Prairie Mountain Health Celebrates Malnutrition Week October 6-10th, 2025.
Prairie Mountain Health Celebrates Malnutrition Week October 6-10th, 2025.
This is How Dietitians Help Patients Heal: Tackling Malnutrition in Hospitals
Did you know that up to half of adults and a third of children in Canadian hospitals are affected by malnutrition? It’s a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. And no—malnutrition isn’t just about not eating enough. It’s about not getting the right nutrients your body needs to heal, fight infections, and stay strong.
When people are in the hospital—especially after surgery, injury, or dealing with chronic illness—their bodies need even more nutrients. That’s where dietitians come in.
Why Dietitians Are Essential
Dietitians are nutrition experts. They know how to assess a patient’s health, figure out exactly what nutrients are needed, and create personalized nutrition plans to support recovery.
They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to make sure nutrition isn’t overlooked. For example:
Swallowing problems? Dietitians team up with speech-language pathologists to create safe, nutritious meals or recommend tube feeding.
Digestive issues? They adjust diets to help patients absorb nutrients better.
Wounds or infections? Dietitians increase protein and energy in meals to help the body heal faster.
The Hidden Costs of Malnutrition
Malnourished patients often stay in the hospital longer, recover more slowly, and face more complications. This not only affects their health—it also costs the healthcare system around $2 billion each year in Canada. Malnutrition can lead to muscle loss, weaker immune systems, and a higher risk of getting sick again.
Catching Malnutrition Early
The good news? Hospitals in Canada use special tools to spot malnutrition early:
Canadian Nutrition Screening Tool (CNST): A quick two-question check done within 24 hours of admission.
Subjective Global Assessment (SGA): A more detailed review by a dietitian to confirm malnutrition and plan treatment.
Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC): A system that helps hospital teams work together to catch and treat malnutrition quickly.
These tools help dietitians act before things get worse. By identifying risks early and providing the right nutrition, dietitians don’t just treat illness—they help patients recover faster and stronger.
Primary Health Care Centres in northern part of PMH celebrate milestones
Primary Health Care Centres in northern part of PMH celebrate milestones
Swan River MLA Rosann Wowchuk participates in the grand opening of the Waterhen Primary Health Care Centre on September 12, 2005.
This past September marked the 20-year anniversary of two Primary Health Care Centres in the northern part of PMH region, which opened in 2005. When opened, the two new PHC centres offered space for community health programs and services including expansion of the regional diabetes program, an improved mental health strategies and further development of chronic disease prevention initiatives. Community councils, the Department of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs, and Manitoba Health all worked collaboratively to bring the primary health care centres to fruition. The federal Primary Health Care Transition Fund provided financial support as part of 17 provincial projects that were announced two years earlier in 2003.
The Ethelbert Primary Health Care Centre was the first to open in the former Parkland Health region. It was a Community Health Resource Centre pilot project in 2000 and official grand opening ceremonies for the ongoing site were held in May 2001. Next year, the Ethelbert PHC will reach its 25 year milestone.
Manitoba Premier of the day, Hon. Gary Doer, joins local representatives to officially open the Camperville Primary Health Care Centre on September 12, 2005.
Today, staff at these centres are able to offer a wide-range of services closer to home including, but not limited to, treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, collection of blood and other lab samples; dressing changes, chronic disease self-management education and monitoring, health promotion programming, harm reduction support, pregnancy testing, cervical screening, education for expecting and new mothers as well as parenting support, and immunizations. Physicians, NPs, Allied Health Professionals provide additional itinerant services at the Primary Health Care Centers regularly.
Camperville Primary Health Care Centre staff in September 2025. (Left to Right): Ardelle Gabriel, LPN, Cassie Moosetail, Administration support, Brittany Lavallee, Community Health Nurse and Krista Chartrand, Health Promotion Liaison.
Waterhen Primary Health Care staff in October 2025. (Left to Right):Ardelle Gabriel, LPN, Tara Loring, Community Health Nurse, and Deanne Richards (Administration support).
Ethelbert Primary Health Care Centre staff in September 2025. (Left to Right): Ardelle Gabriel, LPN, Amy Paziuk, Community Health Nurse and Sheila Dudar, Administration Support.
