Prairie Mountain Health holds Annual General Meeting

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) wrapped up its 12th full year of operations during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) October 30, 2024. PMH Board Chair Lon Cullen said reviewing fiscal year 2023-2024 allowed interested community representatives, health stakeholders and partners, staff and residents to learn more about the region’s strategic priorities, objectives and financial position.

“Communication with our partners and stakeholders regarding health care within our communities and region as a whole is a top priority,” Cullen stated. The AGM is another way we are able to provide a status report on PMH activities and an opportunity to keep residents and communities engaged at the same time.” recap

Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says the AGM also provides the opportunity to reflect back on accomplishments, acknowledge the challenges and opportunities for improvement that lie ahead, and move forward with a focus on future program and service planning.

“We’re making great strides in several areas as our recent Accreditation Report notes although we know there is much more work to do,” Slate said. “We acknowledge and sincerely appreciate the commitment of our staff—our most valuable resource. They continue to give of themselves with unwavering dedication, care and compassion. To our staff, thank you for all that you do!”

This past year saw the region undergo its third national accreditation survey, which found PMH met 97 per cent of surveyed criteria. Other AGM highlights noted were:

The Region focused on it’s Strategic Plan (2023-2028) that identified the health region’s four key priorities aimed at building a healthier population and creating a quality, integrated and sustainable health system through collaboration and informed-decision-making.
Patient and family engagement, along with patient-centered care, remained key objectives for PMH.
Several key capital projects were in varying stages, including construction on the new Neepawa Health Centre, clinical spaces renovations at Brandon and Dauphin Regional Health Centres and Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.
A building addition for a new cancer care unit in Russell and enhanced space for a new CT Scanner in Swan River were finalized in the spring of 2024. Both of the projects received significant financial contributions from local communities.
Emergency Department renovations in Virden, Killarney and Souris were completed. These refreshed treatment spaces now provide dedicated space for registration and triage, greater privacy, wayfinding and better sight lines for staff.
Various recruitment and retention strategies for physicians, nurses and other health care-professionals remained a priority area and several activities to sustain, enhance and develop capacity within the workforce continued. The region has seen some recent recruitment success including new specialist and nurse practitioner hires.
The region continues making strides on improving mental health and addictions services. Enhancements to in-house treatment services, support and treatment programs and community mental health improvements were continuing throughout the year.
PMH’s Mobile Clinic passed a significant milestone in February, marking 10 years since the first primary care bus in the Province began providing access to services where some care barriers remain. Currently, the Indigenous communities of Birdtail Sioux First Nation, Ebb and Flow First Nation, O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation and Keeseekoowenin First Nation receive regular visits. The communities of Canupawakpa Dakota First Nation, Skownan First Nation, Sioux Valley First Nation, Tootinaowaziibeeng First Nation and Waterhen also receive regular Nurse Practitioner services from Mobile Clinic providers.
PMH experienced an operating deficit in 2023/24 of $29.7 million after having balanced its operating budget the previous year. This was largely related to the increase in salary expenses related to the use of agency and overtime to maintain current service levels. A financial accountability working group has been established to look at fiscal sustainability initiatives and cost savings opportunities going forward.

Complete 2023-2024 Annual Report

Audited financial report

All other regional reports

Watch the recorded meeting

Cranberries

Cranberries are round, red berries grown on short shrubs. These vibrant-coloured berries have an acidic taste, and can be enjoyed in many different ways such as juice, sauce, jam, dried, and fresh. Most of the world’s production of cranberries comes from Canada, the United States, and Chile. In Canada cranberries are grown in Quebec and British Columbia.

Cranberry sauce is often served alongside turkey at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Dried cranberries are sweetened and can be added to salads, trailmix, baking, roasted vegetables, and more. Cranberry juice is often mixed with other fruit juices and sold as cranberry juice cocktail, as the other fruit juices add sweetness to the tart taste of cranberries. Fresh cranberries can be used in baking, roasted with vegetables, in smoothies, in ice cream, dips, and more.

In the past, cranberry beds were constructed in wetlands, now cranberry beds are constructed in areas with a shallow water table. Soil is used to build up dykes around the perimeter of the cranberry beds, and clean sand is hauled in to a depth of 10 to 20 cm to cover the ground. During the growing season, the cranberry beds are irrigated regularly to maintain moisture, however they are not flooded until harvest time.

In the Autumn, when the cranberries develop their deep red colour, the beds are flooded after the first frost to facilitate harvest. A harvester is driven through the beds which loosens the berries from the vines, and the cranberries float to the top. The cranberries are then moved to one corner of the bed and pumped out. They are then taken to receiving stations to be cleaned, sorted, and sent to be packaged or processed. Cranberries can also be harvested when they are still white, before they turn red, and they are turned into white cranberry juice.

