Foundations contribute to bariatric care at Dauphin Regional Health Centre

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues with plans to support the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) as a bariatric care site.  And thanks to the assistance of the RBC Foundation and Dauphin Hospital Foundation, two special bariatric wheelchairs were recently purchased for the facility. The RBC Foundation contributed $10,0000 which was used to buy one of the wheelchairs and some remaining funds went towards staff education and training for bariatric lift and care resources.

A bariatric wheelchair is a specialized, heavy-duty mobility device with reinforced frames and wider seating to safely accommodate individuals with higher body weights.

“We are extremely pleased with RBC Foundation’s contribution to our bariatric care initiative as we continue to focus on patient-centered care at Dauphin Regional Health Centre,” said Jeanette Logan, Prairie Mountain Health Manager of Health Services – Regional Therapy Services. “By enhancing our health centre to be conducive for care for people of all sizes, a full scope of specialized equipment will allow for improved patient flow and support for bariatric patients that have mobility difficulties.”

The RBC Foundation donation was part of a national commitment during National Nursing Week in May that saw more than $30 million donated in single-year and multi-year donations to 93 Canadian hospitals, including Dauphin Regional Health Centre. The funds are part of RBC’s national commitment to strengthening healthcare by supporting workforce training, inclusive patient care and sustainable, accessible hospital spaces.

Over the summer of 2026, Jeanette Logan is working with two students who hope to become an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist on developing safe work procedures on use of bariatric slings and safe client handling procedures.  

“We are also very fortunate to continue to be supported by the Dauphin Hospital Foundation who purchased the second wheelchair for us. The Dauphin Hospital Foundation has stepped forward on many initiatives and equipment purchases that have continued to benefit programs and services within our health centre, for which remain grateful,” Logan added.

PMH continues to move forward on the bariatric care site initiative, which will include renovating and retrofitting patient areas at DRHC. Some of the work completed to date includes the installation of ceiling track lifts/accessible door widths in renovated patient rooms on medicine, a bariatric accessible room in the Emergency Department, and bariatric parallel bars in the therapy gym. This is part of an ongoing process to provide for an accessible environment for all.

April 2026 | Donations for PMH

Electronic blood pressure machines and stands for Rossburn and Melita

The Primary Health Care program would like to thank  the Rossburn Health Auxiliary and Melita Ladies Auxiliary for their generous donation of electronic blood pressure machines and stands. The recent addition of new health care providers to these clinics has increased the demand for reliable clinical tools, making this  donation especially timely.

These contributions will directly enhance patient care by ensuring accurate and efficient blood pressure monitoring. The Nurse Practitioners and Clinic Nurses will be using this equipment daily to support timely assessments and informed clinical decisions. We greatly appreciate your continued commitment to improving health services in our community.

Taking Recovery to New Heights: New Ceiling Lifts Support Safer Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is an important step in helping patients regain strength, balance, and confidence after illness or injury. Therapy Services has introduced new ceiling track lifts in the inpatient gyms to support this process. These lifts help patients practice standing, walking, and other exercises more safely, while also allowing therapists to focus on guiding recovery rather than providing heavy physical support.

On March 10, 2026, the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Therapy Services had Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physiotherapists (PTs) and Rehabilitation Aides (RAs) trained on newly installed ceiling track lifts in the inpatient gyms.

The ceiling track lifts installed in the gyms feature a special feature called a trainer module. This allows PTs and OTs to offload a patient’s weight when the patient is wearing a sling in a standing position or when they are trying to move from sitting to standing. Patients wear a walking sling attached to the lift to practice their balance or improve their mobility. This allows patients to try mobilizing or completing exercises without fear of a fall that could result in injury. Less physical, hands-on support is also required by the Therapist or RA when a patient is in the lift, compared to when a lift is not used to complete the same actions.

The ceiling track lift has a safe working load of 275 kgs (605 lbs). Slings used with the lift system have a safe working load of 244 kgs (560 lbs).

The project began in spring 2021 when the vendor loaned a sample lift to the Therapy Services Department. This gave staff the chance to try the equipment and share feedback on how it could improve patient care.

Following the trial, an application was submitted to fund ceiling lifts for the Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy gyms as capital equipment. However, several logistical challenges needed to be addressed before installation could move forward.

The original plan was to install the lifts using ceiling attachments. To ensure the lifts could safely support the required weight, a structural engineering assessment was needed. This approach presented some barriers, so the plan was revised to use an alternate system with floor-mounted bracing.

On December 24, 2025, the Therapy Services program was notified that ceiling track lift systems for both gyms were approved for funding through the generous support of the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation. This was a welcome holiday surprise!