Swan River Valley steps forward again to host fall medical student weekend
Swan River Valley steps forward again to host fall medical student weekend
Swan River Rural Interest Group (RIG) Students
Swan River hosted another medical student Rural Interest Group (RIG) weekend on October 3-5 for 26 first and second-year medical students. Students were exposed to ‘hands on stations’ such as casting and suturing with physician preceptors from Swan River and Brandon. The preceptors provided many opportunities for the students to ask questions about practicing in a rural community and what work life balance could look like. PMH also provided an Indigenous Health presentation, which concluded with a smudging ceremony at the Swan Valley Health Centre.
Members of the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee (SVMPRRC) provided an afternoon and evening of local activities such as boating, fishing and hiking to allow the students the opportunity to experience recreational options in the Swan Valley area. PMH collaborated with the community to arrange the weekend for the students. The entirety of the weekend was funded by SVMPRRC and will continue as an annual event.
Tamara Kemp-Boulet, PMH Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, says the community once again went above and beyond to host an excellent weekend experience.
“RIG is an excellent opportunity for students who are early in their education to gain both hands on experience in areas such as casting and suturing, but also have the opportunity to understand what a rural physician practice could look like. There have been several times that RIG weekends have been an influencing factor on a student to consider rural family medicine. We are grateful to this community for all of their efforts and working with us to provide this opportunity to the students.”
Prairie Mountain Health also partnered with the SVMPRRC to host a RIG workshop in Swan River in early February. Some 19 first and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine participated in the first rendition. RIG workshop events were also held in late January 2025 within the communities of Brandon and Killarney, where PMH hosted a record-breaking 75 students between the two rural centres at that time.
Your Fall Shield | Boost your defenses – Flu & COVID vaccines
Your Fall Shield | Boost your defenses – Flu & COVID vaccines
We are heading into Respiratory virus season. Respiratory viruses are common and tend to spread more easily during cooler weather when Manitobans spend more time indoors with others. Influenza (Flu) and Covid viruses are contagious and can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways and lungs.
The BEST ways to reduce your risk and potential complications:
Get vaccinated, stay home when sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your cough/sneeze, and wear a mask in high-risk situations.
This respiratory virus season all Manitobans age 6 months and older are recommended to receive their flu and covid shots. Manitobans 65 years of age and older are eligible for one of two enhanced influenza vaccines.
Enhanced flu vaccines produce a stronger immune response by adding an adjuvant (an ingredient that boosts immunity) or increasing the amount of flu antigens (proteins that trigger immunity).
All individuals 65 years and older are eligible for one dose of Pneumococcal vaccine if they have not received it since turning 65.
In 2024/25, approximately 24% of the population received flu vaccines and 16% received COVID-19 vaccines. A significantly higher rate was seen in the 65+ age group (50% for COVID-19 and 59% for flu). This year, our goal is to reduce severe outcomes from influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal infections by immunizing individuals at risk for severe illness.
You can get your Flu, Covid and Pneumococcal vaccines at a local community clinic, pharmacy, or your Primary Care Provider. All vaccines can be given safely at the same visit.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Respiratory Virus Vaccine Clinics will start October 27th. Starting October 1st 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.
Dauphin Hospital Foundation supports DRHC staff to enhance their skills
Dauphin Hospital Foundation supports DRHC staff to enhance their skills
With an added focus on recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals across the Province, the Dauphin Hospital Foundation has worked hard over the past few years to enhance a staff education fund that can be accessed by Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) employees. The Delha Cort Educational Trust is an endowment fund that is administered by the Board of Directors of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. The fund remains invested, with the interest gained available to be distributed to successful applicants for the advancement of their education and skills.
Erin Forsyth, DRHC Respiratory Educator
The fund was established for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) in the 1990s. The bequest was left by a lifetime resident of Dauphin, Irene Delha Cort, who passed away in 1990 but wished to leave a gift primarily to benefit hospital staff education and skills development in the future. The fund’s interest, which accumulates annually, is used to support education requests that meet established and defined criteria.
Some recent successful program applicants include Erin Forsyth, Janelle McIvor and Paige Pogany.
