A CuddleCot was generously donated to Bethesda Regional Health Centre by Manitoba Angel Dresses, a non-profit organization that provides layettes to grieving families of infant loss.

Manitoba Angel Dresses was founded in 2014 and is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. Since 2014 Manitoba Angel Dresses has created 6,013 layettes. Volunteer seamstresses from across Manitoba sew layettes from mostly repurposed wedding gowns, and in 2022 began making knitted and crocheted layettes as well. If you are interested in volunteering for this organization please fill out the volunteer form on their website.

The CuddleCot is a cooling device that supports bereavement care for grieving parents by extending the time they have with their baby. This device is a welcome addition at Bethesda Regional Health Centre where it will be an immense support for our Labour, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit. Southern Health-Santé Sud extends heartfelt thanks to Manitoba Angel Dresses for their donation.

Construction of the new building at Bethesda Regional Health Centre has seen significant progress over the past few months. The new facility will house a new lab, 15 medicine beds and three operating theaters. Renovation to reinstate beds on the surgical unit will be undertaken after units are moved to the new building. The construction and implementation teams continue to make strides to ensure all aspects of the project remain on track.

Key highlights of the construction progress include:

  • Foundation: concrete foundations and crawlspace slabs are now complete.
  • Structural Steel and Metal Deck: all structural steel and metal deck installations are complete, including the connections to the existing hospital on all three levels.
  • Exterior Work: exterior walls and windows are nearing completion.
  • Interior Work: Interior stud walls completed on all floors.
  • Flooring and Finishes: Basement and main floor interior level finishes are proceeding including paint, wall finishes and millwork. Sheet vinyl flooring installation has started in basement and main floor.
  • Patient Rooms: installation of patient room headwalls is underway.
  • Mechanical Systems: the delivery of major air handlers and mechanical equipment has been completed.
  • Renovation Planning: planning for the renovation phase is underway, with schematic design now in progress.

West side of building: concept vs February 2025

Bethesda Regional Health Centre west side rendering and progress photo

Staff entrance: concept vs February 2025

Bethesda Regional Health Centre staff entrance progress

Laboratory: concept vs February 2025

Bethesda Regional health Centre laboratory progress

Inpatient Room February 2025

Bethesda Regional Health Center inpatient progress

Construction of the new Community Services Building (CSB), inpatient unit and energy centre is well underway at Boundary Trails Health Centre. Renovation planning of the existing health centre is now in progress.

Key highlights of the construction progress include:

  • Foundation: concrete foundations and crawlspace slabs are now complete.
  • Structural Steel and Metal Deck: all structural steel and metal deck installations are complete, including the front canopy for the CSB and hospital connections for both the inpatient unit and CSB.
  • Exterior Work: exterior walls and glazing are actively progressing, and the buildings are now fully water-tight.
  • Interior Work: Interior stud walls are advancing across all areas, with boarding now beginning in most sections.
  • Flooring and Finishes: sheet vinyl flooring has been installed in half of the inpatient unit with installation now underway in the CSB. Interior finishing will continue as rough-ins and drywall progress throughout the building.
  • Patient Rooms: installation of patient room headwalls is complete.
  • Mechanical Systems: the delivery of major handlers and mechanical equipment is ongoing, and new generators have been installed in the energy centre.
  • Renovation Planning: planning for the renovation phase is underway, with schematic design now in progress.

The construction and implementation teams continue to make strides to ensure all aspects of the project remain on track.

Southwest view: concept vs January 2025 progress

Inpatient Unit: concept vs January 2025 progress

Centre for Hope: concept vs January 2025 progress

Inpatient Room: January 2025 progress

Construction of the new Portage Regional Health Centre is hitting significant milestones and seeing peak activity with an average of 400-450 workers are on-site each day. The project has officially surpassed an impressive 1,000,000 labor worker hours, pushing the project forward as we see the completion of many exterior components and significant progress on interior installations.

Key highlights of the construction progress include:

  • Concrete Foundations and Structural Steel: 100% of the concrete foundations and crawlspace slabs are now complete. Additionally, the structural steel framework and metal deck, including the front canopy, are fully installed, ensuring the building’s structural integrity is secured.
  • Exterior Work and Building Enclosure: All areas of the building now feature exterior walls and glazing, which has allowed interior work to advance smoothly. The building is officially water-tight, protecting it from the elements as interior construction continues. Exterior masonry and insulation are largely complete, with work moving around to the south side of the building.
  • Interior Progress: Interior stud walls are advancing in all areas, and boarding has begun in most spaces. The installation of sheet vinyl and terrazzo flooring is underway in select areas, marking a significant step forward in interior finishes. Medical units, including the Operating Rooms and Medical Device Rooms have begun receiving their initial interior finishes as rough-in work and drywall installation progress.
  • Mechanical and Electrical Systems: The delivery and installation of major mechanical systems are on track. Air handlers and other critical equipment have been delivered, with all major units now installed in the penthouse and outbuilding. Elevator installation is complete. Generators have also arrived on-site and are being set up in the outbuilding, with installation and hookups expected to begin early this year.
  • Signage and Window Coverings: Tender for both interior and exterior signage and window coverings has been completed, ensuring that the building will be properly outfitted with the necessary finishing touches.
  • Site Work: grading and landscaping will be completed in the spring/summer of 2025.

Completion of the building is on track for early 2026. The project focus will then shift to installing equipment and furniture and staff training and orientation prior to opening day.

Northeast view: concept vs January 2025 progress

Southeast view: concept vs January 2025 progress


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.

rendering of the renal unit
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.

Healthier people. Healthier communities. Thriving together.