Work then began to make minor modifications within the departments to prepare the spaces for lift installation. The vendor installed the lifts in early February 2026. Staff completed training one month later, after which the lifts were ready for patient use.

Jill Twordik, Physiotherapist at BRHC, said, “This is going to be great to use with patients! I can already think of the first person I will use this with!”

Warren “Micky” Bone was the first patient to use the lift. He is working to recover following a recent stroke. When asked what he thought of the new lift, he said “Its great! At first I was afraid of falling but I know it will hold me up. It is helping me work on my balance and walking without the fear of falling.” Mr. Bone has been completing standing and balance exercises with physiotherapy with the plan to also start practicing how to safely get up off the floor. The Prairie Mountain Health Therapy Services Team is grateful to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation for their support with this project to enhance care for patients receiving rehabilitation in the hospital.

March 2026 | Donations for PMH

Hockey Fights Cancer donation Dauphin/Swan River

The Parkland U18 Rangers, in conjunction with Embroidery by Design (Bill and Lynda Nicholson), have been proud to host a “Hockey Fights Cancer’ game for nearly 10 years. Bill and Lynda (Embroidery by Design), who are huge supporters of the Parkland Rangers, donate the special game day pink jerseys that are used for three games (over three years) and then auctioned off as a fundraiser. All proceeds from each year’s game (raffle, 50/50 draw and every third-year jerseys) are donated to cancer care wards within the Parkland. This year, the Parkland U18 Rangers were proud to provide the Dauphin and Swan River cancer units with $2000/each.

And, as an added bonus, the Rangers came out on top of the hockey contest by defeating the Southwest Cougars on October 31st 5-4.

Prairie Mountain Health thanks the Parkland U18 Rangers for their generous donations and ongoing support of cancer care in the health region.

Dauphin Cancer Care Unit Benefits From Generous Donation

A recent donation from the estate of an anonymous donor has gone towards supporting care at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s (DRHC) cancer care unit. The generous donation of $30,000, through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, provided the funding to purchase five new Krug reclining chairs. These new chairs have the added feature of providing a heated seat and backing for patients while they are receiving their chemotherapy treatment. Often, patients need to sit for extended periods to receive intravenous fluids and/or blood products. Having a warm seat helps ease that chill and discomfort. In addition, the chairs offer a swing away arm that allows staff the ability to transfer patients to a stretcher if needed in an emergency.

Stick it to Cancer in Russell

The Major Pratt Trojans High School Hockey Team was extremely pleased to present the Russell Health Centre with a cheque for over $25 thousand from proceeds through its ‘Stick it to Cancer’ fundraiser. While over the years the funds from the special hockey night went towards construction of the Expanding Community Cancer Care Building, now that the expansion is completed, the impressive amount has been allocated for the Palliative Care Unit at Russell Health Centre.

Prairie Mountain Health and the Russell Health Centre sincerely thank the Major Pratt Trojans for their very generous contributions to health care in the region.  (Photo and files courtesy of the Russell Banner.)

January 2026 | Donations for PMH

Russell Health Centre Accepts Donation

The Paterson Grain Terminal in Binscarth has once again came forward with a generous donation to benefit the patients and clients that access the Russell Health Centre.  The $10,000 donation is from the Paterson Family Foundation and this year’s contribution will be used to purchase furniture for the Russell Health Centre spiritual care room. The room provides families with a private and comfortable gathering place.

Amazingly, the Paterson Family Foundation has donated $10,000 annually for six consecutive years. Pictured making the donation are co-General Managers of the Paterson Grain Terminal Darryl Fuz and Dave Maglahus, with Russell Health Centre Charge RN Stacy Falkevitch accepting.

Picture and files courtesy of Russell Banner

Dauphin organizations recognize Men’s Health Awareness

Dauphin organizations and a local business combined efforts to raise funds and awareness for Men’s Health as part of Men’s Health Awareness Month in November 2025.

The Dauphin Fire Department and Dauphin Co-op Food Store partnered to raise funds to establish a Men’s Health Fund within the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Thanks to some matching employee funding from the Co-op, the total presented to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation was $1,115.

The fundraising initiative was spearheaded by Co-op Grocery Manager Mark Gorchynski, who recognized that men sometimes do not seek medical attention as promptly as they should.

-With picture and files from Dauphin Herald.

