Maternity Unit nurses from Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) and elsewhere in the province benefitted from a recent ‘Spinning Babies’ workshop that was held in Dauphin on April 16 and 17.
Spinning Babies techniques have been shown to reduce the incidence of unnecessary medical interventions, including assisted vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections when used in the right circumstances. In turn, the length of hospital stays is often also reduced.
“Spinning Babies” is a physiological approach to preparing for and caring for birth. The specialized training prepares care providers to help patients navigate birth by teaching them labor activities that have been shown to ease birth by optimizing fetal positioning. The learned activities are designed to help the staff assist the mother in birthing, promoting the best position for the baby to fit through the pelvis, and offering solutions when labor is long, not progressing, painful or stalling.
The DRHC staff that participated in the workshop (18 staff and two physicians) received funding to attend from the Delha Cort Educational Fund, which the Dauphin Hospital Foundation administers. More information on the Delha Cort Education fund can be found on the Dauphin Hospital Foundation website, under the about us section, at Delha Cort Fund (dghf.ca)
Canadian Mental Health Association recognizes May 6 to 12th, 2024, as Mental Health Week. We all can be compassionate and know that doing so can make an enormous difference. This year’s Mental Health Week is centred on the healing power of compassion. In a world plagued by suffering, we emphasize that kindness is equally intrinsic to our humanity. Compassion goes beyond acknowledging pain; it’s about embracing our shared humanity and actively caring for ourselves and those around us. Unlike empathy, compassion is more than understanding – it’s rooted in action, a resounding call to practice kindness.
The Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee will be promoting amazing Mental Health Week activities planned by partner organizations in several ways:
A regional campaign to schools was created and shared broadly with the invitation to participate in Mindful Moments. These brief messages and information with option exercises or quotes can be shared in a classroom setting, general assembly, or morning announcements. Though they only take a few minutes, they can foster a greater understanding of personal mental health and compassion.
Creative Reflections, a Mental Wellness Suicide Prevention project, was created to work on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and illness by creating an invitation for individuals to share their stories. We put forward an expression of interest form in 2023 and are now beginning to work with interested artisans to gather their pieces. This project was open to all: artwork, sculptures, photography, poetry, music, and short stories, all eligible to be part of the Creative Expressions Exhibit in the Fall. Stay tuned for more details to come!
As part of this project, we offer two in-person creation workshops during Mental Health Week. One will take place in Dauphin on May 6 and the other in Ste. Rose on May 8. Individuals will be introduced to the idea of expressing themselves via art and invited to engage in creating their self-portraits in a creative way. Engaging in art activities has been shown to reduce stress, lower anxiety levels, and improve mood.
The Dauphin HERO club will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year! A celebration event is planned during Mental Health Week on Wednesday, May 8, from 11 am to 2 pm. Born out of a desire for a healthy community for people recovering from mental health struggles, the HERO club – which stands for Helping Everyone Reach Out – has demonstrated how empathy and compassion can create a healthy and safe space where people can flourish.
Keep an eye out for posters from The Canadian Mental Health Association. Titled “A Call to be Kind,” these posters present the challenge to connect with others through compassion and will direct you to CMHA Manitoba’s website for further resources and information. CMHA will also hold a free online presentation on “Radical Acceptance and Self-Compassion” at noon on Friday, May 10. E-mail [email protected] to receive the Zoom link for this presentation.
Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or simply being there for someone in need, every act of kindness matters. In a world where kindness sometimes takes a backseat to busyness, it’s important to remember the impact that even small acts of kindness can have. By spreading kindness, we make a positive difference in the lives of others and also nourish our souls.
As we celebrate Mental Health Week, honour the HERO club’s legacy, and anticipate the Creative Reflections exhibit, let’s recommit ourselves to spreading kindness wherever we go. Together, let’s create a world where compassion and creativity flourish and everyone feels valued and supported on their journey toward healing and wholeness.
Russell and area supporters gather to recognize fundraising efforts for cancer care project
Russell and area supporters gather to recognize fundraising efforts for cancer care project
Cancer Care Nursing Station
With Elvis in the building, Russell and area residents relished the chance to gather, recognize and celebrate the exceptional decade-long fundraising efforts aimed at expanding space at the Russell Health Centre for the cancer care/chemotherapy program. The Russell Expanding Community Cancer Committee (ECCC) held a “Celebration Time Gala” on April 13th, with Corny Rempel impersonating Johnny Cash and Elvis. Another $31 thousand was raised for the overall project.
The Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee raised $2.9 million to fund the 3300 sq. ft building, which will become the Community Cancer Care Centre. This is roughly four times the size of the current space and will include:
replacement of the existing nursing station, Doctors exam/clinic space and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
improved patient privacy.
Photo courtesy of the Russell Banner
There are 15 communities represented on the committee. Committee members (back l-r) include: Darlene Lichkowski, Cheryl Robinson, Joyce Bork, Leslie Sawchuk, Donna Auger, Andrea Glasman. (Front row l-r): Cheryl Collins, Eunice Cook, Zelma Salyn, Judy Forsyth, Pam Demchynski, Betty Beischer, Marsha Trinder, Brenda Simard, Colleen Jones and Gloria Tibbatts. (missing from the event picture were Terrie Welwood, Barb Cameron, Keith Popp and Laurie Burgess). Committee members also include Joanne Hickman, Connie Popp, Cheryl Rubeniuk and Terry Jackson.
The anticipated completion of the building expansion is sometime later this spring or early summer.
Population Health and Wellness involves working to improve the health of a population, which includes identifying and taking action to reduce health inequities arising within the determinants of health between and among groups within the population.
Did you know Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has a Population Health and Wellness Committee?
Neil Ives, Nancy McPherson & Ashley Vandepoele at the Human Rights Museum during Health Care Excellence Canada’s Joint Programs Workshop
As Population Health and Wellness is so broad in scope, the committee sought a specific population area to work toward effecting change. With Manitoba having one of the highest rates of kidney disease in Canada, our team’s specific focus and priority area is kidney health.
In recent years, this committee has explored the services being provided along a person’s kidney health journey, from testing to, in some cases, dialysis. Thanks to the assistance of some Brandon University nursing students, an interview was conducted with all people on dialysis residing in PMH in 2022. Chronic Disease Education Program and Dialysis staff were also surveyed, and a common theme arose among staff – a wish that they would have seen people sooner along their care continuum. With this in mind, and knowing that kidney disease can be hard to detect in that it often starts slowly and can develop without any symptoms, the team looked at various ways to screen people in various settings and how that could be operationalized. Our initial efforts did not come to fruition, but they planted the seeds for our next steps. Most recently, we applied for grant funding through Health Care Excellence Canada’s Strengthening Primary Care in Northern, Rural, and Remote Communities program and were successful! Funding will be used to purchase point-of-care testing equipment to support diabetes and renal screening, meaning clients will receive their results and begin developing a renal health plan on the spot. We partnered with the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre at Seven Oaks General Hospital in Winnipeg to help us guide the development and implementation of this project.
We want to empower community members to protect their kidneys and inform them of the importance of early detection!
Prairie Mountain Health Accreditation Survey | May 26-31, 2024
Prairie Mountain Health Accreditation Survey | May 26-31, 2024
Accreditation is an ongoing process that includes an on-site survey, which assists us in objectively evaluating patient safety and quality improvement within health care. Accreditation Canada sends a team of health care providers from across Canada to complete a review of each Regional Health Authorities programs and services.
Accreditation Canada works with healthcare providers, stakeholders, clients & families and the public to improve the quality and safety of health for all. Accreditation Canada’s philosophy of quality improvement is based on the involvement of the entire organization. For this reason, the team from Accreditation Canada will assess all aspects of an organization and provide an accreditation decision that recognizes the entire organization, not just a specific program and/or service.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) accreditation survey is scheduled for May 26-31, 2024. The results of this survey will give us confidence that we are providing good care and help us identify areas that could be further improved. The survey is only part of PMH’s commitment to patient safety through continuous quality improvement.
The survey process includes the evaluation of standards and Required Organizational Practices (ROPs) based on national health standards (see Chart 2 Below) that reflect the programs and services offered within PMH (i.e. Emergency Department, Public Health). ROPs are required patient safety processes that must be in practice (e.g. Falls Prevention, Client Identification). ROPs are categorized into six patient safety areas, each with its own goal (see Chart 1 below).
Chart 1: ROPs are Categorized into Six Patient Safety Areas
Safety Culture
Create a culture of safety within the organization.
Communication
Improve the effectiveness and coordination of communication among care and service providers and with the recipients of care and service across the continuum.
Medication Use
Ensure the safe use of high-risk medications.
Worklife/Workforce
Create a worklife and physical environment that supports the safe delivery of care and service.
Infection Control
Reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections and their impact across the continuum of care/service.
Risk Assessment
Identify safety risks inherent in the client population.
