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Author: Heather Janssens

PMH hosts bus tours for students with interest in health care

PMH hosts bus tours for students with interest in health care

Pharmacy students enjoying bus tour

As far as retro radio goes, Paul Simon had a hit song which, among other things, indicated you could “Hop on the bus, Gus!”. It continued, ‘There’s no need to be coy, Roy,’ and added, ‘There’s no need to discuss much!’

On May 27,  Prairie Mountain Health’s recruitment team felt there was indeed much to discuss and essentially highlighted a version of 50 ways to ‘rediscover’ by hosting students on two separate bus tours, which promoted the many benefits of working and living in rural Manitoba.

The first bus tour from Winnipeg to Brandon on May 26 involved 11 Year 1 Pharmacy Tech students and an MITT instructor. They arrived at Brandon Regional Health Centre, where they were provided information about working in PMH Pharmacy areas.  Students participated in rotating tours throughout the facility to see the various aspects of ‘pharmacy in action.’

“The students were very pleased with the opportunity to see much of what they were learning in the theory portion of their program.  The group reconvened and were provided insight by staff and management as to why they enjoy living and working in Brandon and rural areas,” stated Larissa Kominko, PMH Recruitment Manager.

For fun, the group was treated to a pizza-making and cookie-decorating activity at Brandon’s Chez Angela Bakery & Café. 

From a pharmacy course instructor who was part of the tour: “PMH offered an excellent, hands-on experience to understand how the pharmacy team works to provide safe, effective medications to the hospital. The roles are varied and diverse, never a dull moment!”

Following the tour, one of the students expressed interest in a vacant Pharmacy Tech Summer Student position, and she was a successful candidate. 

Dietitians participate in two-day tour

The second bus tour from Winnipeg on May 29 involved 17 students from the University of Manitoba in their final year of the Masters of Applied Human Nutrition (MAHN).  Their first stop was Dauphin, where students enjoyed lunch at a local restaurant, Corrina’s on Main.  Later, PMH dietitians answered healthcare job questions and led a tour of Dauphin Regional Health Centre and Community Health Services.

PMH promotes its ‘good nature,’ so students went to Northgate Trails just outside Dauphin and near the north side base of the Riding Mountain National Park escarpment, where they enjoyed a scenic hike. In the evening, students enjoyed Clear Lake, which included overnighting at Elkhorn Ranch.

Fresh cinnamon buns from the Whitehouse Bakery & Restaurant in Wasagaming greeted the group in the morning before the second-day trip to Brandon was underway. During the journey, staff noted the communities along the way, including  Erickson, Minnedosa and Rivers.

Brandon’s first stop was the Town Centre to tour the various programs and services offered to the community.  Staff provided tours and insights into their roles to help the students better understand what opportunities are available to them. The group went to the Brandon Regional Health Centre, where they enjoyed lunch prepared by the Nutrition Services staff and later toured the health centre.  The Renal Unit and Cancer Care were a couple of the highlights. 

One final activity before it’s time to load the bus home.  The students, along with PMH staff, participated in a cookie decorating activity led by Hillbilly Hills Cookie Decorating. 

From one of the participating students:

“The PMH tour was informative and fun! It opened my eyes to rural services, which I had no clue about as most of my work has been in the WRHA. It’s great to see how the different health regions operate, and all the Registered Dietitians and support staff were so nice and inviting! Also, the cinnamon buns were so good.”

PMH thanks all staff members who were involved in the tours. Also, thanks sincerely to all local businesses participating in the meals and fun activities during the initiative.

Nutrition Services students enjoying bus tour.

Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit welcomes new group

Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit welcomes new group

Pictured (l-r) are Jennifer Setlack, Sumaya Tasneem, Nikita Gonnade, Adesola Alade, Sheryl Diana Moralde, and Abieyuwa Agada.
Pictured (l-r) are Jennifer Setlack, Sumaya Tasneem, Nikita Gonnade, Adesola Alade, Sheryl Diana Moralde, and Abieyuwa Agada.

Canada Day marks notable achievements across the country and province. And this year, six new residents were proud to begin their two-year training period July 1 with the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit based in Dauphin. This new crop of residents includes

Jennifer Setlack, Sumaya Tasneem, Nikita Gonnade, Adesola Alade, Sheryl Diana Moralde, and Abieyuwa Agada. They will graduate in June 2027.

