This year 16 medical students attended rural week in eight communities in the Interlake-Eastern area. During rural week, first year medical students are hosted by communities and given the opportunity to shadow physicians, nurse practitioners and other care providers during their regular workday in local health clinics. 

In an effort to provide medical students with exposure to the practice diversity found in rural settings, students shadowed hospital and primary health-care staff in Arborg, Teulon, Stonewall, Gimli, Oakbank, Beausejour, Pine Falls and Pinawa. 

On top of clinic time, the week also includes a host of activities, organized by community volunteers, to give students an understanding of what it’s like to live and work in rural communities.

Visit co-ordinator Chantelle Parrott (also economic development and marketing officer for Beausejour Brokenhead Development Corporation) says the students enjoyed their time in Beausejour and area.

“We were fortunate to have good weather to get the students up in the air for hang gliding one evening. We had the students out for dinner at our new restaurant where they were able to network with some of our local leaders, got them on a driving tour around the community to showcase our points of interest and developments, and they spent time enjoying our local restaurants and shops and exploring the Eastman region, all in addition to learning about rural medical services,” she said.

“Overall, it was a great opportunity to showcase the rural lifestyle in Beausejour-Brokenhead to students who may not otherwise have the chance to experience life as a rural physician.”

Rural Week, as part of the University of Manitoba medical curriculum, first started in 2004.

It’s an initiative co-ordinated by the RHA in collaboration with the Department of Family Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine and the Manitoba HealthCare Providers Network.

Due to the pandemic, this is the first year since 2019 that Rural Week has been held like it usually is. In 2020 Rural Week was voluntary and in 2021 it was run over a two-week period. This year, all participants were still encouraged to be mindful of COVID and many of the after-hours activities were held outdoors.  

For more information on career opportunities with the RHA, please visit www.ierha.ca/careers.

The COVID-19 outbreak declared on May 2 at Red River Place Personal Care Home in Selkirk is now over.

The medical officer of health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak that started on May 9 over at the Hunter Memorial Hospital in Teulon. COVID outbreak protocols are all in place.

The medical officer of health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Fisher Personal Care Home that was called on May 9 over.

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority residents are notified of a temporary suspension of the Pine Falls Health Complex emergency department, effective immediately and for the immediate future.

Individuals seeking emergency care are directed to call 9-1-1 or their local 10-digit emergency number in the event of an emergency or they should attend Pinawa Hospital for emergency department service. Residents should continue to watch IERHA’s emergency department schedules for updates. Pine Falls physicians will be supporting the anticipated increase in demand at Pinawa Hospital by picking up shifts.

Care for inpatients at Pine Falls hospital is unchanged and the hospital will continue to admit patients in need of care. Dialysis and laboratory services remain available according to their usual schedule.

The suspension is related to a shortage of emergency department nursing staff, a situation being experienced across health systems in recent months following more than two years of prolonged pandemic response.

Interlake-Eastern RHA is focused on providing extended hours access to primary care at the Pine Falls’ clinic. Recruitment efforts to fill posted vacant nursing positions in Pine Falls will continue.

Recruitment and retention have been a top priority of the region. The region is currently seeking LPNs, RNs and health care aides and partnering with educational institutions in Manitoba to increase local training opportunities for people interested in pursuing meaningful careers in health care. Visit www.ierha.ca and click on “Careers” and “Educational Opportunities” to learn more.

The medical officer of health has declared an COVID-19 outbreak on the Whitemouth Personal Care Home on May 19. COVID outbreak protocols and visitor restrictions are in place.

The medical officer of health has declared the COVID-19 outbreak at Tudor House in Selkirk over today.

The medical officer of health has declared an COVID-19 outbreak on the Maple South Unit at Tudor House in Selkirk. Two residents are confirmed positive and exhibiting mild symptoms at this time. IERHA is meeting regularly with the Tudor House staff team. Going into stormy weather and the weekend, staffing, COVID outbreak protocols and adequate personal protective equipment supplies are all in place.

Effective immediately, Dr. David Matear has been appointed provincial executive director of the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force. He moves into this new role after recently completing a secondment as health system co-lead, Unified Health Sector Incident Command for Manitoba’s COVID-19 response.

Interlake-Eastern RHA has benefitted greatly from David’s strategic approach to health care management. We wish him success in this work with Manitoba Health where he will continue to contribute to the advancement of health care transformation at a provincial level.

Given the critical role of the region’s CEO in maintaining organizational strength and stability, directors on Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board have moved to appoint Marion (Mary Anne) Ellis as CEO. We are excited and confident that Marion will continue the established course in implementing our five-year strategic plan. Our regional work aligns with provincial goals and objectives of health system transformation that will see us work collaboratively to establish an improved health system that is patient-focused, efficient and sustainable for all residents of Interlake-Eastern RHA and beyond.

National Volunteer Week falls April 23-30 and the theme is Volunteers: The heart behind the hands.  In years past, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has hosted a series of teas during the month of April to celebrate the invaluable support volunteers provide to health care. With this year’s teas being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IERHA’s regional recreation manager, Lori Martin is using the week of national recognition to thank volunteers for their contributions to health care in the region.

“Over the last two years, we have had to adapt to new ways of doing things, to help keep residents healthy, safe and happy. Although we have not seen as many volunteers in our facilities, we have seen some and we thank them for their valuable support during these last few years,” says Martin. “They have adapted to the new way of delivering care and been an incredible support to our staff.”

Glen West, IERHA’s board chair, says the region is looking forward to welcoming more volunteers into facilities.

 “Now that we’re starting to see parts of our lives return to a new normal, we’re also looking to spread the word that we’re looking for volunteers,” says Glen West, board chair. “If you, or someone you know is looking to make a difference in the community and bring a little joy into our staff, patients and residents’ lives, we have opportunities for you.”

The region is seeking volunteers to fill support positions in facilities once again. If you or someone you know is available to volunteer, please visit Volunteer Opportunities page.