Construction work proceeding for new Neepawa Health Centre
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.
If you are hosting an event in your community, please share those details by emailing [email protected], and we would be happy to share that information on our website and on our social media channels.
Support Services
Visit our Transgender Health webpage for information on services available to you within Prairie Mountain Health.
“You fall in love with a person, not a gender. You love a person for who they are, not their parts,”
Crista Bailey-Morrison, Patient Services Manager, Dauphin Regional Health Centre
A twist of fate brought Crista Bailey-Morrison to Winnipeg, enrolling in the Paramedicine program at Red River College. There she would meet her future wife, Chandel, who was studying to become a nurse.
“We tell our kids now, how Mommy and Momma met,” explains Chandel Bailey-Morrison, Care Team Manager at Dauphin Regional Health Centre. “The story starts with how two girls met during lunchtime at a microwave, they fell in love and got married.”
At the time, Chandel didn’t expect to fall in love with another woman. She had never been in a same-sex relationship before and wasn’t sure how to navigate her new-found feelings.
“Honest to goodness, it was like something you’d see in a movie,” says Chandel. “Once we kissed, it was like nothing I’d ever felt before in my whole entire life – all I could feel were butterflies! There were sparks and fireworks and everything was going off!”
After keeping their relationship a secret, for what felt too long, Chandel finally gathered up the courage to come out to her parents. Knowing how traditional her father was, Chandel wasn’t sure how he would take the news. Unexpectedly, he answered back with “I’ve known. I’m not comfortable with it right now but I love you so much and I see how happy you are – that’s all that matters to me.”
“I lost it and instantly teared up. I had been terrified to tell him and had so much fear stored up because I didn’t want it to change our family dynamic. We’re all about family in our house, we had dinners together every Sunday and were always doing things together as a family unit. For him to say ‘I will be okay with it someday’ was a huge relief,” shared Chandel.
From that moment on, Crista became a part of Chandel’s family and was included in everything, even Sunday night dinners; and not just as a friend.
“It happened so fast for us because it felt so natural,” explains Chandel. “I knew she was the one.”
The couple proposed to each other only 8 months into their relationship. Understanding their dream destination wedding wasn’t going to be accessible for everyone, Crista and Chandel made a trip out to Alberta to visit Crista’s family before the big day.
“My dad accepted me and who I loved right off the bat. He’s not with us anymore, but he didn’t care who I was with, as long as I was happy,” shares Crista.
During that trip, Chandel surprised Crista with a small wedding in Banff to have Crista’s dad be a part of the celebration.
“Having Chandel arrange everything for us to get married in the mountains was one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me,” says Crista. “Having my dad, my biggest supporter, there to give me away was unforgettable.”
When Crista found a job as a paramedic in Dauphin, Manitoba, Chandel followed and found a job as a nurse in their new hometown. As the couple settled into their new lives, it wasn’t long before they started to dream about growing a family together.
“At first moving to Dauphin was a big culture shock and we didn’t really know anyone,” says Chandel. “We met another gay couple in Dauphin, two men – and when you meet another same sex couple, you gravitate towards them because it’s so few and far between, especially in a small town.”
Finding common ground over dinner one night, Crista and Chandel were talking to their new friends about how starting family can be extremely difficult and costly for them as a same sex couple and felt quite discouraged.
“I didn’t know if I was going to have kids have because I didn’t know how we would do it. I accepted that it might not be in the cards for me,” shared Crista.
“I’ve always wanted to be a mom. It was hardwired in me,” explains Chandel. “The next morning when our friends told us ‘we’d like to help you start a family’, I remember being in in utter disbelief. Tears filled my eyes and wouldn’t stop. This kind of gift really was unimaginable. It takes a really special person to do this for someone. To have them both offer was truly a blessing.”
Nine months later Crista gave birth to their first daughter and 16 months later Chandel gave birth to their second. Surrounded by love, the girls now have a ‘mommy’, a ‘momma’, a ‘daddy’ and ‘dadda’ in their lives as well as five sets of grandparents.
“We all decided to be honest with the girls right from the start. This is your ‘daddy’ and this is your ‘‘dadda,” explains Chandel. “They know who their dads are and as they grow up there isn’t any confusion. We celebrate and visit with extended family as often as we can too!”
