Dr. David Matear
Chief Executive Officer
Interlake-Eastern RHA
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Welcome to fall in Interlake-Eastern RHA. It's a time to reap the rewards of the seeds planted in spring and nurtured over the summer. It's also a time to prepare for what lies ahead.
In May, we joined with community members across the region to break ground on the RHA's new five year strategic plan. The relationships we established as part of the planning process will be nurtured and revitalized over the next five years as we collectively work to bring the goals of our plan to fruition. Read more in this issue about the plan, new processes in place for community engagement with Interlake-Eastern RHA and how you can get involved.
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In this issue, we share a bit of information about this year's flu campaign and I'm pleased to share with you our region's strategic plan that will pave the way for our health-care planning.
In May 2021, more than 90 community members and health partners joined directors from our board for two strategic planning days.
Many people helped develop our five-year strategic plan, including elected municipal officials, members of our local health involvement groups, First Nation health directors, educators, affiliated health organization representatives, staff and physicians.
All participants heard from health system leaders through presentations. These short updates helped set the stage to develop our regional plan within the context of provincial health system transformation and provincial clinical and preventive services planning.
Our strategic plan is a cumulation of our work together with our partners in health care. That work continues as we collectively regularly review and monitor our progress towards achieving our vision.
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To join the Annual General Meeting
at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4, click on this webinar link or, to attend by phone, call toll-free 1-855-703-8985
Meeting ID: 617 3990 2678
Passcode: 964216
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PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND
Interlake-Eastern RHA's
Annual General Meeting
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2 p.m., Monday, October 4 via Zoom
Agenda highlights:
- A review of the year’s activities by members of the board of directors
- CEO report
- Award announcements.
All are welcome to participate. Registration is NOT required.
Please visit www.ierha.ca and “News” for meeting materials that will be posted the day of the annual general meeting.
Feel free to contact us at 1-855-347-8500 or info@ierha.ca if you have any questions that you'd like to submit in advance!
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NEW strategic plan
Opportunities for ongoing community engagement
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The plan was developed with partner input and the planning process being used calls for partner engagement through the implementation of the plan.
We are committed to continuing conversations around our progress towards mutually agreed upon strategic goals with the establishment of six strategic steering committees (one committee for every strategic priority).
Committee advancements will be shared with the regional health advisory council. Every year, our planning partners will reunite to review and evaluate our progress.
If you are interested in being part of Interlake-Eastern RHA's strategic planning and review process, please consider joining one of our strategic steering committees. Please click here to read more about the strategic steering committees and please note our deadline of Sept. 30 for applications. To learn more about the strategic plan, please click here.
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Want to learn more about the future of health care in Manitoba? |
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Provide your feedback on mental health services |
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This provincial government department, which was created in January 2021, wants to hear the thoughts of Manitobans — including those currently accessing mental health and addictions services or wellness services, and those with lived experience.
The results of this survey will be used to develop an integrated, whole-of-government action plan for mental health, substance use, wellness and health promotion services in Manitoba.
Click here to take the survey and voice your opinion!
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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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Docs share tips to get kids back to school safely
Surround children with the safety of vaccinated adults
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Doctors Manitoba recently hosted a COVID-19 Town Hall to answer questions around going back to school.
Among the hundreds of questions received, the No. 1 question submitted to Doctors Manitoba by parents was about the risk COVID-19 has in children and how severe that could be.
“Children can definitely get COVID. In fact, the most likely way they can get it is within their own household. They can get it and it can cause harm," says Dr. Jared Bullard, pediatric infection disease specialist.
Other questions focused on children who are immune compromised.
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Dr. Ashley Chopek, pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant specialist, says every case is different so the best person to answer is that child’s care team. But there are cases where children are at higher risk, and those conversations would happen with the families. The vaccination is still encouraged for all eligible children.
For children who are too young to get vaccinated, the best thing to do is surround them with vaccinated adults who can provide that layer of protection for them says Dr. Marni Hanna, president of the Manitoba Pediatric Society.
