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Emergency Department

Dauphin Medical Clinic honoured with 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award

The University of Manitoba, Department of Family Medicine, held its U of M 2024 Inspire DFM Awards June 5th. The awards are held annually to celebrate outstanding staff, faculty, residents, and teaching sites who elevate the Department of Family Medicine, improve healthcare, and help to train the next generation of caring and committed family physicians.

The Dauphin Medical Clinic was honoured to receive the 2024 Teaching Site of the Year award. From nominator Dr. Chavi Tejpal, a Postgraduate Year 2 lead resident at the Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit:

“I support Dauphin Medical Clinic for multiple reasons. The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program, created in 1991, is the second oldest rural training program in Canada for Family Medicine. With its strong roots and training, Dauphin provides more than academic opportunities for our residents.”

“Having been a part of this program, I have experienced first-hand the exceptional community foundations, resources, and support structures it offers to its residents. One of the standout features of the program is its unwavering commitment to the health of the community.

The availability of resources such as the Primary Care Outreach Clinic (PCOC), public health initiatives such as breast feeding and immunization clinics, and multimodal mental health services ensures that residents are equipped to effectively address a wide range of patient needs.”

Dr. Tejpal says the program fosters a culture of collaboration and support among inter-professionals, providing residents with invaluable opportunities for interdisciplinary learning to enhance patient care.

 “I am particularly impressed by the dedication of preceptors who open their homes as spaces for wellness activities, demonstrating a personal investment in the growth and development of residents. The active involvement and presence of a dedicated dietitian and mental health worker further illustrates the programs commitment to comprehensive care and resident support.”

Dr. Tejpal adds that accessibility of local specialists enhances the learning experience, providing residents with exposure to diverse medical perspectives and specialties such as a geriatric, adult and child psychiatrist, surgeons and unique niches in family medicine such as cancer care, geriatrics, dermatology, obstetrics, anesthesia and emergency medicine.

Dr. Anthony Wightman, who recently completed his first year of the residency program says the Dauphin Medical Clinic plays a vital role in the success of the Parkland Family Medicine Program.

“Manitoba has a vast catchment, diverse population, and skilled physicians. It is the best province to train for family medicine in, and the Parkland program is the best family medicine site within Manitoba for three reasons: its location, the resources, and the team.

Dauphin Medical Clinic staff receiving the U of M, Department of Family Medicine’s 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award.
PICTURED: The Dauphin Medical Clinic recently received the U of M, Department of Family Medicine’s 2024 Teaching Site of the Year Award.  From left are award nominators Dr. Anthony Wightman, (first year Medical Resident), Dr. Chavi Tejpal (second-year Medical Resident), Dr. Sheldon Permeak – Associate Head, Department of Family Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba and Dr. Scott Kish, Stream Lead – Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit.

The Parkland Family Residency Program is close enough to Brandon and Winnipeg that specialist support is available in emergencies. However, it is far enough that its physicians and residents must often differentiate and effectively treat their patients before support is available or accessible.”

Dr. Wightman concludes this relative isolation means that the residents are driven to be independent, assertive, and skilled in the clinic, ER, and hospital. Residents who graduate from the Parkland program often pursue additional training in anesthesiology and emergency medicine, providing benefit to the residency program and communities as a whole, which is necessitated by some of the area’s remoteness. Medical Clinics and facilities in nearby Grandview and Ste. Rose also play a participating role in the Parkland program.

“The Parkland program’s remoteness is balanced by a significant support network. It incorporates a clinical dietitian, respiratory therapists, and community mental health workers into its training team, which other sites do not. Parkland’s physical setup is also excellent. The emergency room is clean, modern, and has easily accessible ultrasound machines which residents are encouraged to use.”

The Dauphin Medical Clinic is across the street from Dauphin Regional Health Centre. With over 20 physicians, Dauphin has a wealth of family doctors, plus physicians in emergency medicine and anesthesiology, obstetricians and general surgeons to learn from.  Dr. Wightman believes since Dauphin is so well staffed, these physicians have ample time to teach and support residents. This breadth of experience includes disciplines covering obstetrics, pediatrics, general medicine, geriatrics, addictions, emergency, anesthesiology, and palliative care. “I recently completed a month of training at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre ER – many of the doctors there trained in Parkland and spoke highly of it,” stated Dr. Wightman. “On all my off-service blocks, attendings have spoken positively of the program. Now, after several months, I am honoured to be able to attest to its excellence myself. The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Program, with strong support from the Dauphin Medical Clinic, is the best teaching site in Manitoba.”

