Community Update
May 2021
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A message from Dr. David Matear, CEO |
It is a busy time at Interlake-Eastern RHA and across our province as all of Manitoba continues to deal with the high demands that COVID-19 is placing on our intensive care units and on our health care system as a whole. This demand underscores the importance of vaccination. When staff and resources are focused on addressing COVID, others won’t be able to get the surgery, cancer treatments or other care they need because our resources are tied up. That means family members, community members and staff—who are already going above and beyond to provide care—all suffer because of individual's choices to refrain from getting vaccinated. I hope you will join me in doing all you can to encourage everyone in your circle to educate themselves about vaccination from reliable sources. In this issue, we've provided a few tips on how to enter into these conversations.
It is also a busy time in our region because we recently embarked on a journey to develop a new five-year strategic plan. Earlier this month, our board members and I met with stakeholders from around the region including municipal elected officials, First Nation health directors, local health involvement group volunteers, educational institution representatives and Interlake-Eastern RHA staff and physicians. It was good to hear different ideas and priorities from such a wide range of voices. These fruitful meetings will help a great deal in guiding our strategy and identifying areas for focus. Read more about the work completed so far.
Our region's My Health Teams are also growing. This is good news as these initiatives are providing better, more coordinated and more tailored care to people in our region. I encourage you to read about My Health Teams and their impact on patient care in this issue.
I am greatly impressed with staff across our region and the tremendous effort they have invested in maintaining care in our region and in finding ways to improve that care. Also, we continue to be touched by the kindness and compassion extended to health care workers during these difficult times.
Now is not the time to give up! Not when we are so close to returning to some of the joys we've all been missing for so long. Get vaccinated when you are able. Look after yourselves and your families. Come for care if you need to see a care provider - it's safe to do so. Continue treating others and your health care workers kindly. And please continue working with us as we improve health-care delivery and move towards a time and place where the pandemic is no longer such a pressing threat.
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What's in this issue?
COVID-19 vaccination efforts and information
Mental health supports and services
Routine Immunizations
Visitation at personal care homes
Interlake-Eastern Health Foundation
My Health Teams providing care closer to home
. . .and more!
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Glen West - Chair
Ruth Ann Furgala - Vice-chair
David Oakley - Treasurer
Michele Polinuk - Secretary
Judith Cameron
Debbie Fiebelkorn
Lynette McDonald
Charlene Rocke
Keith Poulson
Hermann Saxler
Amanda Stevenson
Penny-Anne Wainwright
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COVID-19 vaccination efforts ramp up |
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New COVID-19 vaccination supersite opening in Gimli May 29 |
On May 29, the region's second COVID-19 vaccination supersite will open at the Gimli Recreation Centre at 45 Centennial Road.
Eligible individuals can book their appointment online at ProtectMB.ca with an email address and health card number, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).
Some people can begin booking second-dose appointments as of today. Individuals who are immunocompromised or have other prioritized health conditions will be able to book their appointments first. Indigenous people will be eligible to book their second-dose appointments starting on May 24 at 11:45 a.m.
Remember, even when you are vaccinated, you still need to follow all public health guidelines to help keep everyone healthy and safe.
To view current eligibility requirements, learn about vaccinations, find a location near you and book an appointment visit ProtectMB.ca.
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Glen West, chair of the Interlake-Eastern RHA board of directors, and his wife Darlene both got their vaccines at the supersite in Selkirk.
"I want to also acknowledge the exceptionally well run vaccination process in Selkirk," Glen said. "All of the staff were competent, efficient and friendly. We’re fortunate to have such an amazing team!"
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The Gimli COVID-19 vaccination supersite at the Gimli Recreation Centre opens May 29 and appointments can already be booked. |
Tony Pimentel, mayor of Winnipeg Beach, was vaccinated with Astra-Zeneca at a local pharmacy.
“I think vaccination is very important if we all want to get back to seeing our family. I come from a big Portuguese family and we’re very family-oriented. There’s about 20 of us when we all get together, but that hasn’t happened for over a year." Tony said.
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Angie Dromo, one of many staff at the Selkirk Supersite receiving praise for their efforts. |
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Expressions of gratitude pouring in for staff at Selkirk COVID-19 vaccination supersite |
Recently, Dr. Sukhvinder Bedi complimented the entire staff at the Selkirk supersite, noting that they were “very professional in handling the entire procedure of vaccination inside the complex.” His younger daughter and son-in-law are both doctors in New Brunswick, and the local staff brought these family members to mind.
