PMH hosts Family Medicine Residents Retreat

Family Medicine Residents stopped by the PMH table to talk to Physician and Recruitment Team member Darlene Gray. — *Family Medicine Residents stopped by the PMH table to talk to Physician and Recruitment Team member Darlene Gray*.

Some 128 family medicine residents gathered in Brandon from September 19-21 as the University of Manitoba held its annual Family Medicine Residents Retreat. The weekend retreat, hosted this year by Prairie Mountain Health, expands on education and networking initiatives and highlights potential employment opportunities.

A ‘career fair’ was one of the highlights of the event, where Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), medical clinics, community recruitment committees, and other support businesses throughout the province showcased employment and lifestyle opportunities for physicians to consider once they complete their education. PMH Physician and Recruitment Team member Darlene Gray says the physician recruitment and retention team was pleased to make connections with participants and showcase what the region has to offer.

“Many family medicine residents don’t realize what rural communities have to offer or how close they often are to larger centres,” Gray stated. “This is why events such as the Residents Retreat and other initiatives we coordinate throughout the year with the University of Manitoba/ Family Medicine, like Rural Week (in May) and Student Rural Interest Group (January/February), are so important for us. We take every opportunity to extol the virtues of living and working in rural Manitoba.”

*Family Medicine Residents participate in a casting clinic.*

Gray says the region builds on these event connections and continues to emphasize that people need to experience and enjoy opportunities in the region.

“We often hear comments like, “Oh, you have that here?” — usually in reference to services these students didn’t expect to find outside a larger city. Residents often comment on the strong teamwork and camaraderie that exists in rural medicine. One of our strengths collectively, is showing off our lifestyle opportunities and what we offer within our diverse region. And how rewarding and fulfilling rural practice can be. No matter where a physician is from connecting them with our communities is key.

Gray says there are family questions about schools, extra-curricular activities, and other supports to see what exists in rural Manitoba.

*Residents learn about the mobile ultrasound equipment.*

“That’s why we’re very proud of our community partnerships. Health care recruitment, including physician recruitment, is ‘everybody’s business’. The region often recruits a person for a health care position and, in some cases, needs to connect a person’s spouse to another job in a community. We continue collaborating with all of our stakeholders.”

PMH thanks event sponsors, which include: The communities of Deloraine-Winchester, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, Neepawa, Minnedosa, Rossburn, Virden, the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee, Yellowhead Medical Clinic (Shoal Lake) and the City of Brandon.

Dr. Adrian Fung, Chief Medical Officer for PMH, echoed the theme for the event, which was: ‘Rural Medicine, Endless Horizons’.

The municipality of Killarney/Turtle Mountain, one of the event sponsors, get a chance to discuss local opportunities with residents. — *The municipality of Killarney/Turtle Mountain, one of the event sponsors, got a chance to discuss local opportunities with residents.*

“We’ll make a point of following up on conversations about practice options, such as within our Emergency Departments, Health Centres, the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, and specialty practices of family medicine. We have new construction well underway to expand services at Brandon Regional Health Centre, a new hospital being built in Neepawa, a relatively new Emergency Department and Cancer Care Unit in Dauphin and a very busy Primary Care Centre in Swan River. We have a lot to offer,” Dr. Fung stated.

PMH receives first accreditation report under new provincial survey model

New model aligns all RHAs to be surveyed annually over four-year cycle

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has received its latest accreditation report under Accreditation Canada’s new sequential model, which now sees programs and services evaluated over a four-year period as opposed to a one-time assessment every four years. Built on a solid foundation of past excellent performance, the annual survey is just one part of PMH’s ongoing dedication towards continuous quality improvement and patient safety. During the recent survey period from May 25 to May 31, the first sequence assessed five core quality standards which included:

Governance.
Emergency and Disaster Management.
Leadership.
Infection Prevention and Control; and
Medication Management.

PMH met 98.9% of the criteria evaluated and successfully fulfilled all required organizational practices across the five standards surveyed. PMH CEO Treena Slate says these results provide confidence that the health region is on the right path in its continuous quality improvement journey.