Chandel and Crista’s story has inspired others within their small town to live their lives authentically. Many have thanked them, including the parents of queer children, for being an example of what queer can look like, both being respected in the workplace and out in the community raising a family.
“My story and background in the rainbow community as I like to call it, gives me an advantage working in health care,” says Chandel. “I gravitate to those who identify under the rainbow. When I care for them I often mention my wife in conversation and you can physically see their anxiety melt away. I’m almost a type of invisible support for them and help to create a safe space in the hospital.”
“We’re just us; it’s not any different,” says Crista. “To those struggling with coming out and the social pressures I’d say, be who you are and don’t try to hide it, that’s only hurting you. The most important people in your life will stick around.”
“In a sometimes-lonely society, coming together during pride and seeing how many people belong to our community, you realize there are more of us out there,” says Chandel. “I feel proud of who I am and who I’ve become on the journey I’ve taken on with my lovely wife.”
With the arrival of June 21 comes the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Annually, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (NIPD).
Indigenous people acknowledge the teachings of the four seasons by their representation on the medicine wheel. Summer is a time of growth and warmth. NIPD provides the experience to grow in awareness and understanding and build relationships as people come together to celebrate the culture of Indigenous people.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) acknowledges the history, heritage, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples within our health region.
Prairie Mountain Health provides health services on the original lands of Treaty 2 & 4, territories of the Dakota, Ojibway and Cree people and the Red River Métis. We acknowledge the traditional territories and treaties that confirm recognition and respect for the Indigenous populations – past and present.
PMH encourages all who deliver health services on the original lands of First Nations people and on the homeland of Métis citizens to recognize the ongoing obligation to provide culturally safe care. As an organization, we will continue to embrace the distinct cultural knowledge, practices and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and continue efforts to strengthen relationships with the Indigenous communities and peoples who we serve.
The Brandon National Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee will host an in-person event at Riverbank Discovery Centre on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 12:00 to 8:00 pm. The outdoor event will include a tipi village, cultural displays, Indigenous entertainment, powwow demonstrations, children’s activities, a bannock demonstration, a food tent, and more. All of which will highlight the unique value of Indigenous culture and ways of knowing. The Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples’ Council will hold a tipi raising at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Tuesday, June 20th starting at 10:30am, in preparation for the events on June 21.
National Indigenous People’s Day Events around PMH – Brandon
If you are holding events in the PMH region, please share information by emailing the details to [email protected]
For NIPD events near your area, contact your local First Nation or Métis community.
For more information on NIPD, check out the Government of Canada’s link
Construction underway soon for expanded Cancer Care site at Russell Health Centre
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.
Dauphin HERO Club taking it to the streets again this year
Dauphin HERO Club taking it to the streets again this year
The Dauphin HERO Club is taking it to the streets again this year! The familiar HERO Club Hot Dog Cart resumed operation again this year May 23rd. The HERO Club Hot Dog Cart will be out in front of the former Under One Roof Building/ United Church Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Shantelle Rank is a Psychiatric Nurse/Community Mental Health Worker for the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program in Dauphin. She works closely with members from the HERO Club through the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Mental Health Program.
“We remain very thankful for the ongoing support we receive from PMH and of course, the general public. Club members are once again really excited to be operating the program regularly again this year. It’s a really great initiative, and something that hints that summer is coming and enjoying the longer days and spending more time outdoors and all that comes with that,” Rank stated.
Patronage continues to be phenomenal. Sales remain steady and many community supporters have become regulars on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Reaction from HERO CLUB Members continues to be very positive and enthusiastic. The members are grateful and appreciative of the ongoing support and patronage shown by the community of Dauphin. The members take great pride in providing a quality food service and are inspired by the opportunity to interact with the public at large. It is wonderful to see Dauphin continue to be a community that embraces and supports the Club in so many ways and on so many levels.
PMH provides coordination and other assistance to the HERO Club through its mental health program. Dauphin (established in 1994) is one of four HERO Club sites within the health region. Roblin, Russell and Swan River are the others.
The HERO Club is an important initiative because it reduces stigma; provides awareness and education as well as advocacy and provides a clubhouse forum whereby the members can strengthen their resiliency and rekindle hope and encouragement. The club truly embraces and is characterized by what it stands for as a HERO – Helping Everyone Reach Out.
