

As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Week, we are reminded that supporting infant feeding is about more than providing information. It is about connecting with families, listening to their experiences, building confidence, and ensuring they know where to turn for support when they need it.

By Chantal Morais RD, MPH

Canadian Patient Safety Week

Canadian Patient Safety Week

October 26 – 30, 2026 | What Shapes Safer Care?

Canadian Patient Safety Week is an annual campaign organized by Healthcare Excellence Canada to start conversations and inspire improvements in healthcare safety and quality. This year, the campaign invites people to reflect on one question: What Shapes Safer Care?

Canadian Patient Safety Week icon with green, purple, teal and yellow hearts and ovals with healthcare images.

At Prairie Mountain Health, safe care is shaped by a culture that values improvement and empowers staff to make a difference. Meaningful changes are taking place across our organization that strengthen the safety and quality of care we deliver. From frontline observations to organization-wide improvements, these initiatives demonstrate how staff are turning insights into action to make care safer.
We invite you to learn more about some of the initiatives that are helping advance safer care across our region.

  • Reducing Catheter-Associated Pressure Injuries
    When patient safety reports revealed an increase in catheter-related pressure injuries, Prairie Mountain Health teams took action. A multidisciplinary review identified opportunities to improve catheter selection practices and product accessibility, helping reduce the risk of tissue injury for patients requiring urinary catheters. Through collaboration between Patient Safety, Clinical Teams, and Materials Management, new resources and inventory improvements were implemented across the organization. This work demonstrates how reporting, learning, and collaboration create safer care environments and contribute to better outcomes for Manitobans.

  • RL Patient Safety Reporting System
    Safer care depends on our ability to learn from experience. Last summer, Prairie Mountain Health transitioned to the province’s RL patient safety reporting system, bringing a standardized approach to reporting and analyzing patient safety events. Although the change required staff to adapt to a new system, it has strengthened our ability to gather meaningful safety data, identify emerging trends, and better understand opportunities for improvement. The insights gained through reporting help guide organizational learning and inform changes that reduce risk, demonstrating how a strong reporting culture contributes to safer care across our region.

  • The Eden Philosophy in Action
    The Eden Alternative is a transformative approach to elder care that focuses on enhancing quality of life and creating meaningful experiences for older adults. Rather than being a program or checklist, it is a philosophy developed by Dr. Bill Thomas that challenges the traditional model of institutional care by addressing three key challenges often experienced by residents: loneliness, helplessness, and boredom. By taking a person-directed approach, the philosophy also aligns closely with patient safety, recognizing that understanding each resident’s abilities, preferences, risks, and goals allows care to be tailored to the individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Promoting safe mobility, maintaining independence, and encouraging meaningful activity can help prevent avoidable complications while supporting residents to remain active, engaged, and involved in their daily lives.

Ultimately, the Eden Alternative is about creating a culture where quality of life and patient safety go hand in hand. By supporting choice, independence, and meaningful engagement, PMH Long Term Care is working towards creating an environment where residents can thrive as individuals while reducing preventable risks and complications.

As we celebrate Canadian Patient Safety Week, we would like to thank all Prairie Mountain Health staff for their ongoing commitment to patient safety. Through your dedication to learning, improvement, and partnership, you continue to shape safer care every day. Together, we are building a culture where safety remains at the heart of everything we do.

Protect Yourself This Respiratory Illness Season

Protect Yourself This Respiratory Illness Season

Syringe holding shield and sword.

As we move into the fall and winter months, respiratory viruses such as influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to be seen. Immunization remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications related to these infections.

All Manitobans six months of age and older are encouraged to receive their annual influenza vaccine and stay up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations. Individuals aged 65 years and older are eligible for an enhanced influenza vaccine, which provides additional protection. All individuals 65 years and older are also eligible for one dose of Pneumococcal vaccine if they have not received it since turning 65.