“This achievement is a testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of all our staff and teams who remain committed, every day, to maintaining high standards of care and safety,” Slate stated. “The organization will continue building on this solid foundation to ensure safe, excellent care for every patient and client that we serve.”

PMH’s last accreditation award was in May 2024. The regional accreditation team is already working towards the next sequence which will be evaluated in 2026.

View Full Report in English

Voir le rapport complet en français

September 2025 | Donations for PMH

Dauphin Regional Health Centre Cancer Care Unit receives new screens

Kali Ewanyshyn, Toni Schwarz, and Greg Thompson Pictured with a colourful screen

The Dauphin Hospital Foundation continues to put generous contributions towards needs at Dauphin Regional Health Centre. Recently, the Foundation assisted with the purchase of privacy screens for patients receiving treatment within the Dauphin Cancer Care Unit. The total contribution was just over $10,000.

Pictured with one of the colourful screens are unit staff Kali Ewanyshyn, Toni Schwarz and Terri Strong. At back, is Dauphin Hospital Foundation Chairperson Greg Thompson.

The Foundation has assisted the relatively new unit over the last 18 months with the purchase of treatment chairs as well as iPads for patients to use during treatment.

From Fall Leaves to Winter Heat Managing Indoor Allergies Year-Round

As the leaves fall and the cold weather sets in, many people breathe a sigh of relief thinking allergy season is finally over. No more pollen in the air, right? Unfortunately, for many Canadians, fall and winter can actually make indoor allergies worse. Once the windows are closed and the furnace is on, dust, pet dander, mould, and even leftover pollen get trapped inside. Dry indoor air and less ventilation can irritate sensitive lungs, leaving some people coughing, sneezing, and feeling congested well into the colder months.

If you have asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, these triggers can make breathing harder. Even if you don’t, indoor allergies can leave you feeling tired, stuffed up, and uncomfortable.

Person sitting on couch, blowing their nose.

Common Indoor Triggers

According to the Manitoba Lung Association, perennial (year-round) allergies like dust mites and animal dander are common culprits. Dust mites thrive in bedding, carpets, and furniture, while pet fur and dander become airborne and easily inhaled. Mould spores and lingering pollen can also contribute. Symptoms may include:

Stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing and itchy eyes
Post-nasal drip or sore throat
Persistent cough
Fatigue

These might feel like a lingering cold, but allergies don’t disappear after a week or two.

Tips for Reducing Indoor Allergens

The Manitoba Lung Association suggests a few simple steps to make your home easier to breathe in:

Wash bedding regularly in hot water to kill dust mites (weekly)
Vacuum often with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity around 35–50% (dust mites and mould love damp air).
Seal up your home – close doors, windows, and fix gaps where allergens sneak in.
Clean or replace furnace filters on schedule (every 1-2 months or as needed, especially if there are pets, allergy sufferers, or smoke exposure in the home)

DIY Affordable Air Filter

If buying an expensive air purifier isn’t in the budget, you can build your own using a box fan and a furnace filter. The BC Centre for Disease Control has shared a simple design that’s both effective and affordable:

Buy a newer box fan (2012 or later) with a safety fuse.
Get a good quality furnace filter (MERV-13 or higher).
Attach the filter to the back of the fan with tape or bungee cords, making sure air is pulled through the filter.
Run the fan on low or medium for steady air cleaning.
Replace the filter as it gets dirty, especially during high-allergen months (minimum every 6 months)

This homemade cleaner helps remove dust, dander, mould spores, and fine particles, improving indoor air without breaking the bank. For more detailed instructions, visit: BCCDC_WildFire_FactSheet_BoxFanAirFilters.pdf

Allergies don’t take a holiday when the weather gets cold; they just move indoors. By keeping your space clean, managing humidity, and trying affordable tools like a DIY air filter, you can reduce triggers and protect your lungs. Small changes can make a big difference in helping you breathe easier all fall and winter long. To learn more about keeping your lungs healthy, visit the Manitoba Lung Association Manitoba Lung Association

Seeking Indigenous Artist/Artwork

Indigenous Art Honourarium and Cultural Representation (Neepawa Health Centre)

Receive Honorarium of $1200!

