Capital Construction Project Update | July 2024

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues to move forward on several major construction and renovation projects in partnership with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long Term Care and Shared Health. The following is a brief update as of mid-July 2024.

Visuals are renderings only and not intended to reflect how the final project will actually appear.

Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC)

Construction to expand and renovate clinical spaces within the BRHC campus continues, with work on the new Critical Care bed tower addition. Once completed the entire project will feature:

a new 16-bed Intensive Care Unit – main level.
approximately 30 additional medical beds on – the 2^nd floor.
3^rd floor – mechanical space.
4^th floor – shell space for future expansions.

The anticipated completion for the Critical Care bed tower project is forecast for the winter of 2026.

Western Manitoba Cancer Centre construction and rendering

Western Manitoba Cancer Care Centre (WMCC)

Work continues on the expanded and renovated WMCC, which serves as a regional cancer hub, providing enhanced cancer services for patients across western Manitoba. The project includes:

9,418-sq.-ft. expansion and renovation of existing space, including additional exam rooms and treatment spaces.
space for the ‘Paul Albrechtsen Centre for Hope’ for counselling and recovery patients to have additional support and resources.
second medical linear accelerator, used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients with cancer.

Total anticipated completion of the project is currently forecast to be late September 2024.

Neepawa Health Centre

The new hospital is being built east of Neepawa on the north side of the Yellowhead highway near the Lions Campground.

It will be over four times the size of the existing hospital, and will better serve patients from this broader western Manitoba geographic area. Features of the new health centre will include:

60 acute care inpatient beds, up from 35 at the current Neepawa site.
an expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that include treatment and assessment rooms, trauma rooms and an ambulance bay.
adding a hemodialysis suite with nine dialysis stations.
enhanced space for a number of other programs, such as surgery, diagnostics, and palliative care, as well as outpatient services like chemotherapy (6 treatment stations).

The anticipated project completion is summer 2026.

Dauphin Regional Health Centre

Renovations to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) continue through the summer. The second phase of the clinical spaces renovation project includes:

adding nine additional inpatient beds (seven on Medicine Unit, two on Surgery).
renovating vacated space (former cancer care unit on third floor) into a new physiotherapy area and some administrative offices.
renovating a conference room and adding additional storage space.

Phase 2 completion is anticipated by the fall of 2024, therefore further increasing hospital capacity.

Work continues to bring the new Endoscopy suite, which was part of Phase 1, into operation. The new suite on the hospital’s main floor will relocate all endoscopy procedures out of the existing operating room. This will further free up operating space, and increase surgical capacity at DRHC. PMH is working toward having the new suite operational within the next few months.

The initial phase also saw completion of the new cancer care unit on the hospital’s main floor. The new unit opened in January 2024.

Russell Health Centre (Cancer Care unit building expansion)

Russell Health Centre Cancer Care Unit Expansion. Exterior, Interior and Rendering

Construction on the addition to the Russell Health Centre for an expanded cancer care unit is complete. The expansion project added another 3,300 sq.-ft. to the health centre’s existing CancerCare Manitoba chemotherapy treatment space. This is roughly four times the size of the former space and included:

replacement of the existing nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
improved patient privacy.

The local Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee (ECCC) raised a majority of the $2.9 million capital construction project. The Province contributed $700,000 for the remaining capital costs.

The new space went into operation for patients and staff July 15.

A grand opening ceremony is being planned for the near future.

Swan River CT scan project

The CT scanner was installed within the Swan Valley Health Centre in May. The new diagnostic equipment went into operation in mid-June. Two x-ray technologists have been trained to operate the scanner.

In addition to a provincial investment of more than $2 million, community groups raised more than $1 million towards the project, which includes equipment, installation and renovation of the space within Swan Valley Health Centre.

The CT scanner will service a population of approximately 14,000. Patients in the area previously had to travel to Dauphin, Brandon or Winnipeg for scans.

Construction complete at Community Cancer Care Centre in Russell

August 21, 2024

Dignitaries, stakeholders and staff cutting the ribbon to Russell's Cancer Care Building. — *Dignitaries, stakeholders and staff gathered to officially cut the ribbon to the new $2.5 million cancer care building adjoined to the Russell Health Centre on August 21, 2024.*

Construction to expand Community Cancer Program space at Russell Health Centre has now been completed, and the significant milestone was recognized today with a grand opening celebration. The $2.5 million building expansion, which went into use in mid-July, improves patient experience and access to cancer treatment services for Russell and the surrounding region. The building addition is roughly four times the size of the former space located within the hospital and offers larger patient care areas and improved workspace for staff.