Chart 2: Examples of National Health Standards to be Evaluated in PMH are:
Cancer Care
Inpatient Services
Population Health and Wellness
Critical Care
Leadership
Perioperative Services and Invasive Procedures (Surgery)
Emergency Department
Long Term Care
Primary Care Services
Emergency Medical Services and Interfacility Transport Services
Medication Management
Public Health Services
Home Care
Mental Health
Rehabilitation Services
Hospice, Palliative Care, End of Life Services
Community Mental Health Services and Supports
Sterilization of Medical Devices
Infection Prevention and Control
Obstetric Services
Substance Abuse & Problem Gambling
Ambulatory Care
PMH has teams consisting of direct care providers, support staff, administration, management and patients. Each member is selected because of their experience, area of expertise, type of program/service they work in or area of PMH they represent (i.e. Swan River, Boissevain). These teams work year-round to influence quality improvement, which is reflected in established processes, ongoing education and policy development. Partnerships with many groups (i.e. educational institutions, First Nation communities), including physicians, take place continuously to ensure that the best decisions are being made for staff, patients/clients and their families.
When you see the Accreditation Canada seal, you can be confident that the healthcare organization is working hard to meet Accreditation Canada standards to deliver safe, high-quality care. They do so because better quality means better health.
From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere and here to stay. The benefits of living in a digital world are many – from connecting with family and friends, accessing information and entertainment to fostering creativity and so much more – but we also know that there are many negative aspects of using digital media, such as its impact on mental wellness, sleep, personal safety, learning and physical activity. To tackle some of these issues, students in grades 5-8 can participate in the Project Reset Creative Project Contest – an optional component where they create awareness and build messaging around the issues of unbalanced media use, meaningful vs. passive screen use and the impacts these have on health and well-being, through the medium of their choice.
PMH Health Promotion staff and their partners in Mental Health, Public Health and the Brandon School Division and Rolling River School Division are super excited about all the amazing submissions they received from students for the Project Reset Creative Project Contest. We received posters, infographics, skits, speeches, videos and animations, and it was an extremely difficult job to pick the winning projects!
Towards Flourishingis a program which promotes the mental well-being of parents and their families. The Towards Flourishing Mental Health Promotion Strategy focuses on positive mental health as well as mental illness and prevention activities. This project was developed for and embedded into Manitoba’s Families First Home Visiting Program. It is based on Corey Keyes’s dual continuum of mental health and identifies symptoms of wellness and positive mental health, not merely the presence or absence of a mental illness.
The goals of the Towards Flourishing mental health promotion program are to:
Improve mental health and decrease mental illness/distress of parents and their families.
Strengthen public health workforce capacity to address the mental health and well-being needs of families
Build community capacity for mental health promotion
The program comprises mental health education for families offered through a curriculum of 4 discussion topics and nine everyday strategies.
Simple everyday strategy for parents and families to promote positive mental health and well-being.
Training for public health staff to enhance knowledge of mental health promotion and guide the introduction of mental health tools for families.
Additional screening for new parents in the family’s first home visiting program involves screening of mental health and well-being measures.
A plan is needed to improve families’ access to mental health services, resources, and support and to strengthen collaboration between public health and mental health systems.
The role of the Mental Health Promotion Facilitator is to support the implementation of the Towards Flourishing strategy.
A Cultural Lens – developed collaboratively with community leaders, experts and stakeholders to ensure cultural relevance and reflect the world view of all families in Manitoba with a specific mandate to incorporate the perspectives of Manitoba’s Aboriginal, Francophone, immigrant, and newcomer families.
May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, a day set aside to remind the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what is being done to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations. See https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day
Did you know a Healthcare Provider from Prairie Mountain Health can help support your tobacco quit journey and provide redeemable funds toward Nicotine Replacement Therapy products? The Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program provides counselling sessions and redeemable Quit Cards in the amount of $300 for nicotine patches and aids to eligible patients across Prairie Mountain Health. Even if you are not eligible for the Quit Card, you can still receive individual counselling sessions.
What is offered in the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling Program?
Counselling sessions with a health professional on how to stop tobacco use or vaping. 3 sessions are guaranteed (initial, 1 month & 6 months) and more can be provided if needed.
A Quit Card redeemable at any Manitoba pharmacy to help toward the cost nicotine replacement medication.
Who can participate?
Manitobans without insurance to cover nicotine replacement products (nicotine patches, gum and other aids) or who find it difficult to afford these medications.
Manitobans ready to quit or reduce smoking or vaping within 30 days.