The residents will work with a variety of preceptors over the two years in a variety of clinical settings and in the community of Dauphin, Ste. Rose, Grandview, Brandon and Winnipeg (for four specialty rotations).

Graduates from the last two-year program have started working in Manitoba and Ontario, with the exception of one who is taking a third-year of residency focusing on care of the elderly.

The Parkland Unit began in July 1991 and therefore has a long-standing history of training rural family medicine residents. The success rate of graduating residents who practice in a rural setting is 83%.  Strong dedication from the local physician group to teach along with interprofessional staff and a community that is open to trainees are the main reasons of the continued success of this program.    

Beat the Heat: Stay Safe in the Sun

Beat the Heat: Stay Safe in the Sun

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but too much sun can be dangerous for your health. Whether going for a walk, swimming at the lake, or just sitting in the sun, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from heat and harmful UV rays.

Why Sun Safety Matters

The sun gives off ultraviolet (UV) rays that we can’t see but can still harm our skin and eyes. Too much UV exposure can cause sunburn, skin damage, eye injuries, and even increase the risk of skin cancer.

UV rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., even on cloudy days. Pay attention to the UV Index in your local weather report.

Temperature and UV index are NOT the same thing. UV rays can be intense with a high UV Index on a cool day. Always check the UV Index with the temperature before going outside so you can plan accordingly.

Understanding the UV Index

The UV Index is a number that tells you how strong the sun’s rays are on a given day. The higher the number, the greater the risk of harm to your skin and eyes, and the more you need to protect yourself. Here’s what the numbers mean:

Person holding tablet with UV index information.
  • 0–2 (Low): Minimal risk. Enjoy being outside, but don’t forget sunscreen.
  • 3–5 (Moderate): Take precautions like wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • 6–7 (High): Protection is needed. Seek shade during midday hours, wear protective clothing, and reapply sunscreen often.
  • 8–10 (Very High): Extra protection is essential. Avoid the sun during peak hours.
  • 11+ (Extreme): Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes.

Protect Your Skin

Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection to shield your skin and eyes is the best defense against UV rays.

 If wearing clothing that exposes skin, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreens that state “water resistant” or “sport” tend to stay on better if you are in the water or sweating. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or sooner if you’re sweating or swimming. Always reapply after being in the water. Don’t forget about your lips; use lip balms with SPF.

Stay Cool and Hydrated

Drink lots of water on hot days, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can make your body lose fluids.

Take breaks in the shade or go indoors, especially during peak sun hours. If you’re exercising or working outside, slow down and rest often to avoid getting overheated.

Watch for Signs of Heat Illness

It’s also important to recognize when your body is getting too hot. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious health risks.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness or dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs include:

  • High body temperature (over 40°C)
  • No sweating
  • Confusion or fainting
  • Rapid heartbeat

If someone shows these signs, move them to a cool place, give water if they’re alert, and seek medical help right away.

Enjoy Summer Safely

Getting outside is good for your health, but being sun-smart helps keep you safe. By checking the UV Index, staying cool, and protecting your skin, you can enjoy everything summer offers while keeping your body healthy. To learn more about staying safe in the sun, visit Sun Safety – Canada.ca

Country Meadows 100 Plus Club

Country Meadows 100 Plus Club

There are several residents of the Country Meadows Personal Care Home in Neepawa, who’s longevity deserves some acknowledgement.

8 residents aged 100 years plus at Country Meadows PCH

Back Row: Rose Labuik age 103 (Jun 3), Dorothy Kilburn age 101 (102 on Aug 23), Dudley Lee 102 (May 22), Joe Dutko 101 (Feb 27), Ada Buksovich 101 (102 on Sep 17)

Front Row: Jean Lewis 100 (101 on Dec 21), Annie Dobush 110 (111 pm Sep 14), who is the oldest living resident in Manitoba!, and Treva Gorrie 105 (106 on Sep 27)

With files from Neepawa Banner and Press

First-year medical students tour PMH communities

First-year medical students tour PMH communities

Fifteen communities participate in U of M “Rural Week”

picture collage of med students in Ste. Rose

An enthusiastic bunch of first-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s (U of M) Max Rady College of Medicine (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) got a first-hand look at the sights and sounds of the vibrant rural communities within Prairie Mountain Health ({PMH) region. Students noted the lifestyle opportunities, attractions and experiences in rural areas and, through feedback, provided many positive reviews, including some from participants who were learning of life outside the Manitoba perimeter for the very first time.

