Selkirk QuickCare clinic is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends and most holidays. (Closed Christmas Day). Call 204-482-4399 to make a same-day appointment. Phones answered starting at 9:30 a.m.
For minor ailments and non-life threatening concerns virtual care is available through QDoc, a free, provincially funded, online platform that connects patients to doctors by video. Visit qdoc.ca for more information.
Some pharmacists have additional training that allows them to provide medications for conditions such as rashes or acne and some infections like recurring bladder infections. Please call before you attend to confirm the service you are seeking is available and that you are a candidate for treatment. To find a pharmacy near you, visit https://cphm.alinityapp.com/Client/CorporationDirectory.
Health Links – Info Santé is staffed with registered nurses and nurse practitioners who are available 24 hours a day every day of the year. Depending on patients’ described condition and community location in Manitoba, nurses can provide clinical guidance to contact a family physician or a walk-in clinic, present to an emergency department or to an urgent care centre and they can provide advice on self-care treatments at home. Call toll-free 1-888-315-9257.
If you’re caring for a sick child with a fever, visit www.ierha.ca and select “Patient Information” > “Where to go” > “Kid Care”. Helpful short videos featuring Dr. Andrea Wilkie-Gilmore, a pediatric emergency physician at Health Sciences Centre, will help to navigate questions about fever, symptoms, medicating and when to bring a child for emergency care.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, always call 911. In the event you need to visit an emergency department, visit “Emergency Dept. Schedules” to see emergency department status within the Interlake-Eastern health region. You can also call 1-886-267-5818 to select your community of choice and listen to a recorded message on emergency department status.
Memory trees offer a place to reflect on loss of loved ones
Memory trees offer a place to reflect on loss of loved ones
This year, there will be holiday memory trees in many facilities and public places for people to mark the loss of a loved one. Barb Ramsay, palliative care volunteer coordinator, says this is a significant way for people to process their grief and help themselves through the holidays.
“Every year we try to make the grieving process a little easier with the palliative care memory trees. We have all experienced loss and grief to some degree,” says Ramsay. “Support systems and ways to honor are an important part of the healing process.”
This year, Interlake-Eastern Health’s palliative care program has several places hosting memory trees to honor people who have passed away.
Southwest District Palliative Care(SWDPC) supports clients and their families specifically in the municipalities of Rockwood, Rosser, St. Laurent, Woodlands, part of Armstrong and the towns of Stonewall and Teulon, who are dealing with declining health or in need of grief support. SWDPC is now a part of the Nav-CARE program which facilitates the development of volunteer navigators to support persons living at home with declining health. The Board is thankful for donations and community support as SWDPC depends solely on both for its funding.
Traditionally, SWDPC also places Memory Trees in the South Interlake Regional Library branches of Teulon and Stonewall. Donation envelopes are available or can be made online.
Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities and the two libraries have memory card ornaments available to place on any of the trees for the communities, as well as any for patients, residents, families and employees in each area.
Below is a list of the locations and communities where Memory Trees can be found, each setup along with the help of RHA program staffand SWDPC Board members and volunteers. Everyone is invited to honor the memory of their loved onesand appreciate some time for reflection.
Arborg Personal Care Home
Ashern Hospital
Ashern Personal Care Home
Beausejour Hospital
Beausejour Primary Health Care Centre
Beausejour East Gate Lodge
Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oakbank
Eriksdale’s E.M. Crowe Hospital
Eriksdale Personal Care Home
Fisher Branch Personal Care Home
Gimli Hospital
Interlake-Eastern Health Services Building
Lac du Bonnet Primary Health Centre
Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home
Lundar Personal Care Home
Pinawa Hospital
Pinawa Mall
Selkirk Community Health Office
Selkirk Regional Health Centre
St. Laurent Community Health Centre
Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home (Stonewall)
Stonewall SIR Library (SWDPC)
Teulon SIR Library (SWDPC)
Teulon Hospital
Goodwin Lodge (Teulon)
Whitemouth & District Health Centre
Ramsay goes on to say that during the holiday season when so much focus is on family, it can be difficult for people who are grieving to feel like celebrating.
“These are meaningful gestures which are so important around any special day when our sorrow is heightened.”