The HERO Club Hot Dog Cart is located at 37 3rd Avenue NW outside of the former Under One Roof Building/United Church in Dauphin on Tues. and Thurs. from 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
During the month of June men and boys are encouraged to take charge of their health. Get screened, eat a healthy meal, exercise, get outdoors and check in with a friend. Use this month to set good habits in motion, and carry them throughout the year. There are a variety of websites with resources full of everything from healthy recipes to exercise tips to mental health pod casts as well as testicular and prostate cancer checks. Check them out. Find what works for you and get started today.
Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
The Canadian Men’s Health Foundation is a national, registered charity providing information, tools, and motivation for men and their families to live healthier. Canadian men are dying at an alarming rate from chronic illness and leaving their loved ones behind. Yet, 70% of men’s health problems are preventable by living healthier. No matter how you do it—walk, jog, swim, bike, or mow the lawn—any kind of movement adds up to better physical and mental health. Sign up for a ‘Guy’s guide to eating healthy‘ or listen to the Don’t change much pod cast.
Buddy Up
Buddy Up is a men’s suicide prevention communications campaign: a call to action to men, by men. We all have a role to play in men’s suicide prevention. Partners, colleagues, friends, and family. In Canada, men have a suicide rate three times higher than women. Why? We have socialized men to be strong, stoic and self-reliant; showing emotion is a sign of weakness, as is asking for help. Further, men are under served by our traditional health and social service sectors. Men are dying in alarming numbers, all around us, alone. How can we change this reality? Join the Buddy Up Campaign.
Movember
While the month of November is a little ways away, the Movember website is full of resources for guys all year long. Learn more about prostate and testicular cancer and how you can check for signs, early detection is key. Visit Family Man and discover parenting strategies designed with dads in mind. If you are feeling low or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Discover numerous resources on where you can get support and how you can help give support if you have a bro that might be struggling.
The John Howard Society of Brandon
The John Howard Society of Brandon (153 8th street) Men’s Resource Centre is open to all and offers a safe and supportive space for men and their families to access resources and information. The center provides programs, services and individual support on issues affecting men and their families.
Programs offered include: Anger Management, Building Healthy Relationships and a Crossroads Program – focused on developing positive life skills.
Services available: Staff can help you connect to community resources, provide information and advocacy. They offer one on one support, Protection Orders, Third Party Reporting and help with Pardons and Record Suspensions.
Drop in services: Free computer and internet access is available. Workshops focused on Legal Issues, Health and Wellness, Art and Music!
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba
Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba works on building meaningful relationships and provides a space where men can open up and share about their experiences. They offer a wide variety of mental health and wellness opportunities from workshops to peer-support, and One-on-One peer support. You can book a one-on-one peer support session (online/in person) with the Men’s Program Coordinator at [email protected]. Discover more about the peer support groups and additional men’s health resources.
St Paul’s Personal Care Home Installing New Generator
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.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was developed & launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA). WEAAD involves planning activities to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older adults everywhere they live worldwide and highlight the need for appropriate action. It is intended to give the abuse and neglect of older adults a global relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the year and for years to come.
WEAAD involves national and international activities developed by countries, communities, neighbourhoods and organizations collaborating in multigenerational and multidisciplinary initiatives. It can encompass volunteer and educational programs, cultural and art events, and the use of information technology, all aiming to create awareness of elder abuse and neglect and how it can be prevented.
The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” It can take many forms, including physical, emotional or financial harm, and may not be intentional. The issue is closely tied to ageism, an underlying prejudice against older people leading to discrimination and neglect.
Did you know that:
1 in 2 people is prejudiced against older people (Global Report on Ageism, World Health Organization)
1 in 5 Canadians say older people are a burden on society (Report on Ageism, Revera, 2012)
An estimated 7.5% of Canadians 55 and older experienced abuse (Into the Light National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015)
1 in 6 people over the age of 60 are victims of elder abuse (World Health Organization)
In 2021, Women aged 55 and older represented 28% of all victims of femicide (Call it Femicide Report, Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2021)
Nearly 8 in 10 seniors report age discrimination in healthcare (Report on Ageism, Revera, 2012)
Each year on June 15, many communities within Prairie Mountain Health recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day as an opportunity to recognize local and regional efforts to raise awareness of the abuse towards older adults. Raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect is challenging, and no effort is too small. Public education and awareness raising are important elements in preventing abuse and neglect.
