A message from Dr. David Matear, chief executive officer, Interlake-Eastern RHA
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Winter 2021 Click to subscribe
A message from Dr. David Matear, chief
executive officer, Interlake-Eastern RHA
We’ve recently received media coverage about our need to
transfer hospital patients to appropriate care elsewhere
within the health system.
As of November, every patient admitted to a hospital in
Interlake-Eastern RHA is advised they will be evaluated as a
candidate for transfer to appropriate care. Transfer will occur
if care teams determine that a patient no longer requires
hospital care, if we’ve been unable to align care they require
with options available in the region and the patient is
medically stable for transfer. To date, we have transferred 25 patients to appropriate care outside
of the region.
I have been asked repeatedly “how can we do this?”
While these decisions have always led to difficult conversations with patients and family
members, the reason we do this is quite simple. It’s for the voices of patients in the health-care
system that we don’t hear.
For every hospital bed required by a patient with COVID-19, a bed is removed from the health
system for non-COVID patients who require hospital care. The voices of those awaiting care that
is postponed or cancelled as a result of bed and/or staff shortages are the ones that we’re not
hearing. These include people waiting for hip, knee and heart surgeries. They are keenly aware
that waiting for care can significantly affect their mental health and general health outcomes. We
also don’t hear the voices of Interlake-Eastern residents who were transported to Winnipeg as a
result of a stroke, heart attack or other specialized health-care need not available in region. They
are transferred back to hospital care in the region as soon as their recovery allows so that
specialized care can be available to the next Manitoban who requires it.
For those people waiting and those who don’t yet know they will need a hospital bed, it is
essential that hospital beds remain available to those who need them. Chief executive officers
across all regional health authorities in Manitoba have committed to keeping the flow of patients
moving in Manitoba. Patient flow is all about matching the right level of care to people’s care
needs. This means health-care staff across the province are working together to ensure the care
Manitobans need is available to them when they need it. If an Interlake-Eastern RHA patient no
longer needs hospital care and if we’re unable to find appropriate care in the region at the time,
our care teams are connected with those elsewhere in the province where appropriate care is
available. These facilities are primarily in Prairie Mountain Regional Health Authority or Southern
Health-Santé Sud. They are staffed but they typically aren’t operating at the same capacity as
Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities.
People will be returned to appropriate care in the region as it becomes available to them.
Indeed, some of the people transferred out of the region have already returned.
It is our responsibility as health-care providers to act in the best interests of all Manitobans and
to treat everyone equitably and without favoritism. You should expect nothing less from your
health-care providers and your health-care system. In this way, and by matching appropriate
care to people’s needs, we are doing our best to ensure the care you need will be available when
you need it. We need you to do your part by securing your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations and
securing your third COVID-19 vaccination as soon as you are eligible.
If you have concerns regarding our patient transfer procedure, please use our Tell Us process
outlined in this issue. If you’d like to share a comment with me, I’d be interested in hearing from
you at CEOstrategy@ierha.ca.
Selkirk Regional Health Centre set to expand
From left to right: Dr. Ian Alexander; Dr. Myron Thiessen, regional lead medical services and
chief medical officer; Glen West, IERHA board chair; Minister Wayne Ewasko, Lac du Bonnet
MLA; Dr. David Matear, IERHA CEO; Dr. Tony Herd, site medical lead for Selkirk Regional
Health Centre; Premier Heather Stefanson; Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon;
Minister Derek Johnson, Interlake-Gimli MLA; and Minister Jeff Wharton, Red River North MLA
The Manitoba government is investing $31.6 million to expand the Selkirk Regional Health
Centre. This positions the facility to play an increased role in the provincial surgery program
while continuing to serve the emergency and urgent care needs of patients in the Interlake-
Eastern Regional Health Authority, Premier Heather Stefanson and Health and Seniors Care
Minister Audrey Gordon announced on Dec. 3.
The $31.6-million investment will fund a significant expansion of the facility, increasing acute
care inpatient beds by 30 and enhancing Selkirk’s ability to treat and monitor higher acuity
patients. The site will be further established with more specialized services, including surgical
and inpatient care.
