November is Falls Prevention Month

"Spot the Hazards" activity where a simulated room with multiple "risks" was put in place for staff to "spot." — ***The picture above depicts a room and is NOT an actual patient/resident.***

November is Falls Prevention Month; however, fall prevention is a priority all year long. Prairie Mountain Health has a Regional Falls Prevention and Management committee that works together to promote, create and educate on fall interventions and injury reduction strategies. The team consists of managers, nurses, and staff from hospitals, personal care homes, home care, primary care programs, and members from therapy services, pharmacy, and Indigenous Health.

Over the past few months, this team has been working hard to promote and educate staff on various ways to incorporate fall prevention into everyday life. Through educational materials and fun activities, the region has been improving communication. Neepawa Hospital, Shoal Lake Health Centre and Sandy Lake Personal Care Home were three facilities that participated in a fun “Spot the Hazards” activity where a simulated room with multiple “risks” was put in place for staff to “spot.”

Staff working on a project around a table.

Staff at Sandy Lake PCH participated in a fall prevention activity called “Spot the Hazard” (pictured above). Our rehabilitation aide and recreation worker arranged the activity. All staff were encouraged to participate, and the response was great. This was a fun learning exercise in which the staff could discuss with each other regarding how falls could be prevented. There were two donated prizes, and the participants’ names were entered in the draw for the prize.

Roberta and Pam winners of prizes — Roberta and Pam, winners of the ‘Spot the Hazards’ activity.

How can you “spot the hazards” at home? Check out the Prevent Falls Check-Up – This online questionnaire helps you learn what puts you at risk of falling. After answering each question, you will learn about your personal risk factors and what you can do to prevent falls and reduce injuries related to falls! For more information on falls prevention and resources such as checklists, videos, and exercises, check out PMH’s Falls Prevention Page!

National Grief and Bereavement Day: Remember, Reflect and Connect

The third Tuesday in November marks National Grief and Bereavement Day in Canada. Throughout November, culminating on November 19th, the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association promotes the resources available to help Canadians on their grief journeys. National Grief and Bereavement Day is an opportunity for Canadians to remember, reflect and connect around something we all experience – grief.

Remember

Grief is the natural and normal response to the loss of something or someone important to you. Although grief is a common experience we all share, we rarely acknowledge it in society. A recent survey found that 53% of Canadians said their grief was largely unrecognized, and 50% felt inadequately supported in their grief. It can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is grieving; some helpful ways to start a conversation might be “I’m sorry this happened to you” or “I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through or how you feel, but I’m here for you.”

Reflect

Grieving is the necessary process of acknowledging the loss, coping with the many changes it creates and adapting to life as it moves forward. It is important to understand that grief differs for everyone, and it is not something a person can “get over” or “fix.” Take time to reflect on how you can support someone else in grief. 83% of survey respondents identified being asked about their loss as helpful. Some ways to start a conversation might include “Just letting you know I am thinking of you,” or “Whatever you’re feeling is alright,” or “If you would like to talk about (the loss), I’m here to listen.”

Connect

Finding connection through loss can be a powerful tool for those who are grieving. Survey respondents identified that the most important sources of support are family and friends, grief counsellors, community grief programs or peer support groups. Some helpful ways of offering support include: “Would you like some company?”; “We could go for a walk together”; “Would it be okay if I brought you dinner or mowed your lawn?”; “I am going to phone you again in a few days” or “We don’t have to talk, we can just be together.”

The Prairie Mountain Health Regional Palliative Care Program is marking National Grief and Bereavement Day by educating the public about the importance of supporting one another and sharing the grief support available in our health region. Below is a listing of telephone lines, peer support groups and online resources:

Telephone Support Lines

Province-Wide Bereavement Phone Line (Palliative Manitoba): 1-800-539-0295
Hope for Wellness Line (Indigenous peoples): 1-855-242-3310
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Prairie Mountain Health Crisis Services: 1-866-332-3030 (North) and 1-888-379-7699 (South)
Winnipeg Humane Society Pet Loss Support Line: 1-204-988-8804