“It is indeed extremely heartening to see our frontline medical and support staff working tirelessly under such unprecedented challenging conditions,” said Sukhvinder, who has a PhD in business management and currently teaches at University of Manitoba’s extended education. “They deserve all the accolades for their selfless service.”
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Likewise, Louise Buelow-Smith expressed appreciation after she received her vaccination right on time – and maybe even a little early.
She described the staff at the Selkirk supersite as “efficient, friendly, competent, informed and caring.”
“In a time when the little things mean everything, WELL DONE!” exclaimed Louise, a retired registered nurse.
For the Selkirk supersite staff, your efforts are acknowledged and very much appreciated!
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How to talk to your friends and family about COVID-19 vaccines |
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Vaccines save two to three million lives each year and are amongst the greatest advances of modern medicine. The development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines was a huge step forward in our global effort to end the pandemic.
While this is great news, there are still some people who are skeptical or hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Chances are you know a person who falls into this category – maybe among your group of friends or in your family.
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If you're unsure of how to approach conversations about vaccines with vaccine skeptics you know, you’re not alone. Read some do’s and don’ts of navigating these difficult discussions from Dr. Saad Omer, Director at the Yale Institute for Global Health.
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Mental Health Support
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult as we all have had to change the way we work, socialize and live. Caring for your mental health is important in these times. Jill McConnell with the region's mental health and crisis services team, has some advice:
“We are all tired - an overwhelming amount of heavy life stuff tired, with feelings and situations that are unprecedented for us, for our children, for our health-care providers and system. I encourage compassion; compassion for others, for our children and our health care system. But most of all, I encourage compassion for ourselves. Be kind to yourself like you would to your most precious loved one. Be mindful of self-care and what that looks like for you. Know deep in your heart that if we continue to stay diligent and practice compassion that the hope on the horizon will brighten.”
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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 Care for Real World Challenges |
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Interlake-Eastern’s crisis stabilization unit offering virtual support through pandemic
The crisis stabilization unit is a nurse-managed, voluntary admission unit for people aged 15 and older experiencing a mental health or psychosocial crisis or other struggles in their lives. It’s an eight-bed unit, but because of physical distancing due to COVID-19, the unit has been reduced to just four beds.
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Inside the crisis stabilization unit |
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In order to continue providing care for people who need help, the team got creative and opened four virtual “beds”. These virtual beds allow individuals who are in a stable home environment to have an admission without leaving their home. Connecting with nurses by phone or video conferencing, individuals are able to meet with nursing staff daily, receive medication reminders, access resources and actively work on safety, wellness and crisis prevention planning.
Anna* is a 21-year-old living in the Interlake-Eastern health region who has benefitted from the new virtual approach.
“Life can get stressful, and sometimes it’s hard to manage those situations. But you can’t always just put life on hold to be somewhere else. Personally, I have a dog, a lizard, a house to maintain – other people might have a job or kids they can’t leave – so it is great that I can just call and sign myself up to connect with the help I need, when I need it.”
*Name changed at individual's request.
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Dr. Brock Wright, shown above at an Interlake-Eastern RHA AGM, held CEO positions at Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority as well as Shared Health. |
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Dr. Brock Wright Honoured With Endowment Fund |
Dr. Brock Wright has retired, but his career as a physician, senior administrator in several important positions, and his commitment to advancing health care in our province is being recognized. His friends and colleagues have set up the University of Manitoba Dr. Brock Wright Endowment Fund, which will provide a scholarship for a student in his or her final year of education at the Max Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.
For more information or to donate, click here.
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Don't forget about your routine immunizations |
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Preventing a disease is always better than treating it, which is why immunization is so important. With a heavy focus on COVID-19 vaccination these days, it may be easy to forget about routine immunizations for yourself and your children. Regular check ups and immunizations are integral to maintaining your health, and health care facilities remain safe places to go for care throughout the pandemic.
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Visitation at personal care homes more accessible
Until recently, visitation at personal care homes has been restrictive, which has been tough on everyone, especially residents who value seeing loved ones so much. Public health guidelines have of course been important to follow, in order to help keep everyone – especially our vulnerable residents – safe.