The new beds will allow care to be delivered locally for an increased number of in-patients and a
higher volume of surgical and endoscopy patients. Surgeries performed at the site — which
include general procedures, gynecology, urology, plastics and endoscopy — will be increased
when the renovations are complete.
Construction on the project is slated to begin next year.
“This new investment in Selkirk Regional Health Centre will allow us to increase the number of
people we can care for at any given time and it will allow us to provide regional residents with
access to surgical services closer to home,” said Dr. David Matear, CEO of IERHA.
“It further establishes the value of this facility over the long-term as our regional hub for health-
care service delivery and its integral role in the continuum of hospital-based care across the
region and within the province.”
Read more.
This year, there will be holiday memory trees
in facilities, public places and even a virtual
option for people to mark the loss of a loved
one.
Tammie-Lee Rogowski, clinical team
manager home care and allied health, says
memory trees are a significant way for
people to grieve their loved ones.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have all
experienced loss and grief to some degree.
Some have experienced the death of a loved
one and are bereaved. The pandemic has
prevented some of us from being able to say
goodbye, being physically present at time of
death, or being able to honour loved ones
through rituals of commemoration and
celebration,” says Rogowski.
“All of these factors compound grief. Support systems and ways to honour are more important
than ever.”
This year, Interlake-Eastern RHA’s palliative care program is providing a number of ways to
honour people who have passed away.
Submit a virtual memory tree submission here. Messages submitted will be posted on the virtual
memory tree webpage.
Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities will have memory trees for patients and residents to add to. Due
to the fourth wave of the pandemic, visitors are not allowed into facilities for the purpose of
adding to the memory trees. Read more.
This holiday season, everyone can access online mental health support at anytime on
www.ierha.ca under “Care in your Community” and “Mental Health." The RHA also has a 24-
hour crisis line at 1-866-427-8628.
Here are a few more grief resources to check out:
MyGrief.ca
What's your grief?
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Welcome aboard to our new doctors!
Dr. Klayton Kaleta is a second-year Dr. Eason Wu is a second-year
residency student. residency student.
Welcome aboard to physicians who joined Interlake-Eastern RHA this year!
Please note not all of physicians listed are accepting new patients. If you are seeking a
primary health care provider, please contact Family Doctor Finder: Toll-free at 1-866-690-8260;
TTY/TDD call 774-8618 or Manitoba Relay Services toll-free 1-800-855-0511.
Ashern
Dr. Mollie Atainyang, family practice/ER
Dr. Tarwinder Chumber, family practice/ER
Beausejour
Dr. Jacqueline Hebert, family practice/ER/obstetrics (leaving December 2021)
Eriksdale
Dr. Jade Young, family practice/ER
Gimli
Dr. Hartley Krulicki, physical medicine and rehab
Lac du Bonnet
Dr. Cody Clovechok, family practice/ER
Oakbank
Dr. Jacqueline Hebert, family practice/ER/obstetrics (starting January 2022)
Pine Falls
Dr. Autherine Kerr-Ramsay, family practice/ER (Sagkeeng Health Centre)
Dr. Vivian Gendy, family practice/ER
Selkirk
Dr. James Lytwyn, anesthesia
Dr. Oluwafemi Shoewu, family practice/ER
Dr. Leanne Van Amstel, radiologist
Dr. Nicole Vosters, family practice
Dr. Alexandra Wood, family practice
Teulon
Dr. Costa Danakas, family practice/ER
IERHA Mental Health Program - Regional
Dr. Antonio Paletta, psychiatrist
We’d also like to welcome University of Manitoba medical residents who are completing their
residency at Selkirk Regional Health Centre and Selkirk Medical Clinic. Dr. Anita Gray and Dr.
Matthew Genung are first-year residency students, and Dr. Klayton Kaleta and Dr. Eason Wu
are second-year residency students.
Dr. Anita Gray is a first-year residency Dr. Matthew Genung is a first-year
student. residency student.
Need a care provider? Click here for the
Family Doctor Finder
Blue lights: Community demonstrations of thanks
Thousands of Manitoba health-care workers continue to show up and answer every call for help.