“Thanks to the Delha Cort educational fund, I was able to complete online courses specializing in Asthma and COPD,” Forsyth stated. “These courses were essential for the type of respiratory testing and education we provide to our community clients in the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. I am now a Certified Respiratory Educator and feel better equipped to provide quality care and up-to-date education to the people in our community and surrounding area.”
After working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Dauphin Hospital for the past 15 years, McIvor decided to return to nursing school to further her education and take the next step in her career path.
Janelle McIvor, DRHC Licensed Practical Nurse
“While my years of experience provided me with a strong foundation, I knew that expanding my skill set and deepening my knowledge would allow me to deliver even better patient care and open new doors of opportunity. Returning to school after so many years was both exciting and challenging, but it is a choice I made with purpose and determination,” she said.
McIvor says her dream has always been to earn her Bachelor of Nursing degree and specialize in pediatric and trauma nursing. “I want to feel fully confident in caring for the younger population, especially in high-stress, emergency situations where skilled and compassionate care can make all the difference.”
McIvor says one of the biggest hurdles in pursuing this dream was the financial strain of relocating and returning to school full-time.
“Thanks to a generous monetary grant from the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, I was able to ease that burden and make the move to attend Brandon University to complete my two years of bridging education,” she stated. “Not only has the support helped cover essential expenses, but it’s also provided peace of mind, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and clinical training.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the community behind it, and I am committed to using this education to give back, especially to my patients in the Emergency Department during their critical moments,” McIvor stated.
Pogany’s health care journey started in 2021 when she graduated with her Health Care Aide certification from ACC Parkland campus in Dauphin. Since then, she has advanced her education as she works towards future goals.
Paige Pogany, DRHC Health Care Aide/ Operating Room Assistant
“I’ve recently started my LPN nursing journey at Parkland Campus. The LPN program is approximately two years long and is a full-time course. In 2023, while working at the DRHC, I took additional courses through Prairie Mountain Health to become an Operating Room (OR) assistant. Working in this position allowed me more time to perform hands-on tasks, learn about the surgical equipment used on a daily basis, and provided me with more opportunities to understand how the OR functions and flows. Upon completion of my course, I hope to return to the OR where my interest and passion have grown,” Pogany stated.
Pogany adds that having the financial support through the Delha Cort initiative and the Dauphin Hospital Foundation has made the transition from working life to student life much more manageable.
“Being back in the classroom comes with a lot of new expenses, so this assistance was greatly appreciated,” she said.
More information on the Delha Cort Education Fund, including the application form, eligibility requirements, and reference requirements, can be found on the Foundation website at dghf.ca under the “About Us” section. DRHC staff should contact their supervisor to see how the fund may fit with their future professional development or career plans.
PMH hosts Family Medicine Residents Retreat
PMH hosts Family Medicine Residents Retreat
Family Medicine Residents stopped by the PMH table to talk to Physician and Recruitment Team member Darlene Gray.
Some 128 family medicine residents gathered in Brandon from September 19-21 as the University of Manitoba held its annual Family Medicine Residents Retreat. The weekend retreat, hosted this year by Prairie Mountain Health, expands on education and networking initiatives and highlights potential employment opportunities.
A ‘career fair’ was one of the highlights of the event, where Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), medical clinics, community recruitment committees, and other support businesses throughout the province showcased employment and lifestyle opportunities for physicians to consider once they complete their education. PMH Physician and Recruitment Team member Darlene Gray says the physician recruitment and retention team was pleased to make connections with participants and showcase what the region has to offer.
“Many family medicine residents don’t realize what rural communities have to offer or how close they often are to larger centres,” Gray stated. “This is why events such as the Residents Retreat and other initiatives we coordinate throughout the year with the University of Manitoba/ Family Medicine, like Rural Week (in May) and Student Rural Interest Group (January/February), are so important for us. We take every opportunity to extol the virtues of living and working in rural Manitoba.”
Family Medicine Residents participate in a casting clinic.
Gray says the region builds on these event connections and continues to emphasize that people need to experience and enjoy opportunities in the region.
“We often hear comments like, “Oh, you have that here?” — usually in reference to services these students didn’t expect to find outside a larger city. Residents often comment on the strong teamwork and camaraderie that exists in rural medicine. One of our strengths collectively, is showing off our lifestyle opportunities and what we offer within our diverse region. And how rewarding and fulfilling rural practice can be. No matter where a physician is from connecting them with our communities is key.