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Swan Valley Health Centre CT Recognition Event

Health officials, partners, stakeholders and staff gathered outside the Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River July 31 to formally acknowledge enhancements to diagnostic imaging services in the Prairie Mountain Health region with the recent addition of a new CT Scanner in the hospital. Shared Health and Prairie Mountain Health both sincerely thanked and congratulated local municipal and community leaders for their hard work and generous contribution of $1-million towards the capital investment, which came in at over $2-million.

New CT Scanner at Swan Valley Health Centre
PICTURED: (l-r) Lance Jacobson, Swan River Mayor, Karen Beheyt, PMH Manager Rural Diagnostic Services, Duane Whyte, co-chair Swan Valley Medical Services/Recruitment Committee, Alaynah Hohne and Kali Sauder, Shared Health Diagnostic Imaging Technicians, Treena Slate, PMH CEO and Mohammed Bhabha, Executive Director of Diagnostic Imaging for Shared Health.

“We know this service is already making a difference in our region, stated Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “Having this service in Swan River will alleviate hardships on patients and families who no longer have to travel or be transported by ambulance and can now have their CT scan closer to home.”

Slate took the opportunity to once again thank the representatives of the local municipalities and community leaders that got behind the project from the start.

“From my heart, I want to sincerely thank you for your dedication, perseverance and patience as all the necessary details were worked out provincially.”

Swan Valley Medical Services/Recruitment representative Duane Whyte and Swan River Mayor Lance Jacobson, Chair of the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation, reiterated that having the new scanner operating in the northern part of the health region is already having benefits not only locally but regionally and provincially. They indicated the new diagnostic equipment further strengthens overall services that are offered at the health centre and will also assist in future health care staffing recruitment efforts.

Mohammed Bhabha, Executive Director of Diagnostic Imaging for Shared Health, led off the proceedings by extolling the benefits of having the CT Scanner in Swan River.

“Until two months ago, residents in Swan Valley who needed this type of diagnostic scan would need to leave the community to get it, with the next closest CT scanner being nearly two hours away in Dauphin. Some patients would have to travel even further, to Brandon and Winnipeg, to get the care they need. This now reduces pressures on emergency response services who often transport these patients, keeping ambulances in this area and available to respond to other calls. And it will open up appointments in other communities, which will allow more people to get the care they need sooner and closer to home.”

The CT scanner was installed within the Swan Valley Health Centre in May. The new diagnostic equipment went into operation in mid-June and is expected to service a population area of approximately 14,000. Two X-ray technologists received training to operate the scanner. For more on that health care training journey, read the related Shared Health article.

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International Overdose Awareness Day – IOAD

International Overdose Awareness Day logo

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) – held on August 31 every year – is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

This year’s theme for 2024 is “Together We Can,” highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together in support of those connected to the tragedy of overdose. No one should stand alone in our fight to end overdose.

While every individual action matters greatly, coming together as an international community creates a powerful collective action. One that moves us with greater speed toward our shared goal of preventing and, ultimately, ending all overdoses.

For people who use drugs and those who don’t. For heartbroken friends and family members of lost loved ones. For activists who fight for sorely needed policy reform. For healthcare and harm reduction workers. For tireless advocates. Overdose can affect anyone, and we encourage you to remember the tenacity of our community. Lean into the power that we can have when we work together.

This August 31, reach out and connect with others in your local community and join the global IOAD movement. Our collective voices are stronger, louder, and the most impactful when brought together. Join us in continuing to be a part of the change. Get Involved – International Overdose Awareness Day (overdoseday.com) has other options for getting involved, resources, and campaign materials available if you’d like to host an event in your community.

