Southern Health-Santé Sud has been actively supporting and accommodating the relocation of long term care patients coming from the evacuation of personal care homes in the northern health region. We are also working closely with Shared Health and community partners to ensure the safety and wellbeing of evacuees arriving in our region.

The ongoing wildfires in Manitoba have disrupted countless lives, and we understand the immense challenges evacuees may be facing, from urgent health concerns to the complexities of relocating yourself and your loved ones.

To support evacuees on connecting with healthcare services in your current location or locating a relocated patient or long term care patient, call Health Links-Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 (toll free) or 204-788-8200 and press 1 for assistance.

Our thoughts are with the families and communities impacted by the wildfire situation. We stand in support with the northern region and commit to ensuring that all relocated residents and patients receive continuity of care.

A public service announcement on behalf of Southern Health-Santé Sud

Southern Health-Santé Sud is advising the public of a potential exposure to measles at Portage District General Hospital.

Exposure Details:

• Location: Portage District General Hospital – Emergency Department
• Exposure Dates: May 26, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to May 27, 2025 1:00 a.m.

Individuals who were at the hospital during these times may have been exposed to measles and are advised to take precautions.

About Measles:

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Even brief contact can lead to transmission in those who are not immune.

Symptoms to Watch For:

Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A red rash that usually begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

What You Should Do If You Think You Were Exposed:

• Check your immunization status. Ensure you and your family members are up to date with the measles vaccine.
• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days from the date of exposure.
• If symptoms develop, call your nearest clinic or hospital to get tested for the measles
• Contact Health Links – Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 for advice especially if you are pregnant, have a weakened immune system or if your child is less than 6 months old.

Additional Information:

For further updates and more information on measles, visit the Province of Manitoba website.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is working with Portage District General Hospital to notify individuals who may have been directly exposed and to prevent further transmission.

The number of measles cases in Manitoba is on the rise. We encourage the public to stay informed by frequently checking the list of confirmed measles exposures listed here.

Measles can spread before a rash develops, therefore some people may be exposed to measles without knowing. Southern Health-Santé Sud is asking everyone to check their immunization records and ensure they are up to date with all recommended doses of measles vaccine (MMR or MMRV), especially if you may have been exposed to someone with measles.

If you were born before 1970 or if you have ever received a measles vaccine, it is unlikely that you will get the disease. However, as a precaution, if you were at one of the exposure locations listed, watch for symptoms of measles until the date indicated in the sites, dates and times of exposure table (the one that corresponds with your situation).

If you were exposed in these locations AND born in 1970 or later AND have never received a measles vaccine, AND have never had a measles infection, you should:

• Reduce exposures with others, especially anyone who has a weakened immune system, is pregnant, or is unimmunized, from the 5th day after exposure to the 21st day after the latest exposure. Note: Individuals are not contagious in the first 4 days following the first exposure.
• Get vaccinated. Measles vaccine is recommended. Contact your nearest Public Health-Healthy Living office to schedule an immunization appointment.
• Watch for symptoms of measles until the date that corresponds with your situation as indicated in the table on Manitoba Government website. To know the symptoms of measles and what to do if you have symptoms, visit here.
• Close contacts may be asked by public health to isolate and consider vaccination.

Symptoms

Symptoms begin to appear 7-21 days after being exposed to the virus in people who are susceptible to measles. Initial symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, drowsiness, irritability and red eyes. Small white spots may also develop on the inside of the mouth or throat. The characteristic red blotchy rash can appear three to seven days after the initial symptoms (on average 14 days after exposure). The rash typically begins on the face and progresses down the body.

Measles infection can lead to complications, including ear infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain inflammation) that can lead to seizures, brain damage or death. Measles occurring during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriage, premature delivery and babies born with low birth weight.

If symptoms develop, isolate at home and contact your health care provider and advise them of your potential exposure to measles. Before going to a healthcare facility or medical clinic, it is best to call ahead so health-care staff can take steps to reduce the exposure of other people to the virus.

Your protection is in your control. You can stop the spread of measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community by following the recommendations above.

May 5, 2025 – Southern Health-Santé Sud joins the global celebration of the International Day of the Midwife, honoring the compassionate professionals who guide families through the journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Midwifery has been a regulated and publicly funded profession in Manitoba since 2000. All practicing midwives are registered with the College of Manitoba Midwives (CMM), the provincial regulatory body dedicated to maintaining high standards of care and safety.

Midwives are primary care providers for individuals experiencing low-risk pregnancies. Their role provides prenatal education and care, labor and delivery support in hospital or home settings and six weeks postpartum care for mother and baby.

Southern Health-Santé Sud currently has 14 midwives serving families in Winkler/Morden and Steinbach areas. These dedicated professionals, alongside their administrative teams, continue to make midwifery care a valued and sought-after option for expectant families.

The impact of their work is best reflected in the words of the clients they serve:

“I am beyond impressed with the care I received from my midwifery team. They have all been kind, compassionate and supportive every step of the way!”

“I feel incredibly blessed by each member of my midwifery team. I am eternally grateful for the quality of family-centered care I have received. I wish every woman could experience it!”

These heartfelt testimonials underscore the powerful bond between midwives and the families they support, and the lasting difference personalized, respectful care can make.

As we recognize International Day of the Midwife, Southern Health-Santé Sud extends its deepest thanks to all midwives and support staff in the region. Your dedication continues to strengthen and enrich the care available to families in our communities.

It is with mixed emotions that we inform you that Jane Curtis will be leaving the role of Chief Executive Officer for Southern Health-Santé Sud, effective immediately. Jane has accepted the interim role of CEO of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

Over the past 8 years, Jane has led our organization with unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and a commitment to excellence in healthcare, all values that will serve Manitobans greatly in her new role. During her tenure, Jane has overseen significant advancements in our services, expanded our reach to more families, patients and communities, and fostered a culture of innovation and compassion.

We are grateful for Jane’s contributions and the positive impact she has had on our organization and the communities we serve. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping Southern Health-Santé Sud into the sustainable, respected and thriving institution it is today. As Jane embarks on a new chapter, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for her future endeavors.

The Board of Directors will soon commence the search for a new CEO who will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Jane. In the interim, Dana Human, Regional Lead – Community & Continuing Care will serve as the acting CEO to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the continuity of our operations. We are confident in her ability to lead our organization during this period of change.

For more information, please contact SH-SS communications:

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.