The majority of cranberries are harvested through flooding, however there are some crops in the United States that are dry-picked. Dry picking means less bruising, and these cranberries can be sold fresh, instead of being processed into other forms.

Raw cranberries are made up of 87% water, and contain carbohydrates, vitamin C, and fiber. Dried cranberries lose their vitamin C content and are sweetened. Cranberries and cranberry products may have an anticoagulant effect, and people that take anticoagulant medication such as warfarin should consult their healthcare provider before consuming cranberry products.

Many people claim that cranberry products can reduce the risk of urinary tract (bladder) infections, especially for people that suffer from recurring urinary tract infections. However there is not much evidence to support this claim, cranberry is not well tested as a treatment for urinary tract infections. If you would like to try cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections, try drinking pure, unsweetened cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail.

Check out these delicious ways to enjoy cranberries:

Thyme-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Fresh Cranberries Recipe (allrecipes.com)

Butternut Squash and Cranberry Muffins Recipe (allrecipes.com)

Broccoli-Cranberry-Salad-FINAL.pdf (bccranberries.com)

Tentative agreement has been reached with both CUPE and MGEU

We are pleased to share that a tentative agreement has been reached with both CUPE and MGEU. This means that the anticipated work stoppage scheduled to begin earlier today will not occur at this time. A ratification process will unfold over the coming weeks.

Work to resume normal operations and reschedule affected appointments will occur over the coming days. For most patients, residents and clients, health-care services will continue as planned today.

Some disruption can still be expected for patients and clients whose appointments and surgeries may have been postponed in anticipation of a work stoppage.

If you have been affected by a change in service or some other disruption to your scheduled health services, you can expect to be contacted directly with an update or a rescheduled appointment.

We are working with our teams to support a smooth return to normal operations and appreciate your ongoing understanding as our dedicated staff do their best to support the care of all patients, residents and clients.

We recognize the planning work for a potential work stoppage may have caused disruption and frustration for you and your loved ones – we appreciate your patience during this time.

PMH participates in Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues collaborative efforts to recruit physicians to the region. One of the signature events the region attends on an annual basis is the University of Manitoba Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat. First and second-year residents gather each year to participate in what serves as continuing medical education, networking, and, essentially, a job/career fair, which is held to promote potential employment opportunities once their education is complete. This year, the Interlake Health Region hosted the event in Gimli from September 20-22. Approximately 110 Family Medicine Physician Residents attended the retreat, along with their families.

PMH Physician and Recruitment Coordinators Darlene Gray and Tamara Kemp-Boulet represented the region and enjoyed extoling the virtues of living and working within rural settings.

“Besides the many medical practice opportunities available in our region, we heavily promote lifestyle choices. There are many lakes, golf courses, community recreation centres, provincial parks and the Riding Mountain National Park within our large geographical area. Each community celebrates uniquely with arts and other special events, festivals, spiritual and cultural activities and many other volunteer-driven, family-friendly initiatives.

So, any chance we get to promote our region’s ‘good nature,’ we take it.”

Gray added, “We are also very proud to have provincial Residency Programs collaborating and educating students within our Region: Brandon’s Satellite Residency Unit, the Parkland Family Practice Residency Unit, and most recently, a Residency Program operating in Neepawa, which are tremendous mentoring opportunities. We have had much success keeping students here after graduation and hope to achieve even more success in the coming years.”

Some other highlights of the weekend retreat included:

Educational breakout sessions on Pharmacy Basics, EKGs for Family Physicians, Family Medicine Plus and Billing, Financial Literacy, Musculoskeletal Injections, Ultrasound, Casting, and Women’s Health. The luncheon guest speaker was a physician from Nunavut.

Over 30 tables, including PMH, participated in the job fair on Friday night.

The resident retreat rotates among rural, regional health authorities as hosts. PMH is set to host the next event in September 2025. The region last hosted the event in 2022.

September 2024 Donations for PMH

7^th Annual Memorial Ride raises funds for DRHC

John Dulewich (JDS Laundromat), Greg Thompson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairman and Tony Shewchuk (Tony’s Auto Electric). — *Pictured from left: John Dulewich (JDS Laundromat), Greg Thompson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairman and Tony Shewchuk (Tony’s Auto Electric) .*

Nearly 50 motorcyclists, car enthusiasts and supporters took part in the 7th Annual Memorial Ride on August 17, 2024 and through their support, helped contribute towards needs at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC).