On August 1, Brandon and Area Gone Too Soon and Substance Use Awareness will be hosting an event at Dinsdale Park at 5:30. All are invited to put up purple ribbons and pictures of those who have died due to toxic drugs and or substance-related harms.   You can also add your loved one’s name and/or photo to the local campaign by emailing [email protected]. Visit the Brandon and Area Gone Too Soon and Substance Use Awareness Facebook page.

Let’s remember, together, we can end overdose.

#TogetherWeCan #EndOverdose #IOAD2024

https://www.overdoseday.com

Events around the region

August 14 IOAD Event

August 30 IOAD Event

August 31 IOAD Candle Vigil
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Westman Yoga Festival – 2024

Men and women doing yoga.

Join us on Saturday, October 5 for the Westman Yoga Festival, a day filled with relaxation, mindfulness, and rejuvenation. Get ready to dive into the world of yoga and connect with like-minded individuals. Lunch will be provided. Held at the Keystone Centre from 9am to 4pm. For all abilities ages 18 plus. Cost is $52.50. Register here. Registration deadline is September 27.

Learn more about the sessions and instructors.

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You can’t beet ‘em!

Beets are a popular garden vegetable in Manitoba. These vibrant-coloured root vegetables can be enjoyed in many different ways, from soup or borscht to salads, pickles, and juices. There are three basic varieties of Beta Vulgaris (beetroot or beets): chard – grown specifically for its leaves, beets – grown for their round roots, and sugar beets – grown for making sugar from their long, thick root. The red beets normally grown in gardens look very different from sugar beets. While red beets are usually short, round, and a rich red-purple colour, sugar beets are a longer, pointed shape and have white-yellow skin. Beets are rich in nutrients such as Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, antioxidants, folic acid, and fiber.

Beets from the garden

Around the world, sugar beets are grown commercially to be processed into sugar. Canada produces sugar from sugar cane that was grown in other parts of the world, and sugar beets that were grown in Alberta and Ontario. There is only one sugar beet refinery in Canada, located in Taber, Alberta. Approximately 10% of sugar produced in Canada is made from sugar beets. There is no difference between the sugar made from sugar cane and sugar beets, however, if you want to support Canadian beet farmers, look for Roger’s Sugar with a black factory stamp that begins with “22”.

Red beets are known for staining everything they touch a deep pink colour, but did you know there are also yellow or golden beets and Chioggia or candy cane beets? Red beets are the sweetest compared to these other colours.

Beets are often sold in bunches with their stems and leaves attached, but they can also be purchased in bulk without their leaves. Beets sold in bunches are usually fresher, and the first sign of aging is wilting leaves. Choose beets that are no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, with clean, unblemished skin. Large beets can be tough and woody.

To store beets, keep them in the fridge for up to three weeks in the crisper drawer. Remove the leaves 2 inches above the root, this will help the beet retain moisture longer. The beet leaves can be stored loosely in a plastic bag in the fridge, and added to soups or salads. Wash the leaves only right before using them. Raw beets don’t freeze well, however cooked beets can be sliced or chopped up and frozen. Beets can also be pickled, and stored in the pantry for over a year.

Check out these delicious ways to enjoy beets:

Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Recipe – Love and Lemons

Perfect Roasted Beets Recipe – Cookie and Kate

Ukrainian Borscht Recipe (Authentic) – iFoodReal.com

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June 2024 Donations for PMH

New Centralized Cardiac Monitoring System for the Souris Health Centre

Donation of Cardiac Monitoring System for the Souris Health Centre
Pictured left to right: Eleanor Hayes, Auxiliary member; Dr. David Cram; Sheila Hollyoake, Auxiliary member.
Pat Bauldic , Auxiliary Member with the new Centralized Cardiac Monitoring system.

The Souris Health Center is grateful to receive new equipment purchased with funds raised by the Souris Health Auxiliary Committee.

The new Centralized Cardiac Monitoring System was installed last month at the Souris hospital.  Souris Manager of Health Services for Acute Care, Nicole Barclay, said the system will enable more extensive monitoring of acute patients.

“Our team greatly appreciates this new piece of equipment that will allow us to monitor a patient’s heart rate and rhythm continuously,” says Barclay.

