Local Health Involvement Groups
A message from Marion Ellis, CEO, Interlake-Eastern RHA
Thank you for considering to participate in an Interlake-Eastern RHA Local Health Involvement Group (LHIG). We see these groups as opportunities for interested individuals from all parts of Interlake-Eastern life to have a voice in health care on topics of relevance to the delivery of health care services in our region.
We will be reviewing and selecting applicants to be a part of our LHIGS and we will be in touch with everyone who indicates an interest in participating. To gain a better understanding of how the LHIGs will work and the expectations of members, please review the Frequently Asked Questions.
I encourage you to participate, either through application to be part of a LHIG or by participating in future opportunities we’ll present for public feedback. While individually we’re our best proponents for maintaining and caring for our own health, when we work together we can better ensure that the health care services we provide in our region are reflective of the needs of our residents.
For more information about LHIGs, please contact us at 1-855-347-8500 or info@ierha.ca.
Structure
There are two LHIG groups in the Interlake-Eastern IERHA:
- East-Central LHIG – Northern most limit of East. St. Paul, including Selkirk, Beausejour, Oakbank, Stonewall, and commencing at the point of intersection with the Eastern boundary of the Province of Manitoba and the Southern limit of the Trans Canada, including all towns and First Nations on the East side of lake Winnipeg.
- West LHIG – North Western most limit of the RM of East St .Paul to the intersection with the shoreline of Lake Manitoba including all Towns and First Nations up to and including Berens River First Nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Local Health Involvement Groups or LHIGs?
Local Health Involvement Groups or ‘LHIGs’ are made up of residents of the InterlakeEastern RHA (IERHA) who care about health and health services.
What will I do?
The LHIGs exist to explore and provide input to the IERHA Board of Directors on issues that impact the delivery of local health services.
What qualifications do I need?
You need to:
- be a resident of Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority
- have an interest in improving health care in the region
- be able to commit to the time required to participate in the LHIG group
How are members selected?
Members are approved by the IERHA LHIG Coordinator and Board of Directors to ensure that diverse points of view are represented in each LHIG. Community members who are selected to be a member of a LHIG have a passion for health and a desire to help improve the health system, like to think about the “big picture” and can think about the needs of others. Members must be comfortable in sharing ideas in a group and be good listeners.
How many meetings per year?
It’s expected there will be at least four meetings per LHIG per year, starting in September and ending in May or June. Each group can determine if they’d like to take advantage of conference calling to reduce travel in winter months.
How long will the meetings be?
Each meeting will be one-and-a-half to two hours long. There will be an orientation for new members in August.
Where will the meetings be held?
LHIGs are established geographically within the region. We alternate our meeting locations to try and minimize driving time for all members.
What are my responsibilities as a LHIG member?
In representing the broader public and more specifically their geographic community areas, the LHIGs perform the following duties:
- Provide assistance, advice and information to the IERHA with respect to planning and delivery of quality health services in the community
- Bring forward community perspectives
- At the request of the IERHA, provide community perspectives related to the topics and questions reflective of the IERHA’s priorities asked by the IERHA Board, and
- Perform any other duties which the IERHA may delegate to the LHIGs from time to time
How will Local Health Involvement Group feedback be used?
A report of the discussions from the LHIGs is presented to the IERHA Board of Directors. The report is used by the Board in their decision-making process. Feedback will be provided to the LHIGs members as to how the information they provided was used.
How long is a term on a LHIG?
Three year terms will be staggered amongst the LHIGs. All members may be reappointed once for consecutive terms (for a maximum of a four year term).
Will I be compensated for my time on the LHIGs?
Being a member of a LHIG is a voluntary position with no financial compensation.
Will my expenses be covered while on the LHIGs?
Mileage as established by the Province of Manitoba will be provided to individuals who need to travel to attend a meeting. Mileage will be paid out at the end of each year.
