Swan River Valley steps forward again to host fall medical student weekend
Swan River Valley steps forward again to host fall medical student weekend
Swan River Rural Interest Group (RIG) Students
Swan River hosted another medical student Rural Interest Group (RIG) weekend on October 3-5 for 26 first and second-year medical students. Students were exposed to ‘hands on stations’ such as casting and suturing with physician preceptors from Swan River and Brandon. The preceptors provided many opportunities for the students to ask questions about practicing in a rural community and what work life balance could look like. PMH also provided an Indigenous Health presentation, which concluded with a smudging ceremony at the Swan Valley Health Centre.
Members of the Swan Valley Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention Committee (SVMPRRC) provided an afternoon and evening of local activities such as boating, fishing and hiking to allow the students the opportunity to experience recreational options in the Swan Valley area. PMH collaborated with the community to arrange the weekend for the students. The entirety of the weekend was funded by SVMPRRC and will continue as an annual event.
Tamara Kemp-Boulet, PMH Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, says the community once again went above and beyond to host an excellent weekend experience.
“RIG is an excellent opportunity for students who are early in their education to gain both hands on experience in areas such as casting and suturing, but also have the opportunity to understand what a rural physician practice could look like. There have been several times that RIG weekends have been an influencing factor on a student to consider rural family medicine. We are grateful to this community for all of their efforts and working with us to provide this opportunity to the students.”
Prairie Mountain Health also partnered with the SVMPRRC to host a RIG workshop in Swan River in early February. Some 19 first and second-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine participated in the first rendition. RIG workshop events were also held in late January 2025 within the communities of Brandon and Killarney, where PMH hosted a record-breaking 75 students between the two rural centres at that time.
Your Fall Shield | Boost your defenses – Flu & COVID vaccines
Your Fall Shield | Boost your defenses – Flu & COVID vaccines
We are heading into Respiratory virus season. Respiratory viruses are common and tend to spread more easily during cooler weather when Manitobans spend more time indoors with others. Influenza (Flu) and Covid viruses are contagious and can cause infections of the nose, throat, airways and lungs.
The BEST ways to reduce your risk and potential complications:
Get vaccinated, stay home when sick, wash your hands frequently, cover your cough/sneeze, and wear a mask in high-risk situations.
This respiratory virus season all Manitobans age 6 months and older are recommended to receive their flu and covid shots. Manitobans 65 years of age and older are eligible for one of two enhanced influenza vaccines.
Enhanced flu vaccines produce a stronger immune response by adding an adjuvant (an ingredient that boosts immunity) or increasing the amount of flu antigens (proteins that trigger immunity).
All individuals 65 years and older are eligible for one dose of Pneumococcal vaccine if they have not received it since turning 65.
In 2024/25, approximately 24% of the population received flu vaccines and 16% received COVID-19 vaccines. A significantly higher rate was seen in the 65+ age group (50% for COVID-19 and 59% for flu). This year, our goal is to reduce severe outcomes from influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal infections by immunizing individuals at risk for severe illness.
You can get your Flu, Covid and Pneumococcal vaccines at a local community clinic, pharmacy, or your Primary Care Provider. All vaccines can be given safely at the same visit.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Respiratory Virus Vaccine Clinics will start October 27th. Starting October 1st visit our website for a full list of community clinics and locations throughout the region, or follow us on our Social Media pages (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
Once again, this year, you can book your vaccine appointment online or call toll-free at 1-844-626-8222.
Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic celebrates milestone
Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic celebrates milestone
Prairie Mountain Health is highlighting the one-year milestone of the opening of Brandon’s Minor Injury and Illness Clinic (MIIC). The Brandon MIIC was essentially the first of its kind outside Winnipeg and officially opened on September 27, 2024. It is located on the main level of 144 6th Street, which was formerly occupied by Western Medical Clinic.
The Clinic was established to expand primary care, offering timely appointments for families and seniors with less urgent care needs. Appointments can be booked online, by phone, or by walk-in. A referral process was developed specifically for patients redirected from Brandon Regional Health Centre ED to help reduce wait times, improve flow, and provide quicker access to care. Urgent appointment slots are held for this purpose and are in addition to appointments that can be booked by the general public.
Since opening, the clinic has already helped over 8,600 patients in Brandon and area.
“Our goal remains to provide timely, accessible care and to support the overall function of the health system in Brandon and area”, says Glenda Short, PMH Vice-President of Community and Continuing Care. “We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality care and expanding access to primary care services.”
The Brandon MIIC is staffed by a physician and/or nurse practitioner, nurse, social worker, clerk, and other health-care professionals who provide support for minor or primary health concerns, including minor injuries.
For an overview of clinic services, appointment, hours of operation, and walk-in information, visit the Brandon Minor Injury and Illness Clinic web page. Hours of operation for the Clinic are subject to change.
Following news that the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has issued a national strike effective immediately, Manitoba’s health system stands prepared for this service disruption.
As a result of the strike, all staff and clinics have ceased use of Canada Post until further notice. This includes the distribution of patient supplies, notably for clients in the Manitoba Ostomy and Manitoba Home Nutrition Program, patient appointment letters and pre-appointment information.