They have done their part and have been treated to the kindness of Manitobans along the way.
But as patience with precautions, long wait times and “following the fundamentals” wears thin —
and as vaccination becomes an increasingly polarizing topic — health-care workers are too often
bearing the brunt.
We need our health-care heroes, and we know Manitobans are grateful for their hard work and
sacrifice.
It’s our turn to show up for them Manitoba. So let’s show them how we really feel through the
Blue Light Campaign.
Organizations, businesses and individuals can once again light our province blue for health-care
heroes. Join us this December in shining a (blue) light on their effort.
As the days get shorter and we turn our lights on earlier (and off later), the simple flick of a switch
can be a sign of thanks to a tired health-care worker on their way to or from work.
Throughout the month of December, let's recognize the hard work, dedication and compassion
of our health-care workers — and all essential workers — who have become the unassuming
heroes of the pandemic.
Pot lights, porch lights, holidays lights — each is a shining example of our shared gratitude.
Flick the switch. Shine a Light. Let’s turn Manitoba Blue.
Our Shared Gratitude
Share your blue light display and add to the gallery below by sending your photos
to communications@sharedhealthmb.ca.
Here are a couple more resources:
Shine a Blue Light poster
Shine a Blue Light safety tips
Celebrating our physician assistants
We recently celebrated National Physician
Assistant Day on Nov. 27, with gratitude for
these professionals and their important
contributions to health care.
Working alongside physicians and other
health professionals, physician assistants are
having a positive impact on many aspects of
health care from emergency room wait times,
access to primary care, the quality of seniors
care and access to health care in rural
communities.
Jana Charlo has been a physician assistant
for just over a year, mainly working on
medicine wards with the hospitalist team at
Selkirk hospital. In addition, she works in
surgery and assists in the operating room.
“In general, physician assistants are medically trained professionals who collaborate with
physicians/surgeons and medical teams,” she explained.
“We diagnose, prescribe and treat and work in interdisciplinary teams to provide quality patient
care.”
In IERHA, physician assistants currently work in Beausejour, Selkirk, Teulon and Gimli hospitals.
“I really enjoy working in the operating room, as there are new things to learn every day!” she
said.
“It’s also been great to work alongside the excellent nursing staff, physicians and support staff
here at Selkirk hospital.”
Jana identifies most with the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority strategic plan value of
collaboration.
“I, and physician assistants in general, strive to fill in the gaps. I work alongside my team and try
to provide the most efficient and effective patient care,” she said.
“Being a team player and collaborating with colleagues is a key role of a physician assistant.”
Give your thanks to health-care staff!
The holiday season is upon us, and we wish you and your loved ones health, happiness
and peace throughout the season and beyond.
We don't need a holiday to thank health-care workers, but as 2021 comes to a close, it's
the perfect time to reflect on the incredible efforts and contributions of staff this past year.
In these challenging times, our health-care teams have risen to the occasion, providing
exceptional care for patients and their families. If there’s a health-care professional in your
life, you know they could use some love and appreciation, now more than ever.
Simply fill out our online form with your messages of gratitude and well wishes for
individuals or entire units. We will post them online, and we will send them along so they
will know how much you care.
You can also share your message on Twitter. If you tag our profile at @IERHA_MB, we
will make sure to spread the word!