This system offers remote centralized monitoring of a patient’s vital signs, including heart rate, cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation – all of which can be monitored in real-time from acute and emergency room nursing stations.

Barclay adds, “This assists our clinicians in identifying and rapidly responding to any changes in our patient’s condition, ensuring that vital interventions are delivered in a timely manner. “

Clinical Resource Nurse Jennifer Gaboury recalls the previous monitoring system, where clinicians had to be physically at the bedside monitor to view the data.

“Now we have a very comprehensive surveillance system for our patients thanks to this generous donation,” Gaboury says.  “We know this will improve efficiency and functionality within our hospital and emergency department.”

Over the years, the Souris Health Auxiliary has provided for the Souris Health Center. “Our primary efforts are geared toward fundraising within our local community for projects that directly benefit the community.   Our members are volunteers, and we couldn’t have done it without them and our community’s tremendous contributions,” says Auxiliary member Sheila Hollyoake.

Donations in previous years included a point-of-care ultrasound machine, medical beds, and other medical equipment that provides a better patient and staff experience at the health center.

Prairie Mountain Health and the Souris Health Center would like to thank the Souris Health Auxiliary and all those who have contributed to making positive changes for the health center over the years.


Tigers Fight Cancer

Neepawa Tigers of the Westman High School Hockey League presents donation to Katy Rainnie, Cancer Care Nurse

The Neepawa Tigers of the Westman High School Hockey League were on hand at the Neepawa Health Centre June 10 to make a generous contribution to the hospital’s chemotherapy unit. The team, through NACI hockey, raised funds from their annual “Tigers Fight Cancer Campaign’ in January that went towards the purchase of a new wheelchair, neck pillows to give to patients, thermometers, $5-dollar gift cards for either Tim Hortons or Dairy Queen to give to patients, and a Co-op gift card to purchase items not available from the hospital kitchen (coffee K-cups, ginger ale etc.). Katy Rainnie, Cancer Care Nurse at Neepawa Health Centre accepted the donation. Prairie Mountain Health and Neepawa Health Centre staff sincerely appreciate the generous donation from the NACI hockey team. Thank you to all who assisted in making this contribution possible, which will greatly benefit patients at Neepawa Health Centre.

Photo courtesy Neepawa Banner and Press


Rossburn Health Centre & PCH Grateful to Lions Club

Residents enjoying flowers in Rossburn Health Centre courtyard.

The Rossburn Health Centre & PCH are very grateful to the Rossburn Lions Club for their generous donation towards the purchase of bedding plants and flowers for the Residents to enjoy.  The courtyard is looking much more colourful these days! Your donation is greatly appreciated.


Dauphin Hospital Foundation welcomes Legion donation

Norma Johnson, Dauphin RCL Poppy Fund Chair, presents donation to Greg Thompson, Chairperson of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.

The Dauphin Hospital Foundation recently received a generous donation from the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Dauphin Branch #20 Poppy Fund. The donation, in the amount of $7,100 will be used to purchase a blood pressure machine and a mattress for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s Palliative Care Unit.

Pictured are Norma Johnson, Dauphin RCL Poppy Fund Chair, and Greg Thompson, Chairperson of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. Johnson says the donation was a result of ongoing contributions received through their 2023 collections of poppy sales and wreath rentals.

Both the Dauphin Hospital Foundation and Prairie Mountain Health sincerely thank the Dauphin Legion Branch #20 for their heartfelt contribution.

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National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2024

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 1, 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 health 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.

Watch social media for announcements and information on this year’s coming events in Brandon.

For NIPD events near your area, contact your local First Nation or Métis community. 

If you are holding events in the PMH region, please share information by emailing the details to [email protected]

For more information on NIPD, check out the Government of Canada’s link About National Indigenous Peoples Day (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

Brandon

A list of NIPD activities taking place in Br
andon.

Dauphin

A list of NIPD activities taking place in Dauphin.

Swan River

A list of NIPD activities taking place in Swan River.
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Medical students participate in “Rural Week” within PMH

Preceptor Dr. Gupta (centre) with students in Brandon

A full slate of first-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s (U of M) Max Rady College of Medicine (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) participated in ‘Rural Week’ within Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region May 26 – May 31st.

