Community Update
Winter 2020
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Containing COVID
Complete details on how to stay safe this holiday season
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We are now living with COVID-19 circulating in our communities. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable friends and families, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer urges Manitobans to limit their close contacts and only gather with members of their immediate household.
When leaving the house for safe outdoor physical activity or to obtain essentials, gathering sizes must not exceed five people. Be sure to physically distance from others, avoid crowded spaces, and wear a mask if going inside any indoor places.
Do not leave home if you are sick, or when any member of your family is sick.
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Ho Ho Ho for health care workers!
This holiday season, you can thank health-care workers in our region for their dedication to providing care by posting your personalized message on our website. Type in your message and the staff or unit it's for, and it will appear on the page within 48 hours. We will also pass along your message so they know you care!
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Better, faster, safer
Former hospital now new testing site
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The former Selkirk and District General Hospital is now home to Selkirk's COVID–19 testing site. The move to the former emergency department at 100 Easton Drive provides a more comfortable and safer space for both staff and the public than the previous location.
The new location takes winter conditions into consideration and has ample parking. It also holds the potential to accommodate a higher number of tests completed each day, should the need increase.
“Our Selkirk testing site has all the proper cleaning and physical distancing measures in place to help prevent transmission of infection,” says Dr. Tim Hilderman, medical officer of health for Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, who stressed the importance of people in the region coming for testing as soon as they show COVID-19 symptoms.
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You don't need an appointment to get tested at Interlake-Eastern RHA's testing sites in Eriksdale and Pine Falls (staff pictured) but an appointment is preferred in Selkirk. COVID-19 testing sites may be operating on holiday hours this holiday season. Learn more and see details on the new testing site opening up in Arborg under Dynacare.
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“The sooner we can find out when someone has COVID-19, the better our chances of slowing the spread of illness. But right now, we hope everyone follows public health orders to limit contacts as much as possible, so we can reduce the number of people experiencing illness,” Dr. Hilderman said.
Since the beginning of September, the testing site in Selkirk has completed an average of 144 tests each day. On busier days, more than 200 were completed.
Anyone can make an appointment for a COVID-19 test at 100 Easton Drive by visiting www.is.gd/MBtesting or calling 1-855-268-4318. For test results, the process remains the same. Visit www.sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results or call the Public Health COVID-19 Contact Centre at 1-844-960-1984 with your Manitoba Health Card on hand.
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Get the care you need
Help available throughout the region
If a health emergency arises where there is a threat to life or limb, your first call should be 911. Paramedics will care for you on site and transport you to the most appropriate care facility based on your needs.
Emergency departments in the region are also open to provide care. They are safe places to go and doctors want to see you before a concern becomes a serious problem.
Call our toll-free number at 1-866-267-5818 for updates on emergency department physician availability or see a schedule of physician status by clicking here.
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COVID-19 brings a high level of stress and anxiety as it rapidly changes the way we work, socialize and live. Caring for your mental health is important in these times. If you need help or know someone who does, you are not alone.
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IERHA 24 Hour Crisis Line
1-866-427-8628
204-482-5419
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Klinic Crisis Line
1-888-322-3019
204-786-8686
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Kids Help Line
1-800-668-6868
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Virtual Memory Tree
Add your message today
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Grieving the loss of someone close to you is always difficult. During the holiday season when so much focus is on family, and with pandemic restrictions keeping us apart from others, it can be overwhelming. Don't be shy to reach out to friends and family, to connect and to ask for support when you need it.
One way you can honour someone you've lost is by posting a message on our Virtual Memory Tree at www.is.gd/MemoryTree. Find resources for your mental health and wellbeing here.
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Cheer bringers wanted
Writers can brighten a resident’s day
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Who doesn’t like getting a message from someone who cares?
Recreation staff members in Interlake-Eastern RHA’s personal care homes are seeking community correspondents to send notes of cheer to residents.
Anyone interested in becoming a community correspondent can send an email to info@ierha.ca. Please note in your email the personal care home you are interested in corresponding with and if you are sending a one-time greeting only or if you are interested in receiving an email response from a resident. We will do our best to connect you with a resident to provide a response if desired and, regardless, we will ensure your note is conveyed.
Pictures, quotes, stories and fun jokes will all be welcome to help us brighten the days of residents who are isolated from families due to restrictions in place.
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Need help finding your flu shot?
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Paramedics providing palliative approach to care
Enhanced service supports staying at home
Shared Health paramedics trained in best practice principles of palliative care are now complementing Interlake-Eastern RHA’s palliative care program with a new, collaborative approach to emergency care. When they respond to 911 calls from clients registered in Interlake-Eastern RHA’s palliative care program, they are often able to provide emergency care at home using a palliative approach to care.
The enhanced service strives to provide care that aligns with what palliative care clients are seeking and this care can reduce transports to hospital if that is the client’s wish. The Paramedics Providing Palliative Care at Home project is unique to Interlake-Eastern RHA in Manitoba. It's the result of a collaboration among this RHA, the Paramedic Association of Manitoba, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. It is part of the Paramedics and Palliative Care: Bringing Vital Services to Canadians program.