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We are so pleased that with the warmer weather, outdoor visitation has opened up, with the opportunity for two visitors including children (under 14 accompanied by an adult) to visit together within safe guidelines. Not only do visits brighten the day of residents, but they have longer-term importance in supporting their mental health, well-being and quality of life. Please spread the word that outdoor general visitation is possible under current public health guidelines.
While visitation is possible, there are still measures in place to help keep everyone safe, including screening upon arrival, hand hygiene, wearing a medical mask (provided by the personal care home) and no food or drink. Designated caregivers are to only visit their resident in their room or take them directly to the courtyard, and must maintain six feet distance from other residents and staff at all times. Window visits are not permitted, nor are visits to other residents’ rooms.
Anyone can book 30-minute visits with a resident in the indoor visitation shelter OR an outdoor visit by calling 1-888-531-0132. A designated family caregiver may book general visitation time to accompany a minor or another general visitor. Someone will be available in the visitation scheduling office to take your call Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please call at least two days prior to your visit as time slots are subject to availability. Note that outdoor visitation may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
We hope you will take the time to visit with residents, and inform anyone else who is able to come and spread some joy with you.
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We’re halfway there !
Nous sommes à mi-chemin !
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Here we are in 2021 of our 2018-2023 French Language Services Plan! Here is a quick summary of where we are.
Strategic directions for the plan are guided by provincial priorities. The key result areas that we focused on for the first half of the plan were:
- Increasing bilingual workforce serving designated centers
- Expanding and promoting use of technology
- Building internal capacity
- Supporting our bilingual staff
- Improving access to bilingual primary care providers
- Building internal capacity in customer service.
- Linking with community
Please refer to the French Language Services section of our annual reports for yearly updates at www.IERHA.ca>about us>annual reports for more information.
Moving forward to 2023, we will continue to build on current work, as well as:
- Prepare for implementation of Communication in Minority Language Situations Standard
- Explore existing bilingual personal care home models pending provincial approval.
Visit the French Language Services page by clicking on our icon for access to the French Languages Service Plan and let us know how we’re doing by completing our French Language Services questionnaire.
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Nous voici en 2021, à mi-chemin de notre Plan de services en français 2018-2023! Voici un survol de notre parcours à présent.
Nos orientations stratégiques pour le plan sont guidées par nos priorités provinciales. Les principaux domaines de résultats sur lesquels nous nous sommes concentrés pour la première moitié du plan sont les suivants :
- Augmenter la main-d'œuvre bilingue qui servent les centres désignés
- Développer et promouvoir l'utilisation des technologies
- Renforcement des capacités internes
- Soutenir le personnel bilingue
- Améliorer l'accès aux prestataires de soins primaires bilingues
- Renforcer les capacités internes en matière de service à la clientèle
- Établir des liens avec la communauté
Veuillez vous reporter à la section Services en langue française de nos rapports annuels pour obtenir des mises à jour annuelles www.IERHA.ca> about us > rapports annuels pour plus de renseignements.
À l'horizon 2023, nous continuerons à nous appuyer sur les travaux en cours, ainsi qu’à... :
- Préparer la mise en œuvre de la norme sur la communication dans les situations de langue minoritaire.
- Explorer les modèles existants de foyers de soins personnels bilingues en attende d'approbation de la province.
Veuillez consultez la page des services en français en cliquant sur notre icône pour accéder au Plan de services en français et nous donner votre avis en remplissant notre questionnaire sur les services en français.
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Seeking input on colon health testing |
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Your help is needed to spread the word:
First Nations people aged 50 to 74 from Interlake-Eastern are invited to provide input on colon health testing by participating in a phone call with Donna Anderson, community engagement liaison with Cancer Navigation Services. Anyone who qualifies and participates will receive a $25 gift card as a form of appreciation.
We are pleased to be involved with this initiative that will lead to the creation of resources and tools that will specifically address unique community needs.
For those who qualify, simply call or text Donna at 204-302-1313.
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This acknowledgment of a staff member who goes above and beyond in exhibiting Interlake-Eastern RHA’s values is by Glen West, chair of the board |
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Thank you to Candace Blahey, clinical team manager, Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital for this submission that highlights the work of Mallory Osbak, a health care aide at the hospital:
Every day Mallory will go out of her way to share a smile or a laugh and she takes time to get to know the patients. Mallory has positive relationships with patients that do not go unnoticed by management, unit nurses, the physician and, most importantly, patients’ families.