We are excited to announce a call for an Indigenous artist to design and create an art piece to be digitized for a large-scale installation at the new Neepawa Health Centre. This art installation will serve as a powerful representation of health and healing.

This initiative is part of Prairie Mountain Health’s commitment to cultural safety, reconciliation, and honouring Indigenous ways of knowing and healing. We are looking for an artist whose work thoughtfully incorporates culture and community.

The following themes may serve as inspiration:

Indigenous Peoples, Symbolism, and Rituals – Representing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples
Two-Eyed Seeing – Viewing the world through both Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science
Seven Sacred Teachings – Love (Eagle), Respect (Buffalo), Courage (Bear), Honesty (Sabe), Wisdom (Beaver), Humility (Wolf), Truth (Turtle)
The Medicine Wheel – Representing balance, health, and the Four Directions, Sacred Medicines, and Aspects of Being

Project Details

Location of Artwork: The graphic art will be featured in a prominent area of the Cultural Ceremonies room within Neepawa Health Centre. Final dimensions and installation location will be confirmed. Estimated installation size is 12ft. x 6ft.

Honorarium: $1200 will be provided to the selected artist at project completion. Prairie Mountain Health will cover the cost of digitizing and installing the selected piece.

Rendering of new ceremony room in Neepawa Health Centre with chairs in middle placed in a circle.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to all artists who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis). Priority will be given to artists with a local connection to the Prairie Mountain Health region.

Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by a panel of Indigenous community partners and PMH staff. Artist identities will be withheld during review to ensure a fair and equitable process.

Terms and Conditions:

Artwork must be original and created by the submitting artist.
Maximum of two submissions per artist (one form per artwork).
Artwork must be culturally safe and appropriate for a healthcare setting.
No copyrighted or offensive material will be accepted.
Media Release Clause: Artist agrees final art installation maybe featured in photographs and promotional materials. Including but not limited to print, digital, and social media posts without additional compensation.

How to apply

Please submit your completed submission form and artwork samples by email no later than Tuesday, October 15th, 2025. Acceptable formats for art samples include: JPEG, PNG, or PDF. You may also include a link to your digital portfolio.

Submit To

Email: [email protected]

Email subject line: Neepawa Indigenous Artwork Application

If you need assistance with your application or wish to submit in person, please contact us.

Thank you for your interest!

We look forward to celebrating and showcasing your creative expressions in a space dedicated to healing and cultural connection.

Eight New International Medical Graduates Recruited to PMH

Physician recruitment efforts continue within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. Collaborating with the Province, Shared Health and community partners, PMH continues to strategically enhance access to physician and primary care services within the Region. One of the initiatives the region utilizes as part of overall physician recruitment strategies includes the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The MLPIMG Program assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical license to be able to practice as a family physician in Manitoba.

Recruits to Roblin (l-r) Dr. Yousefiadib and Dr. Khattak.
Photo Credit Roblin Review

“During the past year, the region sponsored eight physicians to participate in the MLPIMG program” said Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “After much consideration, physicians that successfully graduated from the program were placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional sufficient physician resources.”

The newly recruited physicians for communities are:

Swan River

Dr. Uche Adediji
Dr. Toyin Oluwatuyi
Dr. Oghenekevwe Ekrebe (early September start)

Neepawa

Dr. Louis Eleche

Dr Uche Adediji, Dr Oghenekevwe Ekrebe and Dr. Dr Oluwatoyin Oluwatuyi standing infront of Swan Valley Primary Care Centre — Dr Uche Adediji, Dr Oghenekevwe Ekrebe and Dr. Dr Oluwatoyin Oluwatuyi.

Souris

Dr. Rilwan Azeez for Souris (mid-September start)

Roblin

Dr. Anahita Yousefiadib
Dr. Zoia Khattak

Virden

Dr. Sylvia Oranika

In return for regional sponsorship, MLPIMG doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Shared Health-Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.

“Retention and recruitment of staff, including doctors, is our top priority,” stated Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “I want to welcome and thank these new doctors for joining our incredible Manitoba workforce. I wish them well as they begin providing this essential care throughout Prairie Mountain Health”.