Some 46 medical students participated in ‘Rural Week’ within the region from May 26 – May 30 and June 2 – 6. The medical students were assigned to visit 15  participating communities this year, including Brandon, Carberry, Dauphin, Deloraine, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Souris, Ste. Rose, Swan River and Virden.

Rural Week— coordinated annually by the Department of Family Medicine, Shared Health, Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and rural, regional health authorities enlist community stakeholders to assist with planning the lifestyle tours and events. Students also participate in various rural physician practices and tours of healthcare sites.

PMH Regional Lead of Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung added:

“This exposure is as much about rural lifestyle as it is about rural medicine.  Rural Week is an exciting time, as it allows us as a region to highlight our communities, staff, and facilities to the medical students while also giving the students a chance to see how rewarding and fulfilling rural practice can be.”

For example, four students in Ste. Rose provided this overview, which noted the variety of care some family physicians offer in rural areas.

“There are four physicians in Ste. Rose who serve a broad community of patients from multiple other communities such as Rorketon, Ebb and Flow, Kinosota, etc.; many patients have to drive quite far from other places in the catchment area.  Dr. Blais, a Metis physician who lives in Dauphin, also drives to Ste. Rose’s hospital to work there. She also does one or two days a week at the Health Center in Ebb and Flow. She is the only physician who works at the Ebb and Flow Health Center, an action that directly serves to bridge the health inequity of access to medical care.”

PMH thanks all physician preceptors, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers whose dedication makes Rural Week successful. This important Week would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of the communities, who generously share their time and spirit to showcase all they have to offer.

Medical Students in Swan River in front of Primary Care building and holding a fish.
Medical students in front of tractor and air seeder and on a boat.

Anticipated Date of Discharge (ADD) Whiteboard project

Anticipated Date of Discharge (ADD) Whiteboard project

If you have recently visited an acute care site in Prairie Mountain Health, you may have noticed an addition to our patient rooms.  This spring, Prairie Mountain Health started the roll out of Anticipated Date of Discharge (ADD) on patient whiteboards in our acute care sites.

Anticipated Date of Discharge Board

Anticipated Date of Discharge (ADD) is the date each patient is expected to be discharged from hospital.  This is a projected date used for planning and will be adjusted based on the patient progress and response to treatment.

At the bedside, each patient will have a white board that will identify the patient’s daily progress and care journey during their stay in the hospital.  Information displayed on the white board, which will be updated daily, will include:

  • Patient’s name
  • Upcoming tests / diagnostic exams (eg. Xrays or scans)
  • Name of the patient’s medical care provider and health care team
  • Patient’s care plan
  • Patient’s goals of care
  • Patient’s anticipated discharge / transfer date

There are many benefits to utilizing Anticipated Date of Discharge in hospital settings.  ADD involves patients and families in planning for their discharge at the earliest possible point and allowing time to make any necessary arrangements such as home adaptations or simply arranging a ride home from the hospital.

Patients and families who have had the opportunity to experience the new ADD process have many positive things to say:

  • “We appreciate seeing updates daily and knowing the plan”- family member
  • “I read it every day and look for changes”- patient
  • “I like knowing my nurse’s name as I forget after they tell me”- patient
  • “I know the date of discharge is estimated but it does help us plan” – family

BRHC Critical Care Centre – Transforming Critical Care for Our Region

BRHC Critical Care Centre – Transforming Critical Care for Our Region

$4 Million Capital Campaign Project taken on by the BRHC Foundation

Every moment matters in critical care. For patients facing life-threatening medical emergencies, access to high-quality intensive care can mean the difference between life and death. The new Critical Care Centre at the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) will provide life-saving services to individuals across our region, offering advanced care, state-of-the-art equipment, and an improved healing environment. As the only Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between Winnipeg and Regina on the number one highway, this facility will be a lifeline for patients from a vast geographic area.