Mallory is a gifted guitar player and will often bring her guitar to have sing-a-longs with the patients. When she first started doing this she was self-conscious singing in front of the patients but she noticed the joy it brought to them and will now sing her little heart out. Mallory will often do this on her day off or will come in early for her shift to share her gift.
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Earlier this month, Mallory Osbak, health care aide at Teulon’s Hunter Memorial Hospital, was recognized as a Staff Star by our Board of Directors.
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One of the long-term patients was going to her “forever home”. The patient was apprehensive about the move to personal care home, because of the relationships that had been made at Teulon. Mallory took the time to write a song for this patient. When the lyrics were sung there was not a dry eye in the room. The beautiful gesture of writing a song not only touched the heart of the patient, but the staff and family as well.
Mallory is a positive light to the facility, her efforts make a difference in the lives of the patients. Mallory is appreciated and irreplaceable. The staff and patients of Teulon Hospital are lucky to have her. She defines the term “Hospital Hero”.
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Your donations can make a difference |
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When you become a donor to Interlake Eastern Health Foundation, you help to advance care for people in our region. Donors help fund new programs and equipment that improve the quality of care for individuals and their families. With your support and by working together, we can continue to enhance dedicated patient care in our region.
The foundation recently launched a physician giving program, to engage physicians and help to encourage others to join the cause. Thank you to Dr. Nicolas Van Rensberg and Dr. Joseph Partyka, who practise at the Beausejour Health Centre, for being the first donors to sign up for the campaign!
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“I see it as a privilege to give back to my community that has been the centre of my life for the last 20 years."
—Dr. Nicolas Van Rensburg
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“Every day I consider myself privileged to do a job I love, surrounded by all types of colleagues here and elsewhere whom I admire and respect. I’m happy to be able to give a bit back to directly help with patient care.”—Dr. Joseph Partyka |
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My Health Teams providing access to care closer to home |
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Interlake-Eastern RHA’s My Health Teams have been working to increase access to primary health care closer to home. Primary care is the first and longest-lasting health care relationship you will develop with doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and other care providers who are focused on helping you and your family stay healthy. They address your everyday health concerns and maintain a schedule of regular check-ups.
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My Health Teams bring together groups of primary care providers (whether located in the same office or connected virtually online) that work with you to make sure you get the care you need, when you need it. They are built around strong partnerships between you and your care providers and among the team taking care of you. Care providers work together to plan and deliver needed services for a geographic area or specific community or population.
Interlake-Eastern RHA has two My Health Teams. The Ashern/Hodgson Area My Health Team is evolving and addressing local care needs. This team has hired two mental health and addictions counsellor and a chronic disease nurse who are both taking new clients. They are also exploring options to bring on team members who can address physiotherapy and rehab needs of people in the area.
In addition to physicians, the Selkirk-Oakbank and area My Health Team includes a chronic disease nurse, brief treatment counsellors and community liaison counsellor who are supporting clients in the practices of Eveline Street Clinic, Selkirk Medical Associates in Selkirk and Kin Place in Oakbank. This team is hiring a pharmacist and will soon be recruiting a registered dietitian.
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Whose on your My Health Team?
Chronic disease nurse
Works with people to help them understand the chronic disease (diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure or cholesterol, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and stroke as examples) they live with
Community mental health and addictions worker
Works with people to assess mental health and well-being needs with a focus on recovery, and provides treatment and connection to resources.
Brief treatment counsellors
Offer evidence-informed, short-term counselling interventions for individuals whose mental health needs are likely to improve in a short time – typically six to eight sessions.
Community liaison counsellor
Provides short-term psychosocial counselling, support, education or system navigation for youth and adults experiencing acute distress due to issues that are impacting their health.
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Ashern/Hodgson Area My Health Team Steering Committee
Contributing to building this My Health Team are the First Nation communities of Lake Manitoba, Little Saskatchewan and Pinaymootang as well as local elders. Physician partners on the team include those practicing in Ashern and Eriksdale and those working with Ongomiizwin–Health Services, an interprofessional health agency affiliated with the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine, in Hodgson and Fisher Branch. Representatives from the Government of Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living are also contributing.
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Selkirk and area My Health Team Steering Committee
Medical practitioners from the practices of Selkirk Medical Associates, Eveline Street Clinic, and Oakbank are joined by representatives from Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Canadian Mental Health Association and the Province of Manitoba Health, Health and Seniors Care.
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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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