The Manitoba government is launching a three-month pilot project that will see Long Plain First Nation Safety Officers (FNSO) stationed at Portage District General Hospital to enhance safety and security for patients and front-line workers, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe when they are accessing health care,” said Asagwara. “This is an incredible opportunity to work with our partners in Long Plain First Nation to enhance safety for the front lines, patients and the broader community. During the listening tour, we heard directly from the front-line workers about the challenges they are facing in terms of safety and security. We are responding to those concerns by increasing safety officer presence in health-care facilities throughout the province.”

Through the initiative, First Nation Safety Officers from Long Plain First Nation will patrol the hospital and its surrounding campus, parking lots and properties on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., added the minister.

“The safety and security of Long Plain First Nation members and businesses has always been of paramount importance to leadership,” said Chief David Meeches, Long Plain First Nation. “Years ago, we took it upon ourselves to form a security team with the best interest of the nation in mind. What started as a handful of band security officers quickly evolved into Arrowhead Security. Our nation is proud of the expansion and growth of our FNSO/security program.”

As peace officers trained in public safety, crime prevention and de-escalation techniques, the FNSOs will perform duties that enhance safety and security including:

providing a welcoming service for patients, caregivers and support persons;
screening for weapons, contraband and intoxicants;
patrolling the exterior campus and parking lots;
offering safe walk services for staff; and
taking over the custody of patients from the RCMP that are being held under the Mental Health Act for medical and psychiatric assessment.

Institutional safety officers were first introduced at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg in April as part of the Manitoba government’s efforts to respond to safety concerns reported by staff during the front-line listening tour, noted the minister, adding the program has since expanded to a total of 105 funded positions located at HSC Winnipeg, St. Boniface Hospital, Victoria Hospital, Brandon Regional Health Centre and Selkirk Mental Health Centre.

Bethesda Regional Health Centre is proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the new renal dialysis unit, which officially opened its doors on October 16, 2023. The province committed $4 million to the new unit which has already made a significant impact in the southern health region, offering residents access to high-quality dialysis treatment without the need to travel long distances.

Located on the main floor of the Community Services Building, the six-station dialysis unit operates Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. The unit serves up to 12 patients per day, providing essential care to individuals with chronic kidney disease. This critical service not only saves patients valuable time and money but also keeps them close to their support networks of family and friends, ensuring a higher quality of life during their treatment.

five individuals standing and smiling for the one year anniversary of the dialysis unit at Bethesda Regional Health Centre

The new dialysis unit is part one of a significant expansion of inpatient services currently underway at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. Phase two of this project will see 15 additional acute -care medicine beds, eight new surgical beds and three new state-of-the art operating theaters. This expansion will increase the facility’s capacity to provide inpatient services and enhance its role as a regional hub of care.

The renal dialysis unit at Bethesda Regional Health Centre exemplifies the commitment to improving health care services for the people of Steinbach and surrounding communities. As the region’s health care needs continue to evolve, the new unit stands as a testament to the facility’s dedication to providing accessible, high-quality care.

Rural Interest Group – Boundary Trails Health Centre

Collage of photos from the Rural Interest Group event at BTHC

Menzies Medical Centre, C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, along with Southern Health-Santé Sud hosted first and second year medical students through the Rural Interest Group for a weekend workshop aimed at promoting the benefits of practicing medicine in rural communities. Approximately 30 University of Manitoba medical students participated in the event that took place on March 9, 2024. Students were able to participate in clinical workstations that were located at Boundary Trails Health Centre where students put their skills to the test doing everything from sutures, intubation techniques, women’s health and ultrasound. A tour of the regional health centre was provided to students highlighting the many opportunities and benefits the communities of Morden and Winkler can offer physicians looking for rural medicine opportunities.

We would like to acknowledge the investment in recruitment and retention efforts from Menzies Medical Centre, C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, staff, physician leaders and community members.

Thank you!

graduate class of Indigenous Health Adult Internship Program

On January 12, 2024 a graduation ceremony was held at Long Plain First Nation Keeshkeemaquah Urban Reserve in celebration of the 14 graduates of the 2023 Indigenous Health Adult Internship Program. Graduates completed two weeks of pre-employment and workplace readiness workshops followed by 12 weeks of work experience in entry level positions within Southern Health-Santé Sud facilities.

The graduation ceremony welcomed students, families and community members to celebrate in the success of completing the program. The Indigenous Health Adult Internship Program provides students with hands on experience and the opportunity to experience a number of different health care positions. Many of the graduates will go on to submit resumes, participate in job interviews and work with mentors who will assist them in building further skills. A number of graduates have already secured employment with Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Filipino women standing beside a giant coca-cola can

Meet Krishia, a 26-year-old nurse from the Philippines who recently embarked on a new adventure in Manitoba, Canada. Back home, she spent five years working as a nurse and found herself drawn to Manitoba’s opportunities – inspired by her relatives who have lived in Manitoba for over 20 years. “I really liked the lifestyle they were living, and this inspired me to come to Canada”, she says.