“We’re so proud of the exceptional quality of care delivered by CancerCare here in Russell, and this expansion project will only improve that quality of care for patients,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care Uzoma Asagwara. “Thank you to the dedicated community members who worked to make this expansion a reality. Your hard work will help more Manitobans hear those four amazing words: ‘you are cancer-free'”.

The Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee (ECCC) raised the majority of the funding to construct the 3300 sq. ft building addition, which is aptly named the Community Cancer Care Centre. The province committed $700,000 towards the building addition, which included:

*Staff and reception area to the newly expanded Cancer Care Unit at Russell Health Centre*

relocation of the dedicated nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area; and
expanded patient care spaces to improve patient privacy.

The Expanding Community Cancer Care (ECCC) committee includes membership from the communities of Angusville, Beulah, Binscarth, Birtle, Foxwarren, Inglis, Langenburg, Sask., Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, St. Lazare, Shellmouth, Silverton, Solsgirth and Waywayseecappo.

“After almost 10 years of fundraising for a new cancer care unit at the Russell Health Centre, we are delighted that this long-awaited project is now a reality,” said Gloria Tibbatts, co-chair, ECCC committee. “Our dream has been fulfilled, and the benefits will serve many. We would like to thank the people from around our region who have supported us. The power of community and of our donors is what made this possible, and we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts”.

*A celebration barbecue was held for staff and stakeholders following the grand opening event at Russell Health Centre.*

Prairie Mountain Health has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to plan for the necessary building and construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project.

The regional health authority will contribute annual operating costs related to the expansion, including staffing and supplies.

“We are very grateful to the Expanding Community Cancer Care committee for their vision, hard work and dedication in fundraising for this expansion,” said Treena Slate, Chief Executive Officer, Prairie Mountain Health. “Cancer is a journey, and this new addition will better serve patients and families travelling for care in a more comfortable setting.”

“The expansion of the Community Cancer Program in Russell is a testament to the power of community spirit. By bringing high-quality care closer to home, we are working together to improve access for our cancer patients and honouring the local community’s incredible support and generosity,” said Dr. Navaratnam, President & CEO, CancerCare Manitoba “This project is a shining example of what we can achieve together”.

Russell Cancer Centre Parking lot construction. — *Construction on the additional parking lot has commenced. The $800,000 separate project is also being completely funded by the Expanding Community Cancer Committee.*

A separate project has just begun with the construction of a new community cancer centre parking lot. The parking lot, which the Expanding Community Cancer Committee is completely funding, is anticipated to be completed this October.

Russell and area supporters gather to recognize fundraising efforts for cancer care project

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 13^th, 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.

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.

First phase of Dauphin Regional Health Centre renovations completed

New cancer care unit open; endoscopy suite next

Staff have full view of all patients during treatment

The first phase of significant renovations at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre is now complete, which provides a larger and more modern space welcoming cancer patients to receive the treatment they need.

As part of the project, space on the first floor of the hospital was renovated to accommodate an expanded CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) unit. The renovated area on the first floor is 50 per cent larger, adds one new exam room for a total of two, and relocated five treatment spaces. The renovations were completed in late 2023 and the first patient was seen in early January 2024.

The new cancer care/chemotherapy unit offers other features, including:

Additional space and more patient privacy within the Unit;
Better treatment functionality, including much-improved nurse sightlines;
An enhanced medication preparation area;
Two larger patient examination spaces.

Prairie Mountain Health notes the adjacent endoscopy suite will begin operation very soon. This will relocate all endoscopy procedures out of the existing operating room, further freeing up operating space within the hospital, thereby increasing surgical capacity.

Second Phase

As part of phase two, renovations on the second and third floors of the hospital are now underway. Nine new beds (seven on the medical ward and two on the surgery ward) are being added which will increase capacity within the second largest acute care centre in Prairie Mountain Health region. With the move of the cancer care unit from the third floor, its former space will be renovated into a new physiotherapy unit, which includes occupational and physiotherapy.

It’s anticipated second phase renovations will be completed in late summer 2024.