Regional strategic planning update
Interlake-Eastern’s Regional Health Advisory Council met for the first time on Oct. 26. This council along with the six strategic steering committees are new guiding bodies for Interlake- Eastern RHA. They were established to support the advancement and ongoing evaluation of the region's progress in meeting the goals of the strategic plan. The council meeting, chaired by CEO Dr. David Matear, saw the RHA’s senior leadership team and other staff members join with elected municipal representatives and community members to comprise the council. Its purpose is to collaboratively lead the development, implementation and review of the IERHA strategic plan for the health-care delivery system in the Interlake-Eastern Region. To orient participants, David walked through the steps that brought the organization to this point starting with the establishment of the strategic planning working group in April this year. Clinical change lead Jeremy Buchner and implementation lead for the clinical and preventive services plan, Jo-Ann Welham, discussed the provincial clinical network and efforts to deliver more services locally. They highlighted home and community care modernization as well as targeted practice improvement, meaning finding and fixing the clinical areas where we must improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. Council members were then updated on the creation of the six strategic steering committees’ progress. In November, the region hosted its first annual review of the strategic plan. More than 50 representatives from communities, staff and the health system transformation office attended the virtual meeting, along with IERHA board members. The annual review provides an opportunity to highlight successes, and identify the barriers encountered in rolling out priorities. Each of the six strategic steering committees presented on the steps they identified to achieve each of the region’s six strategic goals. “We barely got started and it’s great to see all of the work we are getting done. We all know how important health care is in this province and we know change is needed – we are on the right path to making those changes to improve health care service delivery to the residents of this region,” said Glen West, chair, Interlake-Eastern RHA's board of directors.
Next November, the progress reports will be more fulsome, with data showing progress
"This was an excellent first meeting, as evidenced by participants who, when polled, identified
the meeting was a good investment of their time," David said.
"We do have objectives we need to address as part of the plan. These objectives are included in
our balanced scorecard, and they have metrics associated with them so we can quantify our
success. We look forward to the next annual review in November 2022."
Linking the regional plan with provincial priorities
The clinical and preventive services
plan (CPSP) is Manitoba’s first plan to guide the
delivery of health care across the province. Its
goals are to reconfigure all health services in a
provincial context, lead in equitable care and
innovate care delivery.
Interlake-Eastern RHA and its community partners
worked to proactively align its five-year strategic
plan with the CPSP as well as the goals of health
system transformation that include:
improving access;
improving health service experience;
improving safety; and
maintaining a sustainable system.
Boost your spirits this holiday season
The holidays can be a rollercoaster of emotions combined with a whirlwind of obligations and
traditions.
Mental Health Commission of Canada offers a few tips to give back — or reach out — this
holiday season.1. Manage expectations — Take the time to consider what your capacity is before making
commitments, regardless of what you’ve done in years past.
2. Get creative about giving back — Activities like volunteering, especially when done for
altruistic reasons, can be a great way to boost your mental and physical health. And don’t
discount small actions since giving back doesn’t have to involve a major time commitment
or hefty price tag. Small acts of kindness can yield big results, especially at the end of a
difficult year.
3. Reach out and accept help — There’s no shame in being on the receiving end of
someone else’s kindness, even if you’re not up to giving. Just as you can’t pour from an
empty cup, you can’t give to others when you’re feeling depleted. Don’t hesitate to ask for
the help you need, when you need it.
4. Set boundaries — Clear boundaries can protect your mental wellness. Let those who
may be expecting things from you know where you’re drawing the line this year.
5. Monitor your mental health — Take the pulse of your mental well-being periodically.
While it’s normal to experience emotional peaks and valleys during times of uncertainty,
it’s also important to check in regularly to ensure you’re getting the support you need.
Read more.
Click here to learn about mental health resources in our
region.
IERHA 24-Hour Crisis Line Klinic Crisis Line Kids Help Line
1-866-427-8628 1-888-322-3019 1-800-668-6868
204-482-5419 204-786-8686 www.kidshelphone.ca
Website revamp underway
We are working to make our website more
user-friendly and easier for you to find the
info you’re looking for.
Please take this three-minute survey to
provide your feedback about our website.
The survey can be accessed here .
Paramedics receive St. John Ambulance AwardCongratulations to Arborg-based paramedics
Kim Dubek and Brayden Harder for being
recognized with a prestigious St. John
Ambulance Gold Life-saving Award.
They received their award at the St. John
Ambulance’s Investiture and Lifesaving
Award ceremony on Oct. 19 at Government
House. Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon wasn’t able to
attend the ceremony, so the Honourable
Gary Filmon presented the award in her
absence.
In the spring, Kim and Brayden acted quickly
when they noticed smoke in the Poplarfield
area. They discovered a grass fire had
encroached on a yard and house.