Rural Week— coordinated annually by the Department of Family Medicine, Shared Health (Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network) and rural regional health authorities —provides medical students with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how rural and northern Manitoba medical practices function.  It also promotes the many benefits of working and living in a rural/northern Manitoba area.

This year, 38 medical students were assigned to 13 PMH communities, which included Brandon, Dauphin, Deloraine, Grandview, Hamiota, Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Souris, Ste. Rose, Treherne, Virden and Winnipegosis.

Preceptor Dr. Yaworski (left) with students in Brandon

Students participated in a variety of rural physician practices, and in most cases, tagged along with a ‘doc’ to see how their patient days unfolded. As part of their visits, students also received assignments that saw them explore communities on their own.

PMH Regional Lead of Medical Services, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung added: “Rural week is an exciting time, as it allows us as a region to highlight our communities, staff, and facilities to the medical students, while also giving the students a chance to see how rewarding and fulfilling rural practice is!”

PMH sincerely appreciated the efforts of all of the physician preceptors, health-care professionals and community volunteers that helped to ensure Rural Week was once again a success.

Preceptor Dr. Alison Carleton with student in Winnipegosis

Rural Week, as part of the U of M medical 1 curriculum, first started as an optional experience in 2003 and was approved as a mandatory component the following year.

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Pride Month 2024

PMH is proud to celebrate #Pride & the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.

Celebrations in Our Region

  • Brandon Pride is celebrating during the week of June 9-15. Visit their Facebook page at Brandon Pride.
  • Dauphin’s Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, June 1, followed by a ‘Party in the Park’. Visit the Northwest Metis Council Facebook page for more info.
  • Squirrel Hills Trail Park, Minnedosa – Saturday, June 22. Visit their Facebook page at Valley Life Recreation for more information.
  • Pride Winnipegosis is celebrating on Saturday June 8. Visit their Facebook page at Pride Winnipegosis.
  • Pride Winnipeg is hosting events and activities from May 24 – June 2. Visit pridewinnipeg.com for more info.

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.

Read stories from members of 2SLGBTQQIA+ and allies within Manitoba’s health care community.

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Smilezones installed within Dauphin Regional Health Centre

Patients, families, visitors and staff at Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) have reason to smile. In fact, there are four reasons, following the grand opening June 14 of new Smilezones within the second-largest hospital in Prairie Mountain Health region.

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH), in collaboration with Smilezone Foundation and sponsor Dauphin Tim Hortons, officially opened four new Smilezones within the hospital’s lab and imaging waiting area, Emergency Department (two decorated rooms) and the Palliative Care family room. The bright, calming and inspiring Smilezones include murals, child-friendly sensory development materials, and new media entertainment systems meant to enhance the facility’s person-and family-centred care.

Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says this friendly hospital facelift can help ease stressful experiences for children, parents, and families and also boost morale for staff.

“Smiling is contagious and can act as free therapy simultaneously! We are very pleased that hospital patients, visitors, and our staff are now greeted with beautiful nature-themed murals and child-friendly options in easily identifiable areas of the facility. We are exceptionally grateful to the donor families from Tim Hortons and the Smilezone Foundation who approached us with the idea and coordinated work that allowed this extra-special project to come to fruition,” Slate stated.

“Smilezone Foundation is thrilled to be a part of this renovation at Dauphin Regional Health Centre, marking our second project in Manitoba,” said Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder. “These enhancements bring joy to children and families during their hospital visits, and seeing their smiles is the greatest reward for our efforts. We thank Dauphin Tim Hortons and the Crisanti and Pardy Families for their generous support and dedication to our mission of making tough days a little brighter for kids receiving treatment.”

“The Crisanti and Pardy families are honoured and sincerely grateful to have the opportunity to work with the amazing team at Smilezone and staff at Prairie Mountain Health and we are delighted that the Smilezones have garnered many positive and uplifting comments already,” said Greg Crisanti.  Along with the many local sponsors, community supporters and area residents that contributed to the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign earlier this spring, we could not be more thrilled with how everything turned out!”

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