Manitoba Premier & Stakeholders tour facility

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara and CancerCare Manitoba CEO Dr. Sri Navartnam were all in Dauphin January 24 to acknowledge the significance of the clinical space improvements.

“This renovation will not only mean more space for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, it will add more endoscopy capacity, reduce surgery wait times and it will enhance the Dauphin Regional Health Centre to allow more patients from across the Parklands to access health care. It’s one more step in our government’s commitment to improving health care in the Parklands,” Kinew stated.

Representatives from the Province, CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) and Prairie Mountain Health gather outside Dauphin Regional Health Centre January 24, 2024. From left are: Ron Kostyshyn (Minister of Agriculture and Dauphin MLA), Ruth Loewen, (CCMB Director, Community Oncology Program), Ken Borce, (CCMB Chief of Clinical Operations), Dr. Sri Navaratnam (President and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba), Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, Uzoma, Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care, Brian Schoonbaert (CEO of Prairie Mountain Health) and Brent Gibson, (CCMB Chief of Corporate Services and Finance).

The hospital’s endoscopy services will also move to the main floor soon, minister Asagwara added. This will add one new procedure room and six pre-/post-recovery spaces. Once fully operational, up to 300 more endoscopies will be able to be performed at the site annually, while also freeing up space in operating rooms. This shift will help increase surgical capacity in Dauphin, the minister noted.

“Building both physical and human capacity is vital to sustaining cancer services,” said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and chief executive officer, CancerCare Manitoba. “I am very pleased that this renovation supports CCMB’s ability to continue to provide access to high-quality cancer services closer to where the patients live.”

“Working with its health partners and stakeholders, Prairie Mountain Health is pleased the initial phase of the clinical spaces transformation project has come to fruition,” said Brian Schoonbaert, chief executive officer, Prairie Mountain Health. As the second phase of the project proceeds, we are ensuring Dauphin Regional Health Centre continues to play a vital role in the provision of patient and client care regionally and provincially moving forward.”

PMH Capital Construction Project Update

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues to move forward on several major construction and renovation projects in partnership with Manitoba Health and Shared Health. The following is a brief update as of November 1, 2023.

Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC)

Construction to expand and renovate clinical spaces within the BRHC campus is going well with work on the new Critical Care bed tower addition underway. Once completed the entire project will feature:

a new 16-bed Intensive Care Unit – main level.
approximately 30 additional medical beds on – the 2^nd floor.
3^rd floor – mechanical space.
4^th floor – shell space for potential future expansion.

The anticipated substantial completion for the Critical Care bed tower project is early 2026. As well, there is a planned renovation to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Western Manitoba Cancer Centre

Work continues on the expanded and renovated WMCC, which will serve as a regional cancer hub, providing enhanced cancer services for patients across western Manitoba. The project includes:

7,000-sq.-ft. expansion and renovation of existing space, including additional exam rooms and treatment spaces.
space for a ‘Centre of Hope’ for counselling and recovery patients to have additional support and resources.
second medical linear accelerator, used for delivering external beam radiation treatments to patients with cancer.

The anticipated substantial project completion is the spring of 2024.

Neepawa Health Centre

The new hospital is being built east of Neepawa on the north side of the Yellowhead highway near the Lions Campground.

It will be nearly double the size of the existing hospital, and will better serve patients from this broader western Manitoba geographic area. Features of the new health centre will include:

60 acute care inpatient beds, up from 35 at the current Neepawa site.
an expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that include treatment and assessment rooms, trauma rooms and an ambulance bay.
adding a hemodialysis suite with nine dialysis stations.
enhanced space for a number of other programs, such as surgery, diagnostics, and palliative care, as well as outpatient services like chemotherapy (6 treatment stations).

The anticipated substantial completion right now is sometime in 2026.

Dauphin Regional Health Centre

Renovations to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) are converting temporary Emergency Department space to enhanced patient care areas and a further increase in hospital inpatient capacity. This includes:

a new Endoscopy suite will relocate all endoscopy procedures out of the existing operating room, further free up operating space, and increase surgical capacity.
a new Chemotherapy unit, relocating the existing unit on the hospital’s third floor to the main floor.
adding nine additional inpatient beds (seven on medicine, two on surgery).

Phase 1 anticipated completion (Endoscopy/Chemotherapy) is expected in December 2023.

Phase 2 completion (hospital in-patient renovations) is anticipated in the summer of 2024.