Gray says there are family questions about schools, extra-curricular activities, and other supports to see what exists in rural Manitoba.
Residents learn about the mobile ultrasound equipment.
“That’s why we’re very proud of our community partnerships. Health care recruitment, including physician recruitment, is ‘everybody’s business’. The region often recruits a person for a health care position and, in some cases, needs to connect a person’s spouse to another job in a community. We continue collaborating with all of our stakeholders.”
PMH thanks event sponsors, which include: The communities of Deloraine-Winchester, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, Neepawa, Minnedosa, Rossburn, Virden, the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee, Yellowhead Medical Clinic (Shoal Lake) and the City of Brandon.
Dr. Adrian Fung, Chief Medical Officer for PMH, echoed the theme for the event, which was: ‘Rural Medicine, Endless Horizons’.
The municipality of Killarney/Turtle Mountain, one of the event sponsors, got a chance to discuss local opportunities with residents.
“We’ll make a point of following up on conversations about practice options, such as within our Emergency Departments, Health Centres, the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, and specialty practices of family medicine. We have new construction well underway to expand services at Brandon Regional Health Centre, a new hospital being built in Neepawa, a relatively new Emergency Department and Cancer Care Unit in Dauphin and a very busy Primary Care Centre in Swan River. We have a lot to offer,” Dr. Fung stated.
September 2025 | Donations for PMH
September 2025 | Donations for PMH
Dauphin Regional Health Centre Cancer Care Unit receives new screens
The Dauphin Hospital Foundation continues to put generous contributions towards needs at Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Recently, the Foundation assisted with the purchase of privacy screens for patients receiving treatment within the Dauphin Cancer Care Unit. The total contribution was just over $10,000.
Pictured with one of the colourful screens are unit staff Kali Ewanyshyn, Toni Schwarz and Terri Strong. At back, is Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairperson Greg Thompson.
The Foundation has assisted the relatively new unit over the last 18 months with the purchase of treatment chairs as well as iPads for patients to use during treatment.
From Fall Leaves to Winter Heat Managing Indoor Allergies Year-Round
From Fall Leaves to Winter Heat Managing Indoor Allergies Year-Round
As the leaves fall and the cold weather sets in, many people breathe a sigh of relief thinking allergy season is finally over. No more pollen in the air, right? Unfortunately, for many Canadians, fall and winter can actually make indoor allergies worse. Once the windows are closed and the furnace is on, dust, pet dander, mould, and even leftover pollen get trapped inside. Dry indoor air and less ventilation can irritate sensitive lungs, leaving some people coughing, sneezing, and feeling congested well into the colder months.
If you have asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, these triggers can make breathing harder. Even if you don’t, indoor allergies can leave you feeling tired, stuffed up, and uncomfortable.
Common Indoor Triggers
According to the Manitoba Lung Association, perennial (year-round) allergies like dust mites and animal dander are common culprits. Dust mites thrive in bedding, carpets, and furniture, while pet fur and dander become airborne and easily inhaled. Mould spores and lingering pollen can also contribute. Symptoms may include:
Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing and itchy eyes
Post-nasal drip or sore throat
Persistent cough
Fatigue
These might feel like a lingering cold, but allergies don’t disappear after a week or two.
Tips for Reducing Indoor Allergens
The Manitoba Lung Association suggests a few simple steps to make your home easier to breathe in:
Wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust mites (weekly)
Vacuum often with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity around 35–50% (dust mites and mould love damp air).
Seal up your home – close doors, windows, and fix gaps where allergens sneak in.
Clean or replace furnace filters on schedule (every 1-2 months or as needed, especially if there are pets, allergy sufferers, or smoke exposure in the home)
DIY Affordable Air Filter
If buying an expensive air purifier isn’t in the budget, you can build your own using a box fan and a furnace filter. The BC Centre for Disease Control has shared a simple design that’s both effective and affordable:
Buy a newer box fan (2012 or later) with a safety fuse.
Get a good quality furnace filter (MERV-13 or higher).
Attach the filter to the back of the fan with tape or bungee cords, making sure air is pulled through the filter.