New at PMH clinics this year is the RSV vaccine.  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms of RSV are usually similar to that of the common cold, and for most people, the illness itself is generally mild. Expanded RSV protection is available this year for those at greatest risk of severe illness and includes individuals aged 80 and older who are eligible for one lifetime dose of the RSV vaccine. 

Immunizations are safe, effective, and available throughout Manitoba. Residents can access vaccines through participating pharmacies, healthcare providers, public health clinics, or by using Manitoba’s Vaccine Finder to locate services in their area.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Respiratory Virus Vaccine Clinics start October 26th.  Visit our website for a full list of community clinics and locations throughout the region, or follow us on our Social Media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). 

Once again, this year, you can book your vaccine appointment online or call toll-free at 1-844-626-8222 ..

Along with staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, simple preventive measures such as regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when feeling unwell can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect vulnerable members of our communities.

PMH connects with future physicians at Family Medicine Resident Retreat

PMH connects with future physicians at Family Medicine Resident Retreat

Dr. Adrian Fung, PMH's Chief Medical Officer participating in the University of Manitoba Family Medicine Resident Retreat

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) was pleased to participate in the University of Manitoba Family Medicine Resident Retreat, hosted by Southern Health-Santé Sud in Morden and Winkler from September 18–20, 2026.

The annual retreat rotates among Manitoba’s health regions, giving family medicine residents the opportunity to experience the province’s diverse communities and practice environments. This year’s event welcomed approximately 142 medical residents and their families for three days of learning, networking, cultural experiences, and community connections. PMH proudly hosted the 2025 retreat.

For PMH, the retreat is a valuable opportunity to highlight not only the rewarding career opportunities available throughout the region, but also the welcoming communities that make Prairie Mountain Health a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Dr. Adrian Fung, PMH’s Chief Medical Officer, says building relationships and maintaining connections are important parts of physician recruitment.

“These events allow us to have meaningful conversations with residents about the many practice opportunities available throughout Prairie Mountain Health,” said Dr. Fung. “From our emergency departments and health centres to the newly expanded Brandon Critical Care Centre, the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, and a variety of specialty practices, there are many exciting opportunities for physicians interested in rural and regional medicine.”

Dr. Fung also highlighted several recent investments and developments across the region, including the new 60-bed hospital currently under construction in Neepawa, the modern Emergency Department and Special Care Unit in Dauphin, and the busy Primary Care Centre in Swan River.

Prairie Mountain Health was front and centre at the recent Family Medicine Residents Retreat held in Morden and Winkler in mid-September. Some 142 medical residents and their families attended the educational and recruitment event.
Prairie Mountain Health was front and centre at the recent Family Medicine Residents Retreat held in Morden and Winkler in mid-September. Some 142 medical residents and their families attended the educational and recruitment event.

PMH values every opportunity to share the benefits of rural practice and help future physicians learn more about the communities they may one day call home. Questions often extend beyond medical practice, with many residents and their families interested in local schools, recreation opportunities, and community supports.

“Health-care recruitment is truly a community effort,” said Dr. Fung. “When we welcome a health-care professional to our region, we’re also helping them and their families build a future here. We are grateful for our strong partnerships with communities, organizations, and stakeholders across the region, and we remain committed to working together to attract and retain health-care professionals.”

Through events like the Family Medicine Resident Retreat, PMH continues to strengthen connections with future physicians and showcase the many opportunities available across rural and western Manitoba.

Health Promotion Finds Success with Partnerships

Health Promotion Finds Success with Partnerships

Health Promotion & Community Development

group of people under a tree on green grass beside a river.

“It takes a village”. Coming together and working together brings about quality programs and community initiatives. When we work together things are better, we can bring in different perspectives, values and views to ensure that all are included and able to benefit from the programs. Partnerships can help shift programs upstream to work on addressing causes of poor health including the social determinants (housing quality, food access, neighbourhood safety, etc.) and structural determinants of health (policy, governance, values, cultural norms, etc.).