Killarney, Virden and Souris Health Centres

Three additional Emergency Department (ED) renovations in Virden, Killarney and Souris are complete. We are currently preparing to enter the new space. This involved:

dedicated space for registration and triage for those attending the ED. This will provide greater privacy but also better sight lines for staff to view patients and the waiting area.
refreshed treatment spaces (e.g.: new paint, flooring, etc.).
improved wayfinding for those arriving at the Emergency Department and for those coming to visit inpatients.

The new ED spaces will officially open in November 2023.

Russell Health Centre

Construction is well underway on the building addition to expand the cancer care unit at Russell Health Centre. Work on the $2.5 million project began in late spring and is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2024.

Once complete, the project will add another 3,300 sq.-ft. to the health centre’s existing CancerCare Manitoba chemotherapy treatment space and include:

replacement of the existing nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
improved patient privacy.

PMH has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders for the necessary building planning, construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project. The regional health authority will contribute annual operating costs for the expansion, including staffing and supplies.

Russell Health Centre addition for expanded cancer care unit taking shape

Construction is well underway on the building addition to expand the cancer care unit at Russell Health Centre. Work on the $2.5 million project began in late spring and is anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2024.

The Expanding Community Cancer Care (ECCC) committee raised $1.8 million toward construction and equipment costs related to the expansion. The committee includes membership from the communities of Angusville, Beulah, Binscarth, Birtle, Foxwarren, Inglis, Langenburg, Sask., Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, St. Lazare, Shellmouth, Silverton, Solsgirth and Waywayseecappo. The Manitoba government committed $700,000 to support the remaining costs of the project.

Once complete, the project will add another 3,300 sq.-ft. to the health centre’s existing CancerCare Manitoba chemotherapy treatment space and include:

replacement of the existing nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
improved patient privacy.

PMH has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders for the necessary building planning, construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project. The regional health authority will contribute annual operating costs for the expansion, including staffing and supplies.

Watch for updates over the next few months related to the Expanding Community Cancer Care project.

Swan River area residents receive update on CT Scanner project

Provincial officials provided an update August 1 on the CT Scanner project for Swan Valley Health Centre. Health Minister Audrey Gordon informed local representatives that the CT scanner is expected to be in service next summer. The Minister noted a location within the facility has now been selected, the scanner has been ordered and staff have begun training so they will be qualified to operate the new equipment.

The Manitoba government is investing $2 million while community groups have contributed $1 million toward the project, which includes equipment, installation and renovation of the space at the Swan Valley Health Centre.

“Investing in a new CT scanner in the Swan Valley region will significantly reduce travel time for residents in Swan River and the surrounding communities while building overall provincial capacity for the service,” stated Health Minister Audrey Gordon. We thank the Town of Swan River and the surrounding Swan Valley communities for their contributions and persistence in helping to bring this project forward.”

The Minister noted that the new scanner will help to reduce ambulance inter-facility transfer costs, while also improving the work environment for health-care providers at Swan Valley Health Centre by providing an additional diagnostic tool to enable treatment decisions.

“We thank the Manitoba government for recognizing the importance in investing in health care in the Swan River Valley,” said Mayor Lance Jacobson, Town of Swan River. “This CT scanner will save lives in the Swan River Valley and benefit our medical professional recruitment and retention efforts.”

Construction work proceeding for new Neepawa Health Centre

If you have recently ventured down Highway 16 on the easterly outskirts of Neepawa, one thing certainly catches your attention. It’s all of the frenzied activity north of the highway near the Lions Campground, which happens to be the site of the new Neepawa Health Centre. A favourable spring has allowed construction to proceed nicely and with the stairwell tower very noticeable, there’s growing excitement on what the finished product will look like.

The state-of-the-art hospital is being built to serve current and future needs as the community of Neepawa grows and town and area residents can access services closer to home. Once completed the new Neepawa Health Centre will feature the following:

around 60 acute care inpatient beds, up from 38 at the current Neepawa site.
an expanded emergency department designed to best practice standards that includes treatment and assessment rooms, trauma rooms and an ambulance bay.

adding a hemodialysis suite with nine dialysis stations.
enhanced space for a number of other programs, such as surgery, diagnostics, and palliative care, as well as outpatient services like chemotherapy (6 treatment stations).

The new health centre will be over twice the size of the current hospital. Construction is tentatively slated for completion in 2025.