Call 1-877-509-7852 to book you appointment today
Other tobacco cessation programs available to Prairie Mountain Health residents:
Quit Smoking with your Manitoba Pharmacist Program: Participating Manitoba pharmacies provide $100 and up to nine counselling sessions for Manitobans wanting to quit. Medications covered include nicotine patches, aids and oral medications. Ask your pharmacy if the program is available through them!
Commit to Quit Program (C2Q) is a five-session program offered live online to all Manitobans. This series is for anyone who would like to reduce or stop their tobacco or nicotine use. Learn about your triggers, setting realistic goals, how to start reducing, behavioural strategies that work and find out about quit medications. See wrha.mb.ca/groups or call 1-877-979-9355.
Packing It In is a one-class overview of the steps to quit smoking. It’s a helpful introduction if you are interested in the longer Commit to Quit Program. A recorded version is available at wrha.mb.ca/groups.
The Last Drag is a Winnipeg 2SLGBTQ+ Facebook peer support group to help you quit smoking.
Talk Tobacco is an Indigenous Quit Smoking and Vaping resource providing free, confidential help line and online support. Now also offering text support. Visit their Facebook page or call 1-833-998-TALK (8255).
Smokers’ Helpline is a free, confidential help line and online support. Now also offering text support to get you smoke-free for good. For more information visit their call 1-877-513-5333.
Nurse Practitioner (NP): some NPs in PMH can provide quit smoking counselling and NRT products (patches/gum). Contact your local clinic to see if this service is available in your area.
Minor injury and illness clinic planned for Brandon
Minor injury and illness clinic planned for Brandon
Brandon will be home to the first minor injury and illness clinic outside of Winnipeg. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement at Brandon Regional Health Centre on March 27.
The Brandon clinic will be staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses who will provide primary health-care services and support for minor health-care concerns. Patients will be able to book same-day appointments and connect with health-care providers via virtual care. It will offer extended hours to fit families’ schedules, operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week. An interim location will open in Brandon this fall, while Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) identifies a permanent home.
“When your child needs stitches or you have the flu, a crowded ER should not be your only option,” said Kinew. “This delivers on our commitment to offer more primary care options in neighbourhoods across the province, starting with this project in Brandon. The clinic will offer timely and convenient care for families and seniors, while reducing pressure on Brandon’s ER. Longer hours mean more options for busy parents so you can spend less time in the waiting room and more time on what matters most.”
The Province estimates that the minor injury and illness clinic will see over 700 people every week once open. PMH CEO Brian Schoonbaert said collaborative efforts continue with health-care providers in an effort to staff the Clinic so it can open as soon as possible.
“Firstly, we will be using an inter-disciplinary team approach, where we are exploring all collaborative care models to support the required staffing complement. We continue discussions with our nurses so they can work to their full scope of practice and support the physicians and nurse practitioners in things like treatments and assessments. This will allow the primary care providers to see more clients.
“And, we are actively and aggressively recruiting physicians and continue to support our version of the “Grow your Own ‘Nurse Practitioner’ Program.”
Schoonbaert added, the Clinic will also be staffed with non-clinical support, which includes administrative, housekeeping, materials management and security services. He says PMH will continue working with health partners and stakeholders to attain the required space for the Clinic.
PMH recognizes National Volunteer Week | April 14-20, 2024
PMH recognizes National Volunteer Week | April 14-20, 2024
Written March 27, 2024
National Volunteer Week is celebrated this year from April 14-20, 2024. Volunteers undoubtedly make a difference in the health and well-being of the residents, patients, and clients that we serve within the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. Over the last year, our healthcare volunteers have put in a collective total of over 37,000 hours!
“PMH sincerely values contributions made by our communities and stakeholders to our healthcare system,” says PMH Board of Directors Chair Lon Cullen. “Volunteers and volunteer organizations continue to play a significant role with our PMH team in supporting our Regional Vision of ‘Health and Wellness for All.’ We acknowledge and appreciate the heartfelt contributions that volunteers and volunteer organizations make directly or indirectly year-round!
The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is “Every Moment Matters.” It highlights the importance of every volunteer and each contribution they make at a time when we need support more than ever. Sharing time, skills, empathy, and creativity is vital to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our communities.
Volunteers support our personal care homes, hospitals, and community health programs across the region. Some examples include:
Volunteers serve every personal care home within PMH, providing our residents companionship, entertainment and assistance.
Dedicated volunteers who support the Palliative Care Program.
A dedicated group of Pet Therapy Dogs/handlers (PATDogs Team) who take time from their day to bring smiles to the patients and residents in hospitals and Personal Care Homes. The PATDogs program was implemented in 2022 and has grown from three Therapy dog teams to 24 teams.