Tracy Young, Research Facilitator, Faculty of Health Studies & Centre for Critical Studies of Rural Mental Health, who is part of SPIN (Suicide Prevention Implementation Network) says “without community partnerships and connections our capacity to provide service, access, care, learn, grow, and shape the future would be so much more limited. I have not held a role (system or community based) in the last almost 20 years that didn’t flow more smoothly or operate more soundly because of the support and connection to community partners. Quite simply – it’s my belief that we are much less effective if we choose to exist inside a box. We only produce more band aids if this is what we choose.” Similarly, one of the SPARK (Suicide Prevention, Awareness, Resilience, Knowledge) Committee members stated “The SPARK Committee comprises of PMH staff, community members, and representatives from other organizations. These partnerships strengthen our impact by extending our community reach and providing diverse perspectives. We are able to do so much more because of these partnerships.”

Prairie Mountain Health has been a partner at the SPIN and SPARK tables for many years with the mission to coordinate strategies that help promote life and reduce the impact of suicide for the surrounding area.  

Another successful example of partnerships is the Better Access to Groceries (BAG) program in Camperville, Sapotaweyak and Wuskwi Sipihk. BAG offers sustainable produce at best available prices; all the bags are pre-paid for and sorted and delivered once per month. This program has received strong community support including in the surrounding communities of Minegoziibe Anishinabe and Duck Bay. Residents, organizations, and leaders play a key role in promoting and sustaining the initiative. Advertising and outreach efforts have been carried out through community offices, health offices, and schools, ensuring residents are aware of the program and its benefits. Collaboration has been central to the success of the BAG program. In Minegoziibe Anishanbe, the Maternal Healthy Child program has been actively involved connecting families with nutritious food options and supporting community health initiatives. These partnerships have strengthened the program’s reach and impact, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for community wellness.

“The speed of the work goes at the speed of relationships” sometimes the work seems to take longer when we work together but partnerships make the work more effective, rewarding, and more equitable. Building relationships is key in doing good work.

Chantal Morais, RD, MPH

Move More, Prevent More

Move More, Prevent More

PMH Moves, Move More. Prevent More. Faded blue silhouettes of people being active.

Welcome to PMH Moves – a year-long Health Promotion series shared through PMH Communications. Each month, we’ll highlight a different way movement supports health across the lifespan — from boosting mood and focus to strength, walking, healthy aging, and staying active through the seasons.

While the topics will change, the message stays the same: every bit of movement counts — and it all adds up. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

This month’s article explores why walking may be one of the most underrated forms of movement—and why it deserves a place in your routine.

What is your why? Why do you move your body? For some there is joy in movement – training for a race, playing a sport, the satisfaction of maintaining a garden. Others may move as a means of transportation – walking to work, biking to school. While these seem like two different things they are both achieving the goal of movement.  We all need to move to maintain health. Even small movements add up over time. When we keep our bodies moving, our muscles stay active and strong.  While we can’t control our genetics, we can control the impact on our health now, and the future. Regular exercise is a powerful tool to prevent, manage, and reduce complications from chronic diseases.

Haven’t moved in a while? Now is a great time to get started. Gradually increasing activity will improve heart and lung function. Find a movement activity or two that you like and begin with just a few minutes of activity a few times a week. The key is to be consistent, making movement part of the routine. Movement now will help extend the ability to enjoy activities in the future.

Need a little help getting started? Health Promotion offers the Get Better Together self-management program for adults with chronic health conditions. The program has physical activity sections designed to improve balance, posture, and endurance and include modifications. Additionally, Health Promotion staff and trained community leaders offer Steppin’ Up Classes in many communities across the region. The one-hour program leads older adult participants through exercises to improve or maintain fitness and independence. Participants may choose to sit or stand to complete the program.

For more information on programs in the region, visit Programs & Services – Prairie Mountain Health

Submitted by Deb Wilson, Community Liaison Healthy Living Facilitator