Public and facility trees are set up now, and card ornaments for all ages will be placed with each tree.
Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), an Orthopoxvirus related to vaccinia, cowpox, and variola (smallpox) viruses. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever and other symptoms. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
For the most current and up to date information, including vaccine eligibility, see the Mpox website.
Preventive immunization for eligible people can be booked by contacting your Community Health Office.
Manitoba Government Adds 800 Hip and Knee Surgeries in Selkirk
More Surgeries at Selkirk Regional Health Centre Will Mean Lower Wait Times: Asagwara
The Manitoba government is making sure more families can get the care they need and enjoy their lives to the fullest by adding 800 hip and knee surgeries at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
“We want to see more Manitobans lead active lives with their families and see less Manitobans waiting in pain,” said Asagwara. “Adding more surgeries in the Interlake means more patients and families are getting the care they need. Cutting wait times for surgeries doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t have to fly across an ocean to get good care, we just need more staff in Manitoba. That’s what this announcement is all about. More surgeons, more nurses, more surgeries, and faster care for you.”
The Quick Care clinic in Selkirk is not accepting appointments today. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Please visit our Find Us page and click on “Clinics” to identify clinics accepting with walk-in appointments.
Health Links-Info Santé is a telephone health information service staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by knowledgeable, experienced nurses and is free of charge everywhere in Manitoba. If you’d like to speak with a nurse, call 204-788-8200 in Winnipeg or 1-888-315-9257 toll-free elsewhere in the province.
Is your child experiencing illness – please see these video resources with health information.
Not too late to get your respiratory virus vaccine
There’s still time to get your flu and Covid shots this respiratory season. Public health respiratory virus vaccine clinics are occurring until November 30.
Seasonal influenza, pneumococcal 20 and COVID-19 vaccine are available for those eligible as per Manitoba Health guidelines. Immunization with the most updated COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease.
Book an appointment by calling 1-844-626-8222 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday or by using the online booking system found at www.ierha.ca “Programs and Services” and “Annual Immunization Clinics”.
“Public health has immunized over 5,000 people against both COVID and flu this fall,” says Wendy Fontaine, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority manager health services, public health east. “Respiratory virus season is expected to last another three to four months, so there’s still time for people to protect themselves by getting the COVID and flu shots this fall.”
Respiratory virus shots are available for all ages with different doses administered according to age.
Parents with younger children are encouraged to check out www.ierha.ca, and click on “patient information”, “where to go” and “kid care” for tips on taking care of children experiencing respiratory illness and fever.
Immunizations are also available all season from community health offices, clinics and pharmacies.
Canada Post Service Disruption
In preparation for job action at Canada Post, Interlake-Eastern RHA paused use of Canada Post services on October 30, 2024. Interlake-Eastern RHA will be contacting patients with upcoming appointments by phone to provide information in advance of their appointments. If you have a scheduled surgery appointment, learn more about our surgery and endoscopy procedures.
Manitoba’s health system preparing for potential Canada Post service disruption
Manitoba’s health system is preparing for a potential service disruption if Canada Post employees strike.
Clinics and service areas have paused use of Canada Post for distribution of patient appointment letters and pre-appointment information. Interlake-Eastern RHA will be contacting patients with upcoming appointments by phone to provide information in advance of their appointments.
Acknowledging the life and accomplishments of The Honourable Murray Sinclair
Interlake-Eastern RHA is acknowledging the life and significant accomplishments of The Honourable Murray Sinclair who passed away Monday, November 4, 2024. Canadian flags at health facilities in Interlake-Eastern RHA will be at half mast until sundown on the day of his funeral.
He was raised on the former St. Peter’s Indian Reserve in the Selkirk area. A member of Peguis First Nation, he graduated from Selkirk Collegiate Institute as class valedictorian and Athlete of the Year. He also worked at the Selkirk Friendship Centre as an administrator and youth worker.
He went on to become a lawyer and then associate chief judge of the Manitoba Provincial Court, making him Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge and Canada’s second. In this role, he was co-commissioner of Manitoba’s Aboriginal Justice Inquiry that studied relationships between Indigenous people in Manitoba and the justice system. This report had a significant impact on law and legal policy in Canada, requiring courts to consider the backgrounds of Indigenous offenders and alternatives to prison when sentencing.