It's natural to be apprehensive about attending health-care facilities because of fear of infection. But it's important to note that if anyone in the family has illnesses, the health-care facilities are the best place for sick patients. Protective equipment is in use to keep health-care facilities safe.
It's also important to encourage frequent handwashing, screening for symptoms and proper mask-wearing, while also promoting vaccination for teachers, staff and eligible students.
Parents are encouraged to keep kids home if they have symptoms and to follow public health guidance about screening, testing and isolation. It helps to use masks that your kids like and encourage regular hand-washing, especially before eating.
You can watch the full presentation here. |
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Welcome aboard to nine new doctors! |
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Physician recruitment and retention remains a key priority |
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From left to right: Beausejour Mayor Ray Schirle; Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration Wayne Ewasko; R.M. of Brokenhead Reeve Brad Saluk; Dr. Alexandra Wood; Beausejour Health Centre medical lead Dr. Joseph Partyka; Minister of Health and Seniors Care and Minister of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery Audrey Gordon; IERHA regional lead medical services and chief medical officer Dr. Myron Thiessen; Beausejour Health Centre clinical team manager Amber Reichert; IERHA chief executive officer Dr. David Matear; and IERHA board of directors vice-chair Ruth Ann Furgala. |
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Welcome aboard to nine family physicians who have started or will soon be starting practice in communities across the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority!
Four of the new physicians are graduates of the one-year Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates offered through the University of Manitoba. This program is designed to integrate physicians who have practised internationally into the Canadian medical system by allowing them to gain a better understanding of the Canadian and local health-care system. They will be working in rural and underserviced areas of Manitoba and have each has made a four-year commitment to the region.
In addition, two of the nine new doctors completed their two-year residency program in the Interlake-Eastern RHA and three were trained in rural and Northern Manitoba through the Dauphin, Brandon and Northern-Remote residency programs.
Currently, four family medicine residents are also completing their residency training in Interlake-Eastern RHA right now – two in their first year of the program and two in their final year. These physicians have not yet identified where they intend to practice upon completion of the residency program.
Recruitment efforts by the region and private clinics are seeing the new physicians begin practice in Beausejour, Eriksdale, Lac du Bonnet, Teulon and Selkirk, with internationally experienced medical graduates working in Ashern and Pine Falls.
Read the full press release here.
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Life in the middle
Workshop series focuses on menopause and perimenopause
Free sessions run online on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. from Sept. 21 to Nov. 2. You're welcome to register for as many as you'd like to attend.
Some topics include mood and menopause, pelvic floor physiotherapy, menus for menopause and moving through menopause. Other evenings focus on abnormal bleeding and perimenopausal changes, management of menopause symptoms and impacts on sleep.
To register, email wellness@ierha.ca or call 1-877-979-WELL (9355). To view the full schedule, click here.
Are you looking for more session like this to maximize personal wellness? Please click here to sign up for the Community Wellness e-newsletter.
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Free therapy services
Therapists ready to work with you on goals and more
Did you know the region has free community mental health relational therapy (couple and family) services for you and your family members?
We all have times in our relationships and in our lives when there is more rough than smooth, more down than up, when we suffer emotional pain and despair and end up with a feeling of "What's the use?"
Sometimes the problems are between partners, parents and children, in-laws or even employer and employee. When problems crop up between you and those you care about, relational therapy will help you find resolutions. Our therapists will work with you on your goals to help you find a satisfactory resolution to your problems.
For more information, visit our website.
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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation |
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Pat McPherson of Giigewigamig showcases cultural items.
On Sept. 30, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizes the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority will take time to reflect on Sept. 30, when our staff will wear orange ribbons and our flags will fly at half-mast.
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One of our six strategic goals in our strategic plan focuses on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous and vulnerable populations in an effort to improve access, health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
- Although some clinics will be closed on Sept. 30 due to the decision not to book patients, IERHA will not be cancelling any patient visits.