Volunteers participate in local boards, foundations, auxiliary organizations, and other community meal and harm reduction programs.
Volunteers assist with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program.
These are just a few highlights of volunteer participation, dedication and commitment. It would be challenging to cover all the examples of how people selflessly give up their time.
“We very much appreciate our volunteers who dedicate their time, knowledge, compassion and heart to helping Prairie Mountain Health,” stated PMH CEO Brian Schoonbaert. “On behalf of our board, staff and physicians, we sincerely thank you for all you do from the bottom of our hearts. If you see a volunteer, thank them for making “Every Moment Matter.”
Katherine Dwight is a dedicated volunteer for Boissevain Evergreen Place.
Katherine enjoys helping others, visiting with residents and assisting with recreation programs.
“To bring smiles to the residents is the biggest award” says Katherine.
Thankyou Katherine for your dedication to the residents and the PCH!
Eleanor is a dedicated volunteer at Rideau Park, Fairview PCH, and Minnedosa Care Home.
Eleanor began volunteering to help fill her need to do something musically.
“I love seeing a smile or hearing someone singing along.” says Eleanor.
Eleanor also enjoys singing, dancing and knitting.
Jessica is a dedicated volunteer at Rideau Park PCH.
Jessica began volunteering because she enjoys working with older people and was looking for somewhere to do that.
“Interacting with the residents is definitely my favourite thing about volunteering” says Jessica.
Jessica also enjoys cooking and baking.
Thank you Jessica for your dedication to the Residents at Rideau Park.
Alexe & Darlynne are dedicated volunteers at Dinsdale PCH & Fairview Home.
Alexe sings, and Darlynne plays piano. Together they provide wonderful music programs!
“My favourite thing about volunteering is the music & the residents – most love music. My friendship with Darlynne (pianist)…we’ve become very close.” ~Alexe~
“My favourite thing about volunteering is seeing the pleasure of residents & doing something I love!” ~Darlynne~
Alexe enjoys spending time with family, church and hobbies.
Darlynne enjoys spending time with family, church & other committees, computer skills, singing & playing, helping people who need assistance.
Thank you for sharing your love of music with residents around PMH.
Larry is a dedicated volunteer at Fairview Home.
Larry began volunteering when he saw a need for volunteers & his life changed, freeing up some time to give back to society.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is the joy & appreciation I receive from clients & staff. I always leave happier than when I arrived.”
Larry also enjoys volunteering his time with other organizations, fixing broken electrical & mechanical devices, and grandparenting.
Thank you Larry for sharing your time with Fairview Residents.
Dwayne & Anne are dedicated volunteers in Prairie Mountain Health.
Anne started volunteering when her mom was a resident at Fairview.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is working & talking with residents.”
Dwayne volunteers as a musician at Fairview, Rideau Park, & Dinsdale PCH
“My favourite thing about volunteering is playing music for the residents.”
Anne & Dwayne also enjoy curling, dancing, walking, travelling, and floor shuffling.
Thank you Dwayne & Anne for sharing your time with residents around PMH.
Melina is a dedicated volunteer at Fairview Home.
Melina began volunteering because she wanted to make a positive impact in her community. Volunteering offers opportunities to contribute her skills to meaningful places and connect with others.
“I love playing piano for the people and it’s nice knowing that some of them recognize me whenever I go now. It warms my heart every time I see them enjoy the music and the fact that my music can make them happy for that hour.”
Thank you Melina for sharing your love of music with the Residents of Fairview.
Carolyn is a dedicated volunteer at Dinsdale PCH.
Carolyn began volunteering when her mom was a resident at Dinsdale.
“My favourite thing about volunteering is socializing with the residents.”
Carolyn also enjoys jigsaw puzzles, cards and reading.
High Country Band has been sharing their love of music and friendship to residents for multiple years.
They perform monthly in the Personal Care homes in Sandy Lake, Erickson, Minnedosa and Neepawa.
Lorna McMillan is a dedicated volunteer at Delwynda Court in Deloraine with the recreation programs.
Thank you Lorna, for sharing your time with our residents.
Jan Russell is a dedicated volunteer at Rivers PCH.
Jan is a faithful recreation volunteer at Rivers PCH and loves her time volunteering and we love having her assistance and friendship!
Pictured left to right is one of our residents Louise, enjoying a game of crib with Jan.
Lenora Fassett is a dedicated volunteer at Rivers PCH.
Lenora is a faithful recreation volunteer at Rivers PCH and loves her time volunteering and we love having her assistance and friendship!
Pictured left to right is one of our residents Louise, enjoying her time with Lenora.
