News Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Southern Health-Santé Sud

Inspires Kindness and Connection Across Southern Health-Santé Sud

For the second year in a row, the Healthy Living Team launched the Love My Community Challenge to coincide with Mental Health Week in May. While last year’s initiative was directed at schools, this year we expanded the challenge to include organizations, businesses and community groups throughout the Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) region.

Originally created by students at Roseau Valley School in southern Manitoba, Love My Community Day began as a grassroots effort to spread kindness, create joy and strengthen connections across generations. The initiative encourages people to engage in small, meaningful actions that support both personal and community mental well-being.

Inspired by that vision, our team worked to extend the movement region-wide, inviting all schools and classrooms to take part by completing a community-focused project. These projects could be anything from neighborhood walks and cleanup efforts to intergenerational events, collaborative art nights or senior outreach activities. The possibilities to show appreciation and care for our communities are endless!

This year, 10 schools and classrooms submitted incredible projects that showcased creativity and compassion. Activities included movie nights, BBQs, street hockey games, mini pow wow, community clean-ups, handwritten thank-you notes, inspiring chalk messages, Pink Shirt Day events, and even beautifying local soccer fields.

To add a little extra motivation, five participating schools were randomly selected to receive a $200 prize to be used toward a classroom celebration—an opportunity to come together, build connections, and support mental well-being in a fun and meaningful way.

We were also thrilled to see several community organizations join the challenge this year. Their contributions included kindness rocks, Earth Day initiatives, senior lunches, parades, presentations, children’s concerts, art projects, and much more—each bringing joy and positive energy to their communities.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the schools, classrooms and organizations that participated and helped foster a culture of kindness, connection and mental wellness. Your efforts have a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the challenge itself.

We hope the Love My Community Challenge continues to grow in the years ahead—and that even more schools and groups are inspired to get involved. Together, we can build stronger, more connected and more compassionate communities.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is issuing a public advisory in response to a growing number of measles cases confirmed in the southern region. Public health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure that all eligible family members are fully immunized against measles. Your action is vital to protect yourself and our community.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious disease. It can cause high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and rash. The disease tends to be more severe in infants and young children. Complications can include ear infections, pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death. The virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can linger in a room for up to two hours after they leave. Someone with measles can spread the virus to others as early as four days before the rash begins (before they know they are sick) to four days after the rash appears.

Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles. It not only protects individuals but also helps shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and people with certain medical conditions. The measles vaccine has been available in Canada for more than 50 years, first introduced in 1963. Since then, it has played a critical role in reducing the number of cases and protecting communities from outbreaks.

Two doses of measles vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing measles infection. Children typically receive their first dose at 12 months of age and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. However, due to the severity of the current outbreak, Manitoba Health has expanded vaccine eligibility. Children 6 months to under 12 months who meet the following criteria can be provided one additional dose:

Those residing in Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) or Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA), or
Those who travel regularly to AND have close contact with residents of SH-SS or IERHA, or
Those who have been evacuated from their home communities due to wildfires in Manitoba.

Access the full list of eligibility criteria for the measles vaccine in Manitoba.

Southern Health-Santé Sud is urging families to:

Review immunization records for all household members
Ensure children and teens are up to date with their MMR vaccine
Contact your local public health office or healthcare provider to arrange immunization if needed
Monitor for symptoms

Measles is preventable — but only through timely vaccination. Community-wide immunity is essential to stop the spread and protect those most at risk. If you or a family member develop symptoms such as fever, cough, or rash, call Health Links–Info Santé at 1-888-315-9257 or call the nearest Emergency Department for further direction regarding testing options. Please call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility to help prevent further transmission.

For more information on measles and known exposure sites, please review and share the fact sheets below or visit the Manitoba Health website.

Measles Factsheet

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.

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.

Cuddle cot donated to Bethesda Regional Health Centre — **Bethesda Regional Health Centre recipient of a donated Cuddle Cot from Angel Dresses Manitoba**

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

Bethesda Regional Health Centre Main floor staff progress — **Main Floor Staff Room February 2025**

Bethesda Regional Health Centre operating room progress — **Main Floor Staff Room February 2025**

Winnipeg, MB (April 29 – May 1, 2025) – Representatives from the Southern Health-Santé Sud (SH-SS) palliative care team recently attended the Canadian Public Health Association’s national conference in Winnipeg to present their groundbreaking project, Enhancing Palliative Care with First Nations Communities in Southern Health-Santé Sud. This innovative initiative, which is being carried out in partnership with Dakota Ojibway Health Services and five local First Nations, has been designed to bridge gaps in palliative care and ensure that culturally relevant services are accessible to Indigenous communities in the region.

Launched in 2023 with funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, the project will continue through to 2026. The goal is to provide more accessible, equitable, and culturally safe palliative care by addressing the unique needs of First Nations communities in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region.

The project began with a series of engagement sessions within each partnered First Nation community, offering a space for participants to share their experiences of caring for individuals with serious illnesses. The data collected at these engagement sessions informed the development of care models tailored to meet community needs.

One of the key guiding principles throughout the project has been the adherence to the First Nations Principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP). This ensures that all information gathered during the engagement process is returned to the communities, honoring their sovereignty and involvement.

Future steps for the project include reciprocal learning and job shadow opportunities and the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the involved parties. These initiatives are designed to further integrate the knowledge and practices of both western and traditional care systems, ensuring a holistic and supportive approach for patients and families.

The project would not possible without the support and collaboration of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Health Canada, as well as the invaluable contributions from the communities of Dakota Tipi First Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, and Swan Lake First Nation. Their insight, participation, and leadership have been essential in shaping the success of this initiative.

As the project progresses, its leaders remain committed to making palliative care more accessible and culturally appropriate for First Nations communities, ensuring that every person receives the dignity, respect, and quality care they deserve as they near the end of life.

Pictured are project partners from left to right Dr Woelk, Dr Borchers, Michelle Cardinal and Katie Asma

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.

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.