The full ceremony, which was live-streamed
by Red Rover Entertainment, can be on the
St. John Ambulance Manitoba Facebook
page.
Read the full good news story here.
Paramedics Kim Dubek and Brayden Harder
with their life-saving awards.
Meet our board of directors!
Introducing Interlake-Eastern RHA's 2021 board of directors!
Click here to read their profiles.
Glen West (Selkirk) - Chair Judith Cameron (Gimli)
Ruth Ann Furgala (Riverton) - Vice-chair Keith Poulson (Winnipeg)
David Oakley (Teulon) - Treasurer Penny-Anne Wainwright (Eriksdale)
Michele Polinuk (Selkirk) - Secretary Lynette McDonald (Selkirk)
Charlene Rocke (Winnipeg) Debbie Fiebelkorn (East Selkirk)
Amanda Stevenson (Lundar)
Congrats to Chair's Award winners!
Board chair Glen West recently announced the winners of this year's Chair's Awards for
Excellence in Customer Service.These awards provide the board of directors with an opportunity to publicly recognize staff
members who consistently go above and beyond in their interactions with our clients and with
fellow staff members to reflect the region's "person-first" approach to care delivery.
With 15 outstanding nominations, it was a tall task to narrow it down to five recipients.
"Thank you to this year’s winners, nominators and nominees," Glen said. "Your approach to your
work and how you interact with others is an inspiration to us all."
Cassandra Hnatishin and Drew
Peacock
Cassandra Hnatishin and Drew Peacock are
part of the primary care team in Powerview-
Pine Falls. They also provide outreach in
Seymourville and Grand Marais. Cassandra
is a nurse practitioner who has been with
IERHA for just over a year and Drew has
been working with us for over five years
providing clerical support.
Cassandra was nominated by Melissa Fuerst, who is clinical team manager in our primary care
program, and Drew was nominated by regional co-ordinator of primary care, Shirley Murray.
They went over and above the call of duty when they checked on their patient who didn't show up
for an appointment at a clinic. During their lunch break, they went to this person's house and
heard a voice calling for help. Drew called the RCMP, who advised it was OK for them to enter
the house.
They found the person lying on the floor where they had fallen a few days earlier. Cassandra
cared for the individual while Drew called 911 for an ambulance. They stayed with the patient
until EMS arrived.
Brittany Klassen
Brittany Klassen is an LPN in Stonewall and District Health Centre, and she has been with
IERHA for about six years. Her coworker Lisa Taplin, a registered nurse, nominated Brittany for
her exemplary skills, kind manner and hard work. Lisa says Brittany leads by example and goes
the extra mile, even foregoing her breaks because she's promised a patient an extra walk in the
hall or she'll stay late to comfort a grieving family.
Devon Ungurain
Devon Ungurain is one of two FASD
diagnostic co-ordinators in the region, and
she's held this position for 11 years. She
works in partnership with the Manitoba FASD
Centre, screening referrals of children and
youth to ensure diagnostic criteria are met.
She also provides support and information to
families on the journey through FASD
assessment.
She was nominated by Kristy Magnusson, an
FASD key worker in the public health
program, for her dedication and compassion,
particularly when welcoming residents from
northern fly-in communities.Kate Hodgson
Kate Hodgson is director of acute care at
Selkirk Regional Health Centre. She was
nominated by Victoria Wilgosh, the clinical
team manager of surgery and the family
birthing unit at the health centre.
Victoria says Kate has been paramount in
keeping all patients and staff safe during the
pandemic. She always reverts back to core
values of being family- and patient-centred .
RRC Polytech blends deep, knowledge-based learning with applied, hands-on experience, while
also highlighting the important role graduates play in supporting the Interlake and Peguis-Fisher
River communities.