Construction underway soon for expanded Cancer Care site at Russell Health Centre

L to R: Brian Schoonbaert CEO of PMH, Greg Nesbitt, Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development, ECCC co-chair Judy Forsyth, ECCC co-chair Gloria T, CancerCare Manitoba Chief of Clinical Operations Ken Borce, Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk.

The vision of the Russell Expanding Community Cancer Care Committee is coming into focus with the recent announcement that construction is soon beginning on the expanded chemotherapy unit at the Russell Health Centre. Excited committee representatives and community members joined dignitaries from the Province, CancerCare Manitoba and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) May 26, 2023, for an official groundbreaking ceremony, signifying that work on the $2.5 million building addition has commenced and the anticipated completion date was the end of the year (2023).

“After more than eight years of fundraising for a new chemotherapy unit at the Russell Health Centre, we are delighted that our long-awaited project is now happening,” said Gloria Tibbatts, co-chair, ECCC committee.

Gloria Tibbatts, co-chair, ECCC committee

“Our dream is now a reality that will benefit many. We would like to thank the people from all around our region who have supported us. The power of community and of our donors has made this possible.”

Swan River MLA Rick Wowchuk and Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development Greg Nesbitt indicated that the much-needed expansion will improve access to chemotherapy in Russell for patients in the community and surrounding region.

“The new Community Cancer Care Centre will ensure more people in Russell and the surrounding region will be able to access the care they need, closer to home,” Nesbitt said.

“Our government supports this community-driven project and we commend the efforts of everyone who worked to make this project a reality.”

The Expanding Community Cancer Care (ECCC) committee includes membership from the communities of Angusville, Beulah, Binscarth, Birtle, Foxwarren, Inglis, Langenburg, Sask., Roblin, Rossburn, Russell, St. Lazare, Shellmouth, Silverton, Solsgirth and Waywayseecappo that has collectively raised $1.8 million toward construction and equipment costs related to the expansion. The total project cost is estimated at $2.5 million. Last spring, the Manitoba government confirmed its commitment of $700,000 to support the remaining costs of this project.

Once complete, the project will add another 2,300 sq.-ft. to the health centre’s existing CancerCare Manitoba chemotherapy treatment space and include:

replacement of the existing nursing station and medication storage area;
creation of a dedicated patient washroom, nourishment area, and a small waiting area;
improved patient privacy; and
space for future expansion of treatment areas, if needed.

PMH has collaborated with health partners and stakeholders to plan for the necessary building planning, construction costs and associated timelines for this important capital project. The regional health authority will contribute annual operating costs for the expansion, including staffing and supplies.

“We are very grateful to the Expanding Community Cancer Care committee for their vision, hard work and dedication in fundraising for this cancer unit expansion,” said Brian Schoonbaert, chief executive officer, PMH.

“This is a true example of success when people and communities come together and contribute to such a worthy project. Cancer is a journey, and this new addition will better serve patients travelling for care in a more comfortable setting. We thank patients and the general public for their patience as we go through the construction phase and look forward to the opening of this new addition.”

Tibbatts said fundraising efforts will continue in the near future, with money raised going towards equipment and an anticipated separate parking lot.

St. Paul’s Personal Care Home will be undergoing a maintenance update over the span of two weeks, beginning May 29th, with the installation a back-up generator.

St. Paul’s PCH is located at 703 Jackson Street in Dauphin.

Timeline of Project

Staff parking lot located off of Pioneer Ave will be temporarily closed.

May 29 – Preparation of job site, including barricading/closing of staff parking lot located on the south side of the personal care home, on Pioneer Avenue.
- Staff will be advised of parking options when available.
May 30 – Arrival of heavy equipment. This may temporarily affect traffic on Pioneer Avenue and Jackson Street, however, major delays or a full blocking of the street are not anticipated.
May 31 – June 7 – Construction on site for installation of generator.
June 8 – A planned power outage will occur within the facility for the hookup of the generator. Staff and management will have contingency plans in place for meals, laundry, washroom facilities, cooling areas and more. The exact length of time during which there will be no power within the facility is unknown, however it could be as long as 12 hours.
- Manitoba Hydro will be on site to assist.
- No other homes/buildings within the area will be affected by the power outage. Power will only be disconnected within St. Paul’s Personal Care Home.

Please note, the above timeline/dates may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check back regularly for the most up to date information.

Contact

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Capital Projects