This year, the Memorial Ride, spearheaded by Tony’s Auto Electric and JDS Laundromat in Dauphin, made its way through the Parkland including the Shoal Lake and Minnedosa areas this year.

The 300 kilometre return trip raised a total of $3,000 that was donated to the health centre, through the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.

The Memorial Ride is held in loving memory for those who have lost a loved one or friend. It aims to bring people together in celebrating and recognizing the lives of those lost and doesn’t matter if people rode a vehicle or just purchased tickets. The goal was to enjoy the day, visit with people, share memories and contribute to a worthy cause!

Organizers were very pleased with the support of communities and individuals along the way. The Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Dauphin Regional Health Centre sincerely thank the organizers, participants and all who contributed to this worthy cause.

Portable Ultrasound for Deloraine Health Centre

Jamie Denbow (CRN), Grace Fletcher, Dr. McKinnon, Alyssa Villavicencio — Pictured L-R: Jamie Denbow, Grace Fletcher, Dr. McKinnon, Alyssa Villavicencio

Thank you to Ashton Bell, Deloraine Health Auxiliary and the Deloraine Palliative Care Committee for your contributions to purchase a Portable Ultrasound machine for Deloraine Health Centre.

Breastfeeding Week | October 1-7, 2024

In Canada, we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week from October 1 to 8. World Breastfeeding Week is a time to celebrate the role breastfeeding plays in providing children with the healthiest start in life.

Breast milk has just the right amount of fat, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates and minerals for optimal infant growth. Breast milk also contains antibodies and other immune factors to help protect against infections and disease. Breastfeeding benefits mothers’ short- and long-term health and will strengthen the special relationship between mother and baby.

This year’s theme is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” This year’s theme will focus on increasing awareness of the inequalities in breastfeeding support and relevance. Breastfeeding saves lives and is the key intervention to promote both mother and baby’s health, survival and wellbeing. Breastfeeding promotes both short and long-term health, good nutrition and food security in normal and emergency situations.

Between 2015 and 2021, the global rate of exclusive breastfeeding of infants in the first six months has steadily increased from 38% to 48% and is on track to reach the 50% target of 2025.

Although progress is happening, it is unequal and insufficient. Differences in breastfeeding rates occur not only between regions and countries but also within countries. Structural, organizational, interpersonal and community determinates of infant feeding choices drive the inequity of breastfeeding. Failing to rectify these inequities will result in a widening gap, even if the overall breastfeeding trend is positive. Therefore, investment in breastfeeding to address these inequities is vital and can help alleviate the social inequalities. It is time to inform and engage in actions to help ensure breastfeeding support for all to close the gap of breastfeeding inequalities.

Brandon Manitoba has many resources to help families during their breastfeeding journey. These include the following:

La Leche League Canada is an international organization dedicated to helping mothers reach their breastfeeding goals.
Local Public Health Nurse. Find your local area nurse at Public Health – Prairie Mountain Health
Western Medical Clinic Family Physicians can assist with breastfeeding concerns.
The Wellness Clinic Family Physician can assist with breastfeeding concerns.
Next Trimester Co. for prenatal classes.
Lactation Consultant at Brandon Regional Health Centre – 204-578-4268.

Canadian Patient Safety Week | Oct. 28- Nov. 1, 2024

What comes to mind when you think about healthcare harm?

Canadian Patient Safety Week Infographic

This year’s national theme is about recognizing and reducing all forms of health-care harm, to create safety for everyone.

Recent data shows that in 2022-2023, one in 17 hospital stays in Canada involved at least one harmful event.

In the past, patient safety efforts have been focused on potentially preventable physical harm. But healthcare harm can come in other forms, such as psychological, spiritual and social harm.

Everyone is responsible for safety in our healthcare system. During Canadian Patient Safety Week, let’s explore how healthcare harm is happening by starting the conversation, and taking action.

Prairie Mountain Health is collaborating with Shared Health, who is hosting a virtual safety conversation about harm, and also launching the Provincial Patient Safety Learning page during Patient Safety Week. Patient Safety Week – Shared Health – Health Providers (sharedhealthmb.ca)

Staff and Patients/Families are invited to participate in the Virtual Safety Conversations Survey for a change to win a $20 gift card.

Fill out our Virtual Safety Conversations survey and be entered to win a $20 gift card. The survey is open to staff, patients and the general public, and closes Nov. 3, 2024.

Healthcare harm matters to those receiving and delivering care. Recognizing and reducing harm is all essential to creating safety for all.

Let’s broaden our understanding and reduce the impact of healthcare harm together.