Grief Support Groups and Seminars

Brandon and Area Suicide Bereavement Support Group (SPIN): 1-204-761-4083
Brockie Donovan Funeral Services Grief Seminars (Brandon): 1-204-727-0697
Compassionate Friends of SW Manitoba (Brandon and areas): 1-855-727-1823
Dauphin Way United Methodist Church Grief Groups (Dauphin): 1-251-378-7524
GriefShare Support Group (Dauphin): 1-204-648-7053
GriefShare Support Group (Russell): 1-204-773-6963
Healing Hearts Substance Use Bereavement Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-573-0188
Memories Chapel Journey Through Grief Support Group (Brandon): 1-204-727-0330
Palliative Manitoba Kids and Teens Grieve Too! Support Group (virtual): 1-800-539-0295
Paull Funeral Home Grief Recovery Program (Swan River): 1-204-293-9661
Peer Connections Manitoba (Dauphin) 1-431-345-0353
Prairie Mountain Health Camp Bridges (Children 7-15): 1-204-578-2340
Westman Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba Grief Groups (Brandon) 1-204-721-2174

Helpful Websites

Canadian Grief Alliance: Grief Chats Webinars and Recordings: https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/
Canadian Virtual Hospice: My Grief https://mygrief.ca/
Canadian Virtual Hospice: Kids Grief https://www.kidsgrief.ca/
Prairie Mountain Health: https://prairiemountainhealth.ca/programs-and-services/palliative-care/

If you would like more information about grief support, please reach out to the Palliative Care Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carla Mitchell, at 204-578-2310 or [email protected].

Submitted by:

Carla Mitchell, MSW/RSW

Regional Palliative Care Program

References:

National Public Consultation on Grief Executive Summary https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/media/r25humkl/2024-05-16-cga-grief-survey-executive-summary_fin.pdf

Ideas to Support Someone Who is Grieving https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/media/tjcoyzig/supporting-someone-en.pdf

Grief Is…. https://www.canadiangriefalliance.ca/media/q4te13py/finding-the-words-grief-infographic_p2.pdf

CHPCA National Grief and Bereavement Day Toolkit https://www.chpca.ca/awareness/national-grief-and-bereavement-day/

World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week | Nov 18-24

World AMR Awareness Week is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial resistance and is celebrated from November 18-24 every year.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the top global health threats, yet most don’t recognize its impact.

Antimicrobial resistance happens when microorganisms change in ways that make medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. When a microorganism becomes resistant to most antimicrobials, they are often referred to as “superbugs.”

Antimicrobial resistance is not new. Alexander Fleming won a Nobel Prize for his discovery of penicillin; he worried that AMR would make penicillin ineffective. Since then, bacterial resistance has been discovered in every antibiotic ever marketed.

Thanks to antibiotics, people no longer die due to uncomplicated infections. Surgery is possible, life expectancy has increased, and infant mortality rates have decreased. But if we don’t slow the rate of AMR, we may be pushed back into an era where uncomplicated infections become significant health threats.

sorry, but no amount of antibiotics will get rid of your cold.

When we use antibiotics to treat infection, they kill susceptible bacteria, leaving behind resistant bacteria that can multiply to take their place. We know that one of the biggest risk factors for the development of AMR is the use and misuse of antibiotics for people and animals.

A study of antibiotic use in Manitoba, “Antibiotics: too Much of a Good Thing?” showed that many people were prescribed antibiotics for infections that cannot be effectively treated with antibiotics or were prescribed inappropriate antibiotics. These practices can lead to AMR.

What can we do to reduce the risk of AMR?

Antibiotics are ineffective for viral infections, such as colds, uncomplicated otitis media (ear infections) or most cases of sinusitis. We can decrease antibiotic use by ensuring that antibiotics are not prescribed when unnecessary. We can also reduce the risk of AMR by using narrow-spectrum antibiotics for the shortest length of time needed to treat the infection.

Choosing Wisely Canada has some excellent resources on their Using Antibiotics Wisely and Using Antibiotics Wisely in Primary Care pages. The Manitoba AMR Alliance also has valuable resources.

Read Mary’s story, How antibiotic resistance impacts lives – Canada.ca, to see how AMR can profoundly affect our ability to effectively treat infection.

Just for fun: take the quiz – Which Antibiotic Are You?

The Importance of Gender-Affirming Care

Prairie Mountain Health has been proud to offer a Trans Health Clinic since 2015. Trans Clinic is excited to announce that our name has been changed from Trans Clinic to The Gender Affirming Care Clinic. This name change encompasses the diversity of our clients and their individual needs under the gender-affirming care umbrella.