Brandon Regional Health Centre Auxiliary contributes over last year 

The Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Auxiliary capped the last year by generously contributing to new equipment purchases for the Brandon Regional Health Centre and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre (WMCC). The contributions for 30 capital equipment pieces totaled close to $304 thousand.  Equipment purchases included: 

• Two Bladder Scanners totaling just over $34,000. 

 These are portable ultrasound devices used to quickly and non-invasively measure urine volume in the bladder, helping assess for urinary retention or incomplete emptying. These units help to prevent unnecessary catheterizations.  One unit was purchased for BRHC and one for WMCC. 

• Ultrasound for PICC placement – for Outpatient Care Unit totaling just over $35,000. 

An ultrasound used to place a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), which helps to avoid repeated needle sticks for treatments lasting weeks or months. 

• Eight Maternity Unit Beds totaling $69,588. 

Replacing current beds which are end of life. 

• Nineteen new Beds for the A3 Unit at a cost of $165,272.  

Replacing current beds which are end of life. 

Prairie Mountain Health and Brandon Regional Health Centre sincerely thank the BRHC Auxiliary for their continued support to the benefit of patients across Western Manitoba. 

November 2025 | Donations for PMH

Donation for Russell Health Centre

Members of the Russell Hospital Auxiliary (l-r) Virginia Beelaert, Anne Petz, Alice Coulter, RN Anna Chipelski, Ethel Lungal, Annette Ramsden, Judy Preston, Abbey Vorlicek – Care Team Manager for Russell Health Centre, Mina Laycock and Louise Lungal gathered at the Russell Health Centre on Nov. 14, 2025. They presented a Pediatric Crib valued at $13,345 to the staff.

The generous gift was provided with the donations from surrounding Lions Clubs and the ladies from Cancer Care and Palliative Care units as well as from 50/50 ticket sales.

The local hospital is always in need of equipment and supplies that the Manitoba Health Care doesn’t provide.

The Spirit of Giving: Peters Donate $1 Million to New Critical Care Centre

In the true spirit of giving this holiday season, the Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) Foundation is honored to announce a transformational $1 million donation from longtime Westman residents and community champions, Gord and Diane Peters.

Their generous gift supports the Foundation’s capital campaign, A Foundation for Care, which is raising funds for the build and equipment needs of the BRHC’s new Critical Care Centre, currently under construction. This state-of-the-art facility will significantly enhance critical care services for patients and families across the Westman region.

Gord and Diane Peters, who have been steadfast supporters of community initiatives throughout Westman, shared their motivation for this remarkable gift:

“We are pleased to support the BRHC Foundation in their ongoing work with the BRHC. The new Critical Care Center is a much-needed addition to our hospital’s ongoing development. Our medical facility in Brandon is critical in servicing the needs of our Westman community, keeping it strong and vibrant.”

The BRHC Foundation expressed deep gratitude for this extraordinary contribution.

“This incredibly generous donation from Gord and Diane feels like an early Christmas gift for our entire community,” said Stacy Senkbeil, BRHC Foundation Board Chair. “Their kindness embodies the spirit of the holiday season and will have a lasting impact on patient care across Westman. We are truly grateful for their continued support and belief in the importance of this new Critical Care Centre.”

The new Critical Care Centre will expand capacity and improve the environment for patients requiring intensive, complex care, while also providing efficient, state-of-the-art equipment for healthcare teams.

Those wishing to learn more about the A Foundation for Care capital campaign, or who wish to contribute during this season of giving, can visit www.brhcfoundation.ca or contact the Foundation office directly.

October 2025 | Donations for PMH

Donation for Minnedosa Health Centre

Thank you to the Minnedosa Health Foundation committee for donating a big wheel power stretcher and bladder scanner with printer, totaling $30,000.

Gilbert Plains Community Fund Donates to Health Care

Thank you to the Gilbert Plains Community Fund for their donation of $2500 to purchase Cryogun Equipment. The cryogun equipment allows providers at Gilbert Plains Clinic to use cryotherapy – a precise, controlled spray of liquid nitrogen – to remove benign skin lesions like warts and skin tags right in the Clinic.

Virden Health Care Auxiliary contributes funds to enhance local healthcare

For nearly 120 years, the Virden and District Health Auxiliary’s mission has been to enrich the comfort of those in care at the Virden Health Centre,  Sherwood Home and West-Man Personal Care Home. With overwhelming support of service groups and the people of Virden and surrounding areas, the  Health Auxiliary was proudly able to raise, in record time, funds needed to purchase an ultrasound machine for the hospital.  The Health Auxiliary also acknowledged that the long-awaited LUCAS chest compression system is also now in use at the hospital. These two pieces of equipment further enhance the care provided at the Virden Health Centre.