Learn more at: UnderstandHarm.ca

Malnutrition Week October 7-11, 2024

October 7-11, 2024 is Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week. This year’s theme is:

ACT – Advocate – Collaborate – Transform. This theme focuses on strategies to advocate for better nutrition care across healthcare settings.

Clinical Dietitians Emma Barr and Melanie Hart with the new metabolic cart.

One example of how we can ACT and improve nutrition care is the recent purchase of a metabolic cart for patients at the Brandon Regional Health Center. The dietitians advocated purchasing this new equipment and collaborated with physicians and management to write a proposal. It was approved and purchased by the BRHC Foundation, transforming nutrition care for acute care patients. It gives the Dietitian an accurate measure of a patient’s nutrition needs. This allows the Dietitians to prescribe the best nutrition plan and plays a role in getting patients better and home sooner.

Another group that can benefit from ACT is older adults living in the community where 1 in 3 are at nutrition risk. Family and friends can Advocate if they notice weight or muscle loss, loss of appetite, frailty, or mental health issues. If these signs are present, Collaborate with health care providers such as Doctors, Nurses, and Dietitians. With help addressing these issues, their life can be transformed by improved independence, immunity and decreasing the need to go to the hospital.

ACT is important with children, too. Up to 1 in 3 children admitted to hospital are malnourished. If you have a child in hospital, advocate by asking if weight, height or length (and head circumference in children under two years old) have been checked. When you go home, collaborate with the healthcare team and ask for a nutrition plan. Ask to meet with a Dietitian if you need help or have questions. This can Transform your child’s experience by improving growth and recovery and possibly resulting in a shorter stay in hospital.

Nutrition is important at all stages of life; if you have a concern, remember to ACT!

Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 6 – 12, 2024

Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change

Illness, which arises from a mental health or addiction problem, can affect all aspects of a person’s life, from an overall experience of well-being to relationships, from employment opportunities to life expectancy. Let’s work together to create a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Mental health, refers to our overall well-being. It’s possible to experience poor mental health without having a mental illness, and conversely, individuals with a diagnosed mental illness can also have good mental health. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to diagnoses that can significantly affect a person’s thinking, mood, or behavior. These conditions can vary in severity and include disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others.

Twenty-six years ago, in 1999, the Brandon Mental Health Center closed its doors. This closure was a result of a “Deinstitutionalization Movement.” People recognized that long-term mental health facilities harmed the human right of freedom of the individual. Once admitted, patients could spend the rest of their lives in an institution, isolated from their communities and families, and subject to care that could be coercive or harmful. This practice also increased stigma in the community. People were treated differently or made to feel ashamed of their illness.

Stigma results in fewer opportunities for work, school, social activities, or housing. It can cause bullying or violence. It isolates people, and it may increase the risk of exploitation. Stigma reinforces a false belief that a person cannot or will not be successful in overcoming challenges or succeeding in their goals. Stigma, discrimination, and harmful experiences – particularly in childhood – can reduce mental wellness.

Mental illness is on the rise in Canada. For example, between 2012 and 2022, the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder doubled, from 2.6% to 5.2%. If you have not had personal experience with a mental illness, it is likely you know somebody who has. In 2022, 18% of Canadians 15 and over met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the prior 12 months (Mental disorders and access to mental health care (statcan.gc.ca)).

People who live with mental illness may not have similar access to conditions that support health compared to someone who does not have a mental illness. Researchers have identified these conditions as the “social determinants of mental health.” Income, employment, education, food security and nutrition, social support and connections, and physical and psychological safety, particularly in childhood, are all essential factors that can promote – or harm – our mental health.

By improving access to life factors promoting health, we can increase the well-being of our communities, families, and ourselves. There are practical steps we can all take to improve the mental health of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities:

Get Informed!

Listen to the people around you. Taking time to hear stories can provide valuable insight into the symptoms and challenges associated with mental illness or mental distress. You will hear about a variety of ways that people find support during challenging times, and you will hear about the barriers people are experiencing in real-time.
Stigma and discrimination cause harm. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has more information about the historical harms of mental health discrimination in Appendix A: Historical context | Ontario Human Rights Commission (ohrc.on.ca).
PMH and partners are committed to addressing access and equity for differing needs in our region. We are in the process of, and have, shifted our system to improve access for those in highest need, and together with our provincial partners, are developing new access, intake, assessment and coordination systems. PMH currently provides a robust number of Mental Health and Addictions services with a framework that spans Crisis & Emergency, Acute and Specialized and Community-Based Services, and continues to advocate for additional available services in the region for all citizens. For a complete listing of services available, please visit www.prairiemountainhealth.ca.