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In addition, diagnostic services will remain open and emergency services will be available.
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A 24-hour national residential school crisis line at 1-866-925-4419 provides support to former students.
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Provincial award benefits palliative care in region |
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Left to right, top row: Pam McCallum, executive director of Interlake Eastern Health Foundation; Jennifer Gurke, executive director of Palliative Manitoba; the Honourable Sharon Carstairs. Bottom row: Brenda Hearson, chair of the Sharon Carstairs Caring Community Award Committee; Patrice Lee, clinical team manager at Stonewall and District Health Centre; Tammie-Lee Rogowski, clinical team manager of home care and allied health. |
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Palliative Manitoba presented a prestigious award for a local project that promotes access to palliative care.
The Sharon Carstairs Caring Communities Award is the first-ever award of its kind to recognize community-based efforts in palliative and end-of-life care with a monetary component.
Interlake Eastern Health Foundation (IEHF) earned the award, as well as a $1,500 donation to enhance the palliative care room at Stonewall and District Health Centre by installing a patio door to an outdoor oasis.
Tammie-Lee Rogowski, clinical team manager of home care and allied health, accepted the award from former senator Sharon Carstairs on behalf of Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority and IEHF during Palliative Manitoba’s virtual annual general meeting last week.
“Lots of work is already underway on this project, which includes installing a large sliding glass door big enough for a hospital bed to fit through. The door opens onto an outdoor space surrounded by shrubs and flowers. There will also be new furniture placed in the room, all of which will ensure a comforting space for clients receiving a supportive type of care and their loved ones,” Tammie-Lee said.
“This space is so incredibly beneficial to clients staying in this particular room. Open space to the outdoors brings a more home-like environment and will allow clients to visit with their pets outdoors.”
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Meet our board of directors! |
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Introducing Interlake-Eastern RHA's 2021 board of directors!
Click here to read their profiles.
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Glen West (Selkirk) - Chair
Ruth Ann Furgala (Riverton) - Vice-chair
David Oakley (Teulon) - Treasurer
Michele Polinuk (Selkirk) - Secretary
Charlene Rocke (Winnipeg)
Amanda Stevenson (Lundar)
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Judith Cameron (Gimli)
Keith Poulson (Winnipeg)
Penny-Anne Wainwright (Eriksdale)
Lynette McDonald (Selkirk)
Debbie Fiebelkorn (East Selkirk)
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Congratulations to Robert Maytwayashing for receiving a prestigious Certificate of Merit from the University of Manitoba.
At a virtual event, the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences presented the award to recognize leadership with agricultural organizations and outstanding community service.
"I was both humbled and honoured to have received the Certificate of Merit from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Agriculture. Agriculture involves the planting of seeds in order to harvest a bountiful crop,” said Robert, who graduated with an agriculture diploma in 1990.
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“My history as an Indigenous person in this country we call Canada is a shared history for all that call this country home. The seeds of truth we plant today will produce a healthy, trusting and reciprocal relationship tomorrow. The future of our children depends on it.”
Since 2009, Robert has served as our Indigenous human resources development officer for IERHA. Through this role, he has created connections to attract Indigenous students into health-care careers.
In addition, he and his colleague Lori Buors, Indigenous HR development assistant, are responsible for delivering cultural awareness training to more than 3,200 staff members. Robert also worked with board and senior leadership to create an Indigenous subcommittee that has developed an Indigenous health strategic plan and is providing oversight for inclusive and anti-discrimination policies.
True to his agricultural roots, Robert owned and operated a cow-calf operation for 10 years. He also served his community in various ways, including as elected chief of Lake Manitoba First Nation from 2004 to 2006 and as Knowledge Keeper with Turtle Lodge in Sagkeeng First Nation.
Congratulations to Robert from your colleagues at Interlake-Eastern RHA for this outstanding achievement!
To read more, click here.
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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.
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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 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.
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