If you are being abused or neglected or know of someone who is, the MB Senior’s Abuse Support Line 1-888-896-7183 is available 24-7. Calls are free and confidential. You can speak to a trained counsellor who will provide one-on-one support to older adults experiencing abuse and other concerned community members.
For more information and resources on Elder Abuse, please visit WEAAD Manitoba at www.weaadmanitoba.ca or The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse at www.inpea.net websites.
Let’s all “Wear somethingpurple” and celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 to show the world we care about ending elder abuse and neglect.
National Health & Fitness Day (NHFD) is an initiative to make Canada the Fittest Nation on Earth, starting with marking one day, the first Saturday in June as the day when Canadians get out and get active in any way they wish. Communities across the country have proclaimed the day and the National Health and Fitness Day Act, Bill S-211, became law in December 2014.
Current Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for ages 0-4 recommend at least 180 minutes of physical activity of any intensity per day; at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity for children and youth (aged 5-17) per day; and at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per week for adults and older adults (all those over 18 years of age). Data from across Canada shows that only 15% of adults and 9% of children and youth are meeting current physical activity guidelines. The good news is that 84% of 3-4 year-old children are meeting the guidelines. As you can see, intensity of physical activity matters! Moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity includes all activities that make you huff and puff. Moderate means you should still be able to have a conversation but are starting to work up a sweat; vigorous intensity means you’re out of breath and can’t maintain a constant conversation.
Children and youth who meet the activity guidelines are less likely to be overweight, have better bone health, do better in school, and have better scores for mental health. Meeting the activity guidelines for adults is associated with significant reductions in the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, high blood pressure, colon and breast cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Other benefits include higher energy levels and better sleep, better mental health and higher brain function and memory.
On Saturday June 3rd get your kids, spouses, parents and friends outside and get active! A family that plays together stays together! Here are some activity ideas for you and your family:
Let your kids plan the activities for the day! If you’ve never played Grounders or Octopus, you’re missing out! Check out these fun, no-equipment outdoor games from Active for Life.
Head to the park or playground and set up a fun obstacle course.
Make a splash at your community pool, splash park or local recreation centre.
Get together with neighbours for a game of all-ages ball hockey, races (egg-on-a-spoon, three-legged and sack races); a scavenger hunt; a pool party; or a game of soccer.
RBC Foundation donates to Dauphin Regional Health Centre nurses development fund
RBC Foundation donates to Dauphin Regional Health Centre nurses development fund
The RBC Foundation has donated $10,000— through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation— to support retention of and professional development for nurses at Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC). The donation was highlighted as part of National Nursing week (May 8-14).
From left, DRHC nurse Cheryl Geisel, RBC Dauphin Branch representatives Danielle Sear and Kent Nordin and DRHC Care Team Manager Curt Gullett. (Photo courtesy of Dauphin Herald)
“Recruitment and retention of health-care professionals is front and centre in Manitoba and Canada right now,” said Greg Thompson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairman. “We continue to provide various levels of training support for nurses to offer even better patient care and we sincerely appreciate RBC Foundation’s contribution to our Foundation, which allows us to offer even more educational opportunities.”
RBC’s donation will go towards the centre’s Delha Cort Education fund. This fund encourages staff to pursue continuing education, with priority given to facility-related education, which can enhance an employee’s current job performance or personal development toward advancement in their careers.
“RBC recognizes the impact that nurses have in our healthcare system is unparalleled. Dedicated, committed, and always answering the call no matter the sacrifice, they are our caregivers and comforters during our deepest times of need,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC Regional President, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Western Ontario. “We aim to give back to nurses through a donation supporting their continuing education and professional development, to refresh their skills and open more opportunities for their career options and advancement.”
The DRHC educational endowment fund was named after Irene Delha Cort, who passed away in 1990 and had a bequest to the Dauphin Hospital Foundation to use the funds primarily for staff education and development. DRHC nurse Cheryl Geisel, one of the recent recipients of funding support through her Delha Cort application, participated in the presentation.
Prairie Mountain Health and the Dauphin Hospital Foundation sincerely thank the RBC Foundation for its generous contribution.