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The next phase of the project includes working with Shared Health to explore opportunities to improve supporting technology solutions and to establish partnerships with First Nations communities interested in adopting this approach to care in their communities. Read more
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Local doctor receives Distinguished Service Award
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A physician at Powerview-Pine Falls Health Complex has recently been announced as the recipient of Doctors Manitoba’s Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Sabina Ijaz was recognized for services rendered to patients and the community which have enhanced the image of the physician through devotion to the highest ideals of the medical profession and in the promotion of the art and science of medicine through teaching, writing and administration.
“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to receive this acknowledgement by my colleagues, supported by the communities I work in,” Dr. Ijaz said. “This recognition should be viewed as a testament to successful work in partnership with and under the leadership of the Indigenous community, particularly Indigenous Knowledge Keepers at the Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness and Giigewigamig First Nation Health Authority whom I have worked with over the years. They have taught me much about the root causes of disease and the importance of nurturing spiritual identity through Indigenous healing practices including traditional ceremonies, connection to the land, rites of passage for youth, teachings, values and a worldview based on care for nature and all of creation. I hope this recognition will shine a light on their work.”
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Dr. Ijaz is an integral part of community health initiatives and earlier this year, she was a joint author, along with Elders Dr. David Courchene and Burma Bushie, and Lindsay Allen and Dr. Andrew Hatala, of a Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) article on the importance of Indigenous-led health care partnerships in Canada.
Indigenous-led health-care partnerships are modes of collaboration grounded in and informed primarily by traditional Indigenous knowledge — maintained and upheld by local Elders, healers and Knowledge Keepers — rather than being grounded in Western medicine, structures and knowledge.
They then bring in, or are supported by, biomedical knowledge and expertise as desired.
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Benefiting from Indigenous-led health partnerships
Among key points in the CMAJ article Dr. Ijaz co-authored that looks at Indigenous-led health-care partnerships:
· Emerging evidence suggests that Indigenous-led health service partnerships improve holistic (inclusive of mind, body, emotion and spirit) health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples, as well as access to care, prevention uptake and adherence to care plans.
· These partnerships are primarily about Indigenous communities taking the lead and having the power to determine their own approach to health care and healing.
“Indigenous peoples seeking health care in Canada often do not have the same access to medications or timely services and are frequently re-traumatized by the care they receive,” Dr. Ijaz said. “Health services for Indigenous Peoples are often culturally unsafe and can be traumatic. Social determinants of health, including racism, poverty, cultural dislocation and powerlessness have historically, and continue to, impact Indigenous Peoples on a daily basis. Indigenous-led health partnerships can offer benefits to health systems internationally.”
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Self–regulation ahead
New College of Paramedics established
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“It is an exciting time for paramedics in Manitoba” - Paramedic Association of Manitoba administrative director Rebecca Clifton.
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The Manitoba government has amended existing legislation towards the creation of the College of Paramedics as of December 1, 2020. The legislative amendments have activated the College of Paramedics of Manitoba and provide it with the authority to be the regulatory body for paramedicine in Manitoba.
Establishing paramedics as a self-regulating profession under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) enhances the quality of care provided by paramedics across Manitoba by ensuring more accountability for the competency of practice, uniform maintenance of practice standards and increased transparency in the regulation of the profession.
“As paramedics transition to a self-regulated model, they will continue to provide health care in a safe, professional and ethical manner, with the College of Paramedics of Manitoba ensuring the public interest is protected,” says Paramedic Association of Manitoba administrative director Rebecca Clifton.
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Rolling out the welcome mat
New site lead for Pine Falls
Pine Falls Hospital welcomes a new site medical lead. Dr. Carey Ramsay, a family physician who has been providing emergency department services in the area since September, assumed the role on November 23. In his new role, Dr. Ramsay will work with other site medical officers to ensure consistency of care across the region.
Dr. Ramsay received his medical doctor degree in Cuba in 2007 and full licensure from the Medical Council of Jamaica in 2009. Dr. Ramsay practiced in Jamaica until his move to Canada in 2018.
Thanks to Dr. Ahmed Rateb for his leadership at Pine Falls Hospital for the past 18 months.
Dr. Carey Ramsey joins the regional team of site medical officers that includes:
- Dr. Mike Loudon: Arborg and Teulon hospitals
- Dr. Sunu Thomas: Ashern and Eriksdale hospitals
- Dr. Joseph Partyka: Beausejour hospital
- Dr. Jonah Fulmore: Gimli hospital
- Dr. Michel Bruneau: Pinawa hospital
- Dr. Myron Thiessen: Selkirk hospital
- Dr. Greg Pinniger: Stonewall hospital
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Shared Health is looking for people to help in the fight against COVID-19. Click here to see the job opportunities posted. Previous medical training is not a requirement in all instances.
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Season’s greetings of wellness and happiness from our family to yours.
The best gift you can give a health-care provider this year is to only leave your home for essential purposes. When leaving the house to obtain essentials, be sure to physically distance, wear a mask in indoor public places, avoid crowded spaces and clean your hands frequently.
Wishing you happy and safe holidays!
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De notre famille à la vôtre, nous vous présentons nos meilleurs vœux de bien-être et de bonheur.
Le plus beau cadeau que vous puissiez offrir à un prestataire de soins cette année serait de ne quitter votre domicile qu’en cas de nécessité absolue. Si vous devez sortir de chez vous pour vous procurer des articles essentiels, respectez les règles de distanciation physique, portez un masque dans les lieux publics intérieurs, évitez les espaces bondés et lavez-vous les mains souvent.
Nous vous souhaitons joie et sécurité en ce temps des Fêtes!
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