Brandon Critical Care Centre nears completion
The new Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Critical Care Centre is set to open this spring, expanding access to services for patients within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region and western Manitoba.
The redevelopment project represents an investment of approximately $120 million and includes a major expansion of critical care and inpatient medicine services, along with upgrades to support infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara provided the update at a construction milestone event held at BRHC on April 2.
“This expansion means people in western Manitoba can get the care they need closer to home, at some of the most critical moments in their lives,” said Asagwara. “It reduces the need for transfers to Winnipeg, eases pressure on families and helps improve patient flow across the system so care is available sooner for everyone who needs it.”
Once open, the centre will eventually increase adult ICU capacity from 10 to 16 beds, with 12 beds coming online in an initial phase and the remaining four to follow as staffing and system capacity continue to grow. The project also includes a new 30-bed Internal Medicine Unit, with 15 beds opening now and the remaining 15 to follow as additional staffing is in place.
The BRHC is the only ICU between Winnipeg and Regina along the Trans-Canada Highway, and one of four in the province. Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says the expansion will transform how care is delivered.
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role BRHC plays in caring for patients from across the region and beyond—and reinforced the need for expanded, modern infrastructure, Slate said. “We will eventually be moving from a 10-bed ICU with only three private rooms to a modern 16-bed unit made up entirely of private rooms, many with their own bathrooms. The new 30-bed Internal Medicine Unit will offer single rooms for every patient, promoting privacy, comfort, and improved infection prevention.”
Dr. Adrian Fung, PMH VP of Medical Services, says BRHC is the province’s second referral centre and sees patients from all over Manitoba and even neighbouring Saskatchewan.
“Our current ICU is dated, crowded and lacks the necessary physical layout, capacity and infrastructure that is required today,” Fung stated.
“I can’t overstate that currently, only three spaces in our ICU are private. With private rooms, there will be more space to care for and mobilize patients. With individual rooms, this reduces the risk of infection,” Fung added.
BRHC ICU Manager Sheilagh Remillard says patient-centered care was at the heart of planning for the redevelopment project.
“The new Critical Care Unit has been designed with comfort and care in mind and will make a meaningful difference for patients and families. It will allow the health care team to provide high-quality care in a space better suited to patients’ needs.”
Slate added that projects of this scale don’t happen without strong partnerships.
We thank the province and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care for supporting this project, and recognize the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, and Chairperson Jo-Anne Lewis, for leading the ‘Foundation for Care’ campaign.
The Foundation’s commitment, alongside the generosity of many donors and contributors, has been essential in bringing this project to fruition.