Get Connected!

Strong social connections increase well-being and can also increase life expectancy.

Shared Health has developed a Mental Health and Wellness Resource Finder, available online at Mental Health Resource Finder – Shared Health (sharedhealthmb.ca)
Consider education like Mental Health First Aid or SafeTALK. For more information, go to Public Classes – Prairie Mountain Health

Get Active!

Self-care is an essential first step in improving wellness in our community. Consider your nutrition, activity, coping, and personal connections and develop a plan if there are areas you would like to improve. Reach out to your community for information or to share your journey!
Consider participating with local organizations and committees working to improve mental health and wellness in your community.
- Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 6-12. The theme is “Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change”. Consider participating in activities occurring during this week and into the Fall.

If you or a loved one need support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are resources available.

In an emergency, always call 911 or contact your local hospital or health office.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 9-8-8 for support, available to all Canadians in English and French, 24/7.

Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line: Reach out at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours a day.

Westman Crisis Services: For local support in the Brandon area, contact 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699.

PMH-North: You can also reach 1-866-332-3030 for services in the PMH-North area.

Events

Online Presentation – What is Mental Illness?

Tuesday, Oct. 8

12:00-1:00 pm

What is mental illness? What kinds of mental illnesses are there and what do they look like? What are some common myths about mental illness, and how can we reduce the stigma around mental illness? As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), join us for a free online lunch-hour presentation that looks at these questions and more.

Visit https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/events/mental-illness-presentation/ to register.

Online Course – Insights into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Wednesday, Oct. 9

7:00-8:30 pm

This free online course will define seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and present practical strategies and skills for better health & well-being during the winter months.

Visit https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/events/online-course-insights-into-sad/ to register.

Employee Wellness a priority for PMH

“Health and Wellness for All” is the vision for Prairie Mountain Health, and the Employee Wellness team believes that vision starts with our own staff! Our committee’s expressed goal is “Healthy employees, healthy workplace, healthy community”. Boosting staff morale was assigned a significant priority in 2023-2024 and a new committee was formed to assist with this task. The PMH Social Committee consists of staff representation from across the health region and plans and hosts fun activities and events for PMH staff, physicians, volunteers and Shared Health staff working out of PMH facilities. This past year, the two teams came together to bring our staff larger free events such as;

Family Beach Day. All staff were invited to bring their families to Minnedosa Beach for a free barbecue, face painting, activities and free admission to the Splish Splash Water Park.

PMH Day at the Movies. Movie theatres were rented out in Brandon, Dauphin and Swan River and staff were invited to sign up to bring their families for free movie admission and popcorn.

Prairie Mountain Regional Museum Family Day. All staff were invited to bring their families to the museum located near Shoal Lake where they could enjoy free mini golf, a petting zoo, pony/wagon rides, museum tours, and a wiener roast.

Over the past year, staff may also have noticed food trucks parked outside their facilities offering staff a discount, dipped their toes in the water at the free family fun swim in Swan River, played a round of indoor golf in Souris or won free tickets to the Westman yoga festival.

The PMH Employee Wellness committee has been successfully supporting teamwork and comradery across the region through a special funding initiative whereby staff can apply for financial support to plan fun activities and events for their department or program. Over 100 applications were received in 2023-24 and staff from over 60 different facilities enjoyed team-building experiences such as:

Corn mazes
Flower picking
Paint nights
Bowling nights
Golfing/golf simulators
Spin classes
Pizza making & cupcake decorating workshops
Pottery painting
Gardening workshops and many more.

The Employee Wellness committee recognizes that by prioritizing our staff’s mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing we are helping them to better care for you, our clients.

people sitting on a couch in workout clothes

News

Annual General Meeting 2023-24

Prairie Mountain Health holds Annual General Meeting

Watch the recorded meeting

Cranberries

Cranberries

Provincial Strike Information

Tentative agreement has been reached with both CUPE and MGEU

PMH participates in Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat

PMH participates in Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat

September 2024 Donations for PMH

September 2024 Donations for PMH

7^th Annual Memorial Ride raises funds for DRHC

Portable Ultrasound for Deloraine Health Centre

Breastfeeding Week | October 1-7, 2024

Breastfeeding Week | October 1-7, 2024

Canadian Patient Safety Week | Oct. 28- Nov. 1, 2024

Canadian Patient Safety Week | Oct. 28- Nov. 1, 2024

What comes to mind when you think about healthcare harm?

Malnutrition Week October 7-11, 2024

Malnutrition Week October 7-11, 2024

Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 6 – 12, 2024

Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 6 – 12, 2024