Dr. Kelby Treloar and Public Health Nurse Carly Druwe RN (AP) continue to provide monthly clinics at Brandon Public Health in The Town Center on Rosser Ave.

Our clinic is targeted for clients 18 years of age and older. For clients under 18 years of age, we offer support, resources and/or referral to GDAAY or Klinic.

Clients can self-refer to The Gender Affirming Care Clinic by calling 204-578-2500.

Healthcare providers wanting to send a referral can fax 204-578-2824.

The Importance of Gender-Affirming Care

Gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being and mental health of many individuals. This type of care supports people in aligning their physical appearance, social identity, and overall lifestyle with their gender identity. For transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals, gender-affirming care can make a crucial difference in their quality of life, enhancing their confidence, safety, and connection to the community.

Studies show that gender-affirming care has numerous benefits, including improved mental health, lower rates of depression and anxiety, and reduced suicide risk. For many individuals, accessing care such as hormone therapy, counselling, or surgeries can be life-saving. It allows individuals to live authentically, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance that strengthens resilience against the unique challenges they may face.

Unfortunately, there are still significant barriers to accessing this care. From financial limitations and healthcare discrimination to a lack of specialized providers, many people are unable to get the care they need. That’s why community support and advocacy for gender-affirming care is essential. Supporting policies and initiatives that expand access to these services and educating ourselves and others about the importance of inclusive care can help ensure everyone receives the support they need.

Gender-affirming care is about respecting and supporting each person’s right to define and live as their authentic self. By advocating for greater access and understanding, we can help build a more inclusive, compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for your referrals to our program to help support our shared clients.

Empowered Eating

A weight-neutral approach to a healthier relationship with food

Prairie Mountain Health is offering a new free group program called Empowered Eating. Empowered Eating is a weight-neutral approach to developing a healthier relationship with food.

This program was created by Registered Dietitians and Mental Health professionals to help you embrace self-compassion, challenge food and diet rules, and help you nourish and take care of your body. If you struggle with feeling guilty about your eating, feel you are an emotional eater, or want to stop the diet cycle and feel more empowered in your eating, this program is for you.

Empowered Eating has four weekly sessions and is offered in different communities in Prairie Mountain Health and virtually (online). Join us for the upcoming sessions in Swan River at the Swan Valley Health Center on November 7, 14, 21, and 28 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. To register call 1-877-509-7852, or email [email protected]

Find a poster for the upcoming session here and follow PMH on social media for more upcoming sessions.

PMH Receives National Accreditation Recognition

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that it recently received its national accreditation designation‬—its third since the health region was formed in 2012—following on-site surveys that took place in the region in May. Accreditation Canada affirmed PMH was successful meeting 97 per cent of surveyed criteria. PMH also met 23 out of 30 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs). Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum framework affects everyone in the organization and helps assess all aspects of operations, from Board and Leadership, to care and services, to infrastructure.

“The survey results reinforce what we know, and what we are so proud of, which is the professionalism of our staff, our accreditation teams, physicians and health partners who are dedicated to providing care to the patients, residents and clients that we serve,” Slate stated. “This designation demonstrates PMH’s commitment towards quality improvement efforts by continually monitoring, evaluating and enhancing all of our programs and services to provide better care within our region”.
Accreditation Canada, which conducted the on-site assessments May 26- May 31, helps improve outcomes through independent assessments against global standards. Some highlights noted within the final report included:

The survey team, consisting of 17 surveyors from across Canada, evaluated PMH programs and services against 23 standards sets across 49 locations in multiple programs and services;
Since the last review in 2022, surveyors noted PMH has successfully managed through the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient’s focus group recognized the efforts of the staff in supporting patients and the community throughout this unprecedented period;
Stakeholder and health partner engagement was acknowledged and recognized. PMH works to obtain feedback from patients on their programs and services to advance quality care and ensure there is constant connections with individuals served;
Recruitment and retention of staff remains a challenge. Surveyors noted the region continues to advance strategies to hire appropriate staff, often engaging in innovative approaches. Educational partners, municipal officials, and community partners recognize the challenges facing the organization while, at the same time, confirming the commitment that PMH has made to engage with them and deliver on shared solutions;
Surveyors also noted the lack of a consistent electronic patient record across the system. Additional work is required to modernize medication administration systems.

View complete accreditation results.

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.

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