The demand for critical care services continues to rise, and our current infrastructure needs to expand to meet increasing acute care requirements, elevate Brandon to an intermediate care site, and support the provincial growing needs. The new Critical Care Centre will provide:

  • Main Level: A larger, more efficient ICU with an expanded capacity from 10 to 16 beds
    • Large single rooms to improve patient/family experience
  • Second Floor – 30 higher-acuity medical beds to support patients requiring specialized care
    • Large single rooms with washrooms and showers, better equipped to manage complex cases requiring close monitoring and treatment
  • Modern equipment and technology to enhance treatment outcomes.
  • Beautiful outdoor courtyard to provide a place of healing and rest for patients, families and staff

The Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation has taken on this capital campaign project, “A Foundation for Care,” to raise $ 4 million.  To reach this goal, the Foundation will invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us in this life-saving initiative. Your generosity will directly impact the quality of critical care available in our region. This new facility will not only serve Brandon but will also support communities across the region. Patients from rural areas, small towns, and remote communities rely on the BRHC for advanced medical care. This will reduce patient transfer to larger, more distant hospitals and keep patients near their families and support networks.

We value our donors and want to acknowledge their generosity in meaningful ways. To express gratitude, the Foundation is offering various donation packages, which will be available through the Foundation office.

Your contribution is more than a donation—it is an investment in the health and well-being of our entire region. By supporting the new Critical Care Centre, you ensure that patients needing urgent, life-saving care have access to the best medical resources available close to home.

Medical professionals will benefit from improved infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, and increased capacity to provide exceptional care, ultimately improving job satisfaction. This also helps recruit and retain professionals in the city and surrounding communities.

For more information on how you can support this vital project, please contact the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation today at [email protected] or call 204-578-4227 or stop by their office located in the Brandon Regional Health Centre main level.

Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future. Join us in making this vision a reality.

Rendering of Critical Care Building at Brandon Regional Health Centre

Roblin HERO Club Celebrates Mental Health Week

Roblin HERO Club Celebrates Mental Health Week

Roblin HERO Club Chair Yoga

Roblin’s HERO Club capped off Mental Health Week in May with a hamburger sale at the Parkway Co-op in Roblin. All the proceeds were going towards the purchase of a new garden shed.

The Club also held other activities including a community walk and made time for some ‘Chair Yoga”.  Local entertainers Ed Doering and Amy Wendell provided some entertainment earlier in the week. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week was “Unmasking Mental Health”. The HERO Club thanks Parkway Co-op for their generous contributions as well as all who supported and contributed during the week.

Roblin HERO Club BBQ

-Pictures courtesy of Roblin Review.

PMH Attends Career Fair in Dauphin

PMH Attends Career Fair in Dauphin

PMH Recruitment Coordinator Savannaha Robertson is ready to greet participants at the Training and Employment Fair held in Dauphin May 14.
PMH Recruitment Coordinator Savannaha Robertson is ready to greet participants at the Training and Employment Fair held in Dauphin May 14.

Prairie Mountain Health Recruitment Coordinators Nicole Gulenchin and Savannaha Robertson were on hand at a career event in Dauphin May 14. The Training and Employment Fair was held at the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (DNRC) Community Centre and was spearheaded by DNRHC and Assiniboine College. The PMH Booth highlighted available careers throughout the community and region and also provided information on the benefits of working in health care.  This was a first-time event held to highlight Parkland opportunities and community connections. Networking with employment organizations and health partners and stakeholders in the area were also key benefits of the one-day local expo.

PMH attends career day at Ebb and Flow First Nation

PMH attends career day at Ebb and Flow First Nation

Addictions booth at Ebb and Flow First Nation Career Day

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Addiction Services was on hand at the Ebb and Flow First Nation Career Day on April 30 and took the opportunity to display information on the many health care career opportunities within the health region and provide background on addiction services in general. The one-day event for high school and adult education students featured over 30 booths, and many presenters delivered inspiring messages and guidance to the students in attendance.

One of the many highlights included two young ladies who had the opportunity to share their science fair projects, which won awards at the University of Manitoba science fair. They will try to do the same at an upcoming national science fair. As a bonus, the lead singer from the Manitoba country music band Doc Walker even attended the event, where he gave an impactful speech, performed some songs and then welcomed attendees to get autographs/pictures and learn how to get into the music industry!

PMH Addictions Community Addictions Worker Sesley Sloboda was very pleased with the time spent at the career day.

“We had a great turnout at our booth, with many students interested in learning about our services and exploring a future career with Addiction Services. There was also some wonderful networking with other agencies that will enhance our collaborative efforts to support our clients best. I’m already looking forward to attending Ebb and Flow in the future!”

For more information on PMH careers or Addictions Services, visit the PMH website at prairiemountainhealth.ca