In 2024, five MLPIMG physicians were placed in the communities of Deloraine, Grandview, Russell, Ste. Rose and Virden. In 2023, MLPIMG physicians were placed in Glenboro, Hamiota, Russell, Swan River and Virden (2).

During the next rotation, which is already underway, PMH is sponsoring seven more MLPIMG physicians who commenced their training program this past June. If successful, they will be able to commence practice within the health region next fall (2026).

Summer 2025 | Donations for PMH

Neepawa & District Health Centre receives ERBE electro surgical unit

Neepawa staff with ERBE electro surgical unit — Dr. Rob Poettcker, Kristy McInnes, Erin Almey, Dr. Nichelle Desilets, Larisa Koshel, Jeniffer Sorongon, (in front) Ashley product rep.

The Beautiful Plains Community Foundation offers funding to the Neepawa & District Health Centre to purchase items that the facility needs. The Foundation has multiple different funds to help with the growing needs of the community and the facility.

This piece of equipment was purchased for $61,498 through generous community donations flowed through the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation. This advanced piece of endoscopy equipment is being utilized in the current Neepawa hospital and will move with us to the new Neepawa Hospital.

Curling for a Cure

Group of people presenting a large cheque — Riley Abel, Emma Yanchycki, Cheryl Yanchycki, Darren Yanchycki, Case Yanchycki, Westin Abel, Cazmer Yanchycki, Kinley Yanchycki, Jenna Yanchycki, Chad Yanchycki, Kristi Friesen (oncology nurse Neepawa CCP) Christina Woodcock (manager of Health Services Neepawa Health Centre)

Curling for a Cure is an annual fundraising bonspiel event held in Minnedosa. This event is organized in honor of the late Nicholas Melnyk by his family and the group has committed to support the Neepawa Community Cancer Program (CCP) for the next 10 years.
This generous donation of $20,030 will be put towards the purchase of new treatment chairs which will enhance the comfort of patients receiving treatment in Neepawa CCP.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30

“Achieving reconciliation is like climbing a mountain – we must proceed a step at a time. It will not always be easy. There will be storms, there will be obstacles, but we cannot allow ourselves to be daunted by the task because our goal is just and it is also necessary.” – Justice Murray Sinclair

We are approaching the 10^th year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, that were released in December 2015. There are 7 Calls to Action that are specifically written with a focus on Health and Health Care. Prairie Mountain Health has been incorporating Health Recommendations into their annual action plans and day to day actions. Read the following recommendations and reflect upon how you see these Calls to Action being acknowledged and followed.

Calls to Action 18 – 24: Recommendations for Health are as follows:

18. We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to acknowledge that the current state of Aboriginal health in Canada is a direct result of previous Canadian government policies, including residential schools, and to recognize and implement the health-care rights of Aboriginal people as identified in international law, constitutional law, and under the Treaties.

19. We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal peoples, to establish measurable goals to identify and close the gaps in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, and to publish annual progress reports and assess long-term trends. Such efforts would focus on indicators such as: infant mortality, maternal health, suicide, mental health, addictions, life expectancy, birth rates, infant and child health issues, chronic diseases, illness and injury incidence, and the availability of appropriate health services.

20. In order to address the jurisdictional disputes concerning Aboriginal people who do not reside on reserves, we call upon the federal government to recognize, respect, and address the distinct health needs of the Métis, Inuit, and off-reserve Aboriginal peoples.

21. We call upon the federal government to provide sustainable funding for existing and new Aboriginal healing centres to address the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harms caused by residential schools, and to ensure that the funding of healing centres in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories is a priority.

22. We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.

23. We call upon all levels of government to:
i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field.
ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal communities.
iii. Provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.

24. We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Learn more about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

The National Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-800-925-4419

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Canada.ca

Orange Shirt Day | September 30

With the coming of Fall, we often think about the changing colors, school starting, sweaters, shorter days, and now Orange Shirt Day. September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. This day is more than just a national holiday, it is a day that commemorates the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools. It is a day to reflect on the impacts of residential schools on individuals, families, and communities.