Here are a couple opportunities at RRC Polytech:
Business Information Technology
Full-time (28-month) diploma program
Prepares graduates to work in careers such as team leader, project manager and senior
programmer/analyst
Starts Jan. 4, 2022
Online for full duration of program
Learn more about the program
Health-Care Aide
Full-time (20-week) certificate program
Prepares graduates to work as health care aides in hospitals, care homes and agencies
Starts Jan. 24, 2022
Selkirk and Arborg
Learn more about the program
Holiday hoursHoliday and celebration information Manitobans continue to have a significant role to play in working together to support public health measures and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Learn how to enjoy holidays and celebrate while reducing the potential spread of COVID-19. Read more. Omicron variant Public health is reporting that the B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant has been detected in Manitoba and they are conducting aggressive case and contact management. If additional public health risks are assessed and it is deemed necessary to protect the health of others, more information will be released. Read more. Travel restrictions Federal travel restrictions and measures can be found here. Vaccinations Eligibility for first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine includes anyone ages five or older. Anyone aged 60 or older or those aged 18 or older who live in a First Nations community who received their second dose on or before July 10 are now strongly encouraged to receive their
third dose. A six-month timeframe between second and third doses continues to be
recommended for most other eligible Manitobans. Read more.
We have vaccine clinics in our region for five-year-olds and older listed on our website. Here is a
vaccine Q&A sheet for kids and vaccine tips for parents and caregivers .
Consider applying for a job with IERHA!
Do you know someone who might be interested in working in a housekeeping or dietary
position?
We've got plenty of job postings right now across the region in Interlake-Eastern RHA's support
services, including casual, part-time and full-time opportunities.
We're also hiring for homecare attendants and uncertified recreation facilitators in various
communities.
To view these job postings, click here.Keep in touch, stay hydrated and get your flu shot!
To protect yourself as well as those around you from getting influenza (the flu), Manitoba Health
and Seniors Care is encouraging all Manitobans to get their free seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine
in the early fall and every fall.
Updated information and resources for the 2021-22 season will be posted as they are available.
An annual flu vaccine is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from
the flu, their caregivers and close contacts.
Manitobans six months of age and older who are registered with Manitoba Health and Seniors
Care are eligible for the influenza vaccine free-of-charge.
Manitobans over the age of 65 should also get a pneumococcal (Pneu-P-23) vaccine at the same
time as the flu vaccine. Both the flu and the Pneu-P-23 vaccine are offered at no charge for
people aged 65 and older as well as to some people two years of age and older who are at
increased risk of pneumococcal infection.
For more information, click here. Stay tuned for more information about upcoming community
flu clinics or go to the Manitoba Flu Shot Finder where you can search locations that offer the
flu vaccine in your area. For a list of vaccine clinics in our region for five-year-olds and up, visit
our website.
Season’s greetings to you Joyeuses fêtes de fin
and your family! d’année à vous et à votre
famille!
On behalf of the board of
directors, we’d like to wish Au nom du conseil
you the very best during this d’administration, nous
festive time. It’s now our désirons vous exprimer nos
second holiday season meilleurs vœux durant ce
during the pandemic, and we deuxième temps des fêtes
hope you can find ways to placé sous le signe de la
safely celebrate with your pandémie. Nous espérons
loved ones. que vous trouverez des
façons de célébrer en toute
Glen West
As we approach the end of sécurité en compagnie de
2021, we send the warmest Chair of Interlake-Eastern vos proches.
wishes for health and RHA's board of directors
happiness this holiday Alors que 2021 tire à sa fin,season and throughout the nous vous souhaitons, du
new year! Président, Office régional fond du cœur, la santé et le
d’Entre-les-Lacs et de l’Es bonheur pendant les fêtes et
tout au long de la nouvelle
année!
Tell Us!
We'd like to hear your compliments and concerns any time of year, not just during the holiday
season. At Interlake-Eastern RHA, we are committed to serving you with respect, care and
compassion. We are here to listen and respond to your needs.
We offer a number of ways to communicate with us:
Complete this electronic Feedback Form. Printed forms are also available at all Interlake-
Eastern RHA facilities.
Compliment or concern? Call us toll free at 1-855-999-4742
General inquiries? Call us toll free at 1-855-347-8500
Thank you very much for your comments and your efforts to make us a better RHA for you and
your family.
Learn more in our strategic planWe'd love to hear your comments and suggestions! Click to connect with us via email.
You can also read