Patients with upcoming appointments will instead be contacted by phone and / or email and provided with information in advance of their appointments.
Patients with upcoming clinic appointments at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg may receive their appointment confirmation by text message. The text messages, which will originate from a Manitoba 431 phone number, will not include patient information and will only identify the facility, date and time of the scheduled appointment. Messages will include the clinic phone number in the event patients wish to confirm their appointment by phone.
Patients will never be asked to disclose financial information over the phone or via email. Do not engage with anyone who says they require financial information before a health appointment. If patients have questions about the legitimacy of a call, they are encouraged to contact their clinic or care provider directly.
Information packages, facility maps and other important information that is generally sent by mail to patients and clients will be located on regional and / or facility websites for easy patient access.
If you experience a change in condition, need to change or cancel your appointment, or have questions about an upcoming visit, please contact your clinic or primary care provider.
We anticipate clinics will be experiencing a higher-than-normal volume of calls and appreciate your patience during this time.
For more information about health system operations during a Canada Post labour disruption, please visit: Canada Post Service Disruption Information – Shared Health. We also encourage the public to follow Shared Health’s social media channels for program-specific updates and information.
Dauphin Hospital Foundation supports DRHC staff to enhance their skills
Dauphin Hospital Foundation supports DRHC staff to enhance their skills
With an added focus on recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals across the Province, the Dauphin Hospital Foundation has worked hard over the past few years to enhance a staff education fund that can be accessed by Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) employees. The Delha Cort Educational Trust is an endowment fund that is administered by the Board of Directors of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation. The fund remains invested, with the interest gained available to be distributed to successful applicants for the advancement of their education and skills.
Erin Forsyth, DRHC Respiratory Educator
The fund was established for the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) in the 1990s. The bequest was left by a lifetime resident of Dauphin, Irene Delha Cort, who passed away in 1990 but wished to leave a gift primarily to benefit hospital staff education and skills development in the future. The fund’s interest, which accumulates annually, is used to support education requests that meet established and defined criteria.
Some recent successful program applicants include Erin Forsyth, Janelle McIvor and Paige Pogany.
“Thanks to the Delha Cort educational fund, I was able to complete online courses specializing in Asthma and COPD,” Forsyth stated. “These courses were essential for the type of respiratory testing and education we provide to our community clients in the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region. I am now a Certified Respiratory Educator and feel better equipped to provide quality care and up-to-date education to the people in our community and surrounding area.”
After working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Dauphin Hospital for the past 15 years, McIvor decided to return to nursing school to further her education and take the next step in her career path.
Janelle McIvor, DRHC Licensed Practical Nurse
“While my years of experience provided me with a strong foundation, I knew that expanding my skill set and deepening my knowledge would allow me to deliver even better patient care and open new doors of opportunity. Returning to school after so many years was both exciting and challenging, but it is a choice I made with purpose and determination,” she said.
McIvor says her dream has always been to earn her Bachelor of Nursing degree and specialize in pediatric and trauma nursing. “I want to feel fully confident in caring for the younger population, especially in high-stress, emergency situations where skilled and compassionate care can make all the difference.”
McIvor says one of the biggest hurdles in pursuing this dream was the financial strain of relocating and returning to school full-time.
“Thanks to a generous monetary grant from the Dauphin Hospital Foundation, I was able to ease that burden and make the move to attend Brandon University to complete my two years of bridging education,” she stated. “Not only has the support helped cover essential expenses, but it’s also provided peace of mind, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and clinical training.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the community behind it, and I am committed to using this education to give back, especially to my patients in the Emergency Department during their critical moments,” McIvor stated.
Pogany’s health care journey started in 2021 when she graduated with her Health Care Aide certification from ACC Parkland campus in Dauphin. Since then, she has advanced her education as she works towards future goals.
Paige Pogany, DRHC Health Care Aide/ Operating Room Assistant
“I’ve recently started my LPN nursing journey at Parkland Campus. The LPN program is approximately two years long and is a full-time course. In 2023, while working at the DRHC, I took additional courses through Prairie Mountain Health to become an Operating Room (OR) assistant. Working in this position allowed me more time to perform hands-on tasks, learn about the surgical equipment used on a daily basis, and provided me with more opportunities to understand how the OR functions and flows. Upon completion of my course, I hope to return to the OR where my interest and passion have grown,” Pogany stated.
Pogany adds that having the financial support through the Delha Cort initiative and the Dauphin Hospital Foundation has made the transition from working life to student life much more manageable.
“Being back in the classroom comes with a lot of new expenses, so this assistance was greatly appreciated,” she said.
More information on the Delha Cort Education Fund, including the application form, eligibility requirements, and reference requirements, can be found on the Foundation website at dghf.ca under the “About Us” section. DRHC staff should contact their supervisor to see how the fund may fit with their future professional development or career plans.
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, 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.
Dauphin Regional Health Centre Cancer Care Unit receives new screens
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
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.
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
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.
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.