Run the fan on low or medium for steady air cleaning.
Replace the filter as it gets dirty, especially during high-allergen months (minimum every 6 months)
This homemade cleaner helps remove dust, dander, mould spores, and fine particles, improving indoor air without breaking the bank. For more detailed instructions, visit: BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_BoxFanAirFilters.pdf
Allergies don’t take a holiday when the weather gets cold; they just move indoors. By keeping your space clean, managing humidity, and trying affordable tools like a DIY air filter, you can reduce triggers and protect your lungs. Small changes can make a big difference in helping you breathe easier all fall and winter long. To learn more about keeping your lungs healthy, visit the Manitoba Lung Association Manitoba Lung Association
Eight New International Medical Graduates Recruited to PMH
Eight New International Medical Graduates Recruited to PMH
Physician recruitment efforts continue within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. Collaborating with the Province, Shared Health and community partners, PMH continues to strategically enhance access to physician and primary care services within the Region. One of the initiatives the region utilizes as part of overall physician recruitment strategies includes the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The MLPIMG Program assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical license to be able to practice as a family physician in Manitoba.
Recruits to Roblin (l-r) Dr. Yousefiadib and Dr. Khattak. Photo Credit Roblin Review
“During the past year, the region sponsored eight physicians to participate in the MLPIMG program” said Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “After much consideration, physicians that successfully graduated from the program were placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional sufficient physician resources.”
The newly recruited physicians for communities are:
Swan River
Dr. Uche Adediji
Dr. Toyin Oluwatuyi
Dr. Oghenekevwe Ekrebe (early September start)
Neepawa
Dr. Louis Eleche
Dr Uche Adediji, Dr Oghenekevwe Ekrebe and Dr. Dr Oluwatoyin Oluwatuyi.
Souris
Dr. Rilwan Azeez for Souris (mid-September start)
Roblin
Dr. Anahita Yousefiadib
Dr. Zoia Khattak
Virden
Dr. Sylvia Oranika
In return for regional sponsorship, MLPIMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Shared Health-Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.
“Retention and recruitment of staff, including doctors, is our top priority,” stated Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “I want to welcome and thank these new doctors for joining our incredible Manitoba workforce. I wish them well as they begin providing this essential care throughout Prairie Mountain Health”.
In 2024, five MLPIMG physicians were placed in the communities of Deloraine, Grandview, Russell, Ste. Rose and Virden. In 2023, MLPIMG physicians were placed in Glenboro, Hamiota, Russell, Swan River and Virden (2).
During the next rotation, which is already underway, PMH is sponsoring seven more MLPIMG physicians who commenced their training program this past June. If successful, they will be able to commence practice within the health region next fall (2026).
Summer 2025 | Donations for PMH
Summer 2025 | Donations for PMH
Neepawa & District Health Centre receives ERBE electro surgical unit
Dr. Rob Poettcker, Kristy McInnes, Erin Almey, Dr. Nichelle Desilets, Larisa Koshel, Jeniffer Sorongon, (in front) Ashley product rep.
The Beautiful Plains Community Foundation offers funding to the Neepawa & District Health Centre to purchase items that the facility needs. The Foundation has multiple different funds to help with the growing needs of the community and the facility.
This piece of equipment was purchased for $61,498 through generous community donations flowed through the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation. This advanced piece of endoscopy equipment is being utilized in the current Neepawa hospital and will move with us to the new Neepawa Hospital.
Curling for a Cure
Riley Abel, Emma Yanchycki, Cheryl Yanchycki, Darren Yanchycki, Case Yanchycki, Westin Abel, Cazmer Yanchycki, Kinley Yanchycki, Jenna Yanchycki, Chad Yanchycki, Kristi Friesen (oncology nurse Neepawa CCP) Christina Woodcock (manager of Health Services Neepawa Health Centre)
Curling for a Cure is an annual fundraising bonspiel event held in Minnedosa. This event is organized in honor of the late Nicholas Melnyk by his family and the group has committed to support the Neepawa Community Cancer Program (CCP) for the next 10 years. This generous donation of $20,030 will be put towards the purchase of new treatment chairs which will enhance the comfort of patients receiving treatment in Neepawa CCP.