Every Child Matters – Wear an orange shirt on September 30

Explore the story of Phyllis Webstad, creator of Orange Shirt Day. Because of her advocacy for the children, survivors, and families that are affected by residential schools, Phyllis received an honorary doctorate from Brandon University in June 2024.

Events Across PMH

If you have an event you would like to share with the region please email [email protected].

Brandon

Swan River

Join us on September 30th for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Walk, beginning at 10:30am at Elbert Chartrand Friendship Centre. Bannock and Refreshments will be served.

Dauphin

📅 September 30, 2025
West Region Treaty 2 & 4 Health Services is hosting an Orange Shirt Day event in Dauphin.

Event details:

Location: Dauphin (venue details to be confirmed/posted closer to the date)
Focus: Honoring Survivors, commemorating National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and raising awareness through community gathering
Vendors: 10 Indigenous vendors will be featured, showcasing crafts, clothing, and beauty items (no food).
Vendor registration:
- Table fee: a donated vendor item for door prizes
- Deadline to apply: September 22, 2025
- Interested vendors can email [email protected] with vendor name, contact information, and a short description of offerings

The day will include opportunities for community connection, cultural sharing, and raising awareness about the legacy of residential schools.

For Community, by Community: Introducing HOPE: Healing, Outreach, Promotion, Education

When it comes to suicide prevention and life promotion, our community has a powerful resource: HOPE. More than a word, Hope is a collaborative initiative led by a steering committee of local leaders and supported by a Community Coordinator. Guided by the proven Roots of Hope framework, this initiative is working to foster resilience, connection, and life-affirming change in our region.

HOPE stands for:

Healing – supporting those with lived experience.
Outreach – guiding our services and resources supporting individuals currently navigating thoughts of suicide.
Promotion – honouring the life-affirming perspectives held by Indigenous communities.
Education – offering continued learning and awareness across the Prairie Mountain Health region.

Together, these pillars create a strong, community-led movement. Guided by the Roots of Hope framework, the Hope initiative works to reduce stigma, build resilience, and support life at every stage.

Roots of Hope is a community-led suicide prevention and life promotion model being used across Canada. Developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), it provides a flexible, evidence-informed framework for communities to build local suicide prevention strategies.

The goal of Roots of Hope is to reduce the impact of suicide by addressing stigma, increasing awareness about mental illness, and promoting connected, supportive communities.

This made-in-Canada model was informed by global research and expert consultation and is adaptable to any community setting. It is structured around five pillars of action and thirteen guiding principles:

Five Pillars of Action

Specialized Supports
Training and Networks
Means Safety
Public Awareness
Research and Evaluation

Thirteen Guiding Principles

Comprehensive
Collaboration and Coordination
Culturally Appropriate
Recovery-Oriented
Evidence-Informed
Measurement and Evaluation
Lived Experience
Flexible
Strengths-Based
Spanning the Continuum
Community-Centred
Sustainable
Innovative

In 2024, the Province of Manitoba adopted the Roots of Hope framework, providing funding to each health authority to support implementation. Prairie Mountain Health created a steering committee, community assessments were initiated, and Kelly Lewis joined as Community Coordinator to lead this work in January 2025.

We are now working to embed the Roots of Hope model within existing networks and committees, as well as guide future goals in suicide prevention and life promotion throughout the region.

Current Groups Involved

SPIN (Suicide Prevention Implementation Network) – Regional
Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Committee – Regional
Westman Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention Association – Local

If you’re interested in being involved in the HOPE initiative and adopting the Roots of Hope model in your community, want to learn more, or would like to connect with others involved in suicide prevention and life promotion, please reach out to:

Kelly Lewis
Hope Community Coordinator
[email protected]

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue the rollout of HOPE across the Prairie Mountain Health region.

September is World Suicide Prevention Month. In recognition of this important month, the regional groups SPIN and MWSPC will be hosting events and activities on Wednesday, September 10th across the region. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dauphin Suicide Prevention Walk on September 10.

Swan River Suicide Prevention Walk on September 10.