Originally from the countryside in the Philippines, Krishia has fallen in love with the charm of Portage la Prairie, where she now resides. Despite the snowy winter, the supportive community, especially the Filipino community, has made the adjustment smooth for her. “I’m not a big city girl, so the small-town vibes suit me perfectly. The Filipinos here have been very supportive in reaching out to see if I need help – they are so nice!”, says Krishia.

Landing in Winnipeg was overwhelming yet heartwarming. The support from staff, her family and the welcoming atmosphere made her realize that this wasn’t just a visit or a travel expedition, but a new chapter in her life. “The best part was being able to spend Christmas in Winnipeg with my grandmother, my aunt and cousins after almost 20 years of being separated – it was truly special.”, she says with a sparkle in her eye.

This is Krishia’s first time seeing snow, and experiencing weather that is below 15 degrees Celcius. The winter in Manitoba has been a shock, but Krishia is embracing it with heated socks and a positive mindset. When asked what new hobbies she’s hoping to find, she says “I’m really looking forward to trying new winter activities, like skiing with my cousins next month in Asessippi, and perhaps some fishing in the Spring”, she giggles.

As a Health Care Aide at Lions Prairie Manor, a personal care home in Portage La Prairie, Krishia is excited about the challenges and the chance to grow personally and professionally. When Krishia talks about her work environment, she praises her colleagues “I love my manager, she’s so supportive and is helping me adapt to my new role. My colleagues are so nice. I just really feel like they are setting me up to succeed”, she says with a sigh of relief.

As a Health Care Aide, Krishia mentions the role is very fulfilling because she gets to help people every day. She says “I enjoy doing bedside care, talking with the residents is quite enjoyable for me as it gives me a sense of accomplishment”. She is now starting to build connections with the residents, and getting to know each of them on a personal level.

Krishia’s journey to Manitoba began in November, and when asked about her most memorable moment so far – she says with a smile from ear to ear, “Trying poutine for the first time with my cousins was amazing. I even FaceTimed my family back home to tell them! I’ve had fries before – but this was so good, I loved it!”

Krishia emphasized that the journey from the Philippines to Manitoba has been made smoother thanks to the incredible support from staff at Southern Health-Santé Sud. She says “even just the small things made such a difference, from answering emails promptly to helping us do groceries on our first day here, it all helped so much.”

The support from her colleagues and community has been instrumental in making this transition a success for Krishia. She says “Though I’ve mainly met people from work and my neighbors in the apartment, exchanging stories with a new neighbor from Ukraine has been really nice.”

Exploring more of her new hometown and building connections is on her to-do list.

Krishia’s long-term goal of pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse in Manitoba is on the horizon. She looks forward to more adventures, making new friends, and enjoying all that Manitoba has to offer!

Join us in Welcoming Krishia to Southern Health-Santé Sud, and to Manitoba!

Construction for the new renal dialysis unit at Bethesda Regional Health Centre concluded in the fall of 2023. Southern Health-Santé Sud has been working closely with Manitoba Renal to transition eligible patients to the new six bed unit. A soft launch of the unit took place in October and has seen a steady increase in patient load ever since. The new unit has the capacity to provide dialysis treatment for up to 24 patients.

*A rendering of the renal unit provided by LM-ESP Architecture.*

renal unit at Bethesda Regional Health Centre — *Actual site images of the renal unit at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre.*

The new renal dialysis unit is phase one of a significant expansion of inpatient services underway at Bethesda Regional Health Centre.

Expansion Features

15 additional acute-care medicine beds and eight surgical beds, to support additional surgical capacity in targeted areas;
3 new state-of-the art operating theaters
facility upgrades to accommodate palliative and end-of-life care, chronic and cardiopulmonary disease, and women’s health;
pharmacy upgrades to allow the site to provide chemotherapy treatment and establish Bethesda Regional Health Centre as a regional hub for cancer care services

Timeline

The new renal dialysis unit opened in October 2023. Overall completion of the expansion project is anticipated for 2026/27.

What Matters to You Regarding this Project?

We value your feedback. Please reach out to us via email with any questions or concerns you may have regarding this project.

On October 27 representatives from Southern Health-Santé Sud and Shared Health attended the University of Ottawa Department of Family Medicine Career Fair. This recruitment event saw 115 residents from the University of Ottawa who were there to explore opportunities available to them. Representatives Ashley Shaw from Shared Health and Shannon Noël from Southern Health-Santé Sud highlighted opportunities across the province at the Health Careers Manitoba Booth.

The Family Medicine Forum is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive annual conference for family physicians. This year’s conference took place in Montreal November 8 to 10, 2023. On average, over 3,000 were in attendance, providing a perfect opportunity to connect with thousands of physicians. Representatives highlighted opportunities across the province at the Health Careers Manitoba Booth. Pictured are Ashley Shaw from Shared Health, Lori Pakulak from Prairie Mountain Health and Shannon Noël from Southern Health-Santé Sud.

Manitoba Government Partners with Long Plain First Nation to Improve Safety at Portage District General Hospital

Bethesda Regional Health Centre Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of New Renal Dialysis Unit