In November 2000, Sinclair completed the Report of the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Inquest, which led to significant changes in pediatric cardiac surgery in Manitoba and the study of medical and systemic errors in Canada.
In January 2001, he was the province’s first Indigenous person to be appointed as a judge to the Court of Queen’s Bench of Manitoba. While in this position, he was appointed to chair Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). As head of the TRC, he participated in hundreds of hearings across Canada, culminating in the issuance of the TRC’s report in 2015 and the 94 Calls to Action.
He was nominated by leaders of Manitoba’s Indigenous community for an appointment to Canada’s senate and was appointed in April 2016.
While in the Senate, he served on the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, as Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures and Rights of Parliament and as Chair of the Senate Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators Committee.
Awards and honours
National Aboriginal Achievement Award (1994)
Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
The Manitoba Bar Association
Equality Award (2001)
Distinguished Service Award (2016)
Canadian Bar Association President’s Award from the (2018)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research CouncilImpact Award (2019)
Confederation Centre of the Arts Symons Medal (2019)
Humane Canada Leadership and Innovation Award (2020)
Adrienne Clarkson Prize for Global Citizenship (2020)
Appointed a member of the Order of Manitoba (2024)
Honorary Doctorates from seventeen Canadian universities
Public input being incorporated into health planning
Survey and public meeting designed to inform Interlake-Eastern RHA’s strategic planning process
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s board members are updating the region’s strategic plan.
According to board chair Michele Polinuk, the voice of regional residents is a key component of effective planning .
“We want to update our strategic plan so that we’re collectively promoting health at an individual and community level. We are asking people to join us in planning a healthier future,” Polinuk said.
All residents of the region are invited to invest in completing an eight question survey designed to help understand contributions to better health. Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FD7X765
Survey closes 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, November 12.
Compiled responses will be presented for review at Interlake-Eastern RHA’s 2025-2030 Strategic Focus meeting that will take place virtually Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. Visit https://tinyurl.com/IERHAPlanPartner for meeting details.
“We can work together to positively influence health,” Polinuk said.
Every Vaccine Counts!
Mark your calendars! It’s once again time to book flu/Covid respiratory season shots.
Public health will host more than 70 immunization clinics in 42 different communities across the region this year. This year’s seasonal influenza campaign will start on Oct. 15 and continue through to Nov. 30.
“This is a time of the year where respiratory and non-respiratory viruses start impacting our health and the health of our family. Immunizations remain the cornerstone of infectious disease control and prevention in our province,” says Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority regional medical officer of health Dr. Tim Hilderman.
Seasonal influenza, pneumococcal 20 and COVID-19 vaccine will be available for those eligible as per Manitoba Health guidelines. Immunization with the most updated COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for previously vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 infection or severe disease.
Book an appointment by calling 1-844-626-8222 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday or by using the online booking system found at Immunization Clinics (ierha.ca)
Please note:
Bring your Manitoba Health Card and wear a short-sleeved shirt.
Some walk-in appointments available. Please see the online vaccine provider map on Immunization Clinics (ierha.ca) for walk-in details.
Please practice good hand-washing.
Do not come to your appointment if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Please come right at your appointment time to avoid congestion.
Immunizations are already being offered to clients and families in personal care homes across the region. Roll-out of the immunizations to home care clients and family will commence this week.
Upcoming BreastCheck Clinics
Women age 50-74 should call for an appointment: 1-855-95-CHECK
Pine Falls
Pine Falls Health Complex
37 Maple Street
October 8-23, 2024
Hollow Water
Adam Hardisty Health Centre
October 28-29, 2024
Call Adam Hardisty Health Centre to book: 204-363-7364
Lac du Bonnet
Lac du Bonnet Health Centre
89 McIntosh Street E
October 30 – November 6, 2024
Pinawa
Pinawa Hospital
30 Vanier Drive
November 12-14, 2024
Whitemouth
Whitemouth District Health Centre
75 Hospital Street
November 18-20, 2024
Interlake-Eastern RHA annual general meeting attracts over 110 participants
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s virtual annual general meeting on Oct. 7 saw more than 110 staff and community members login virtually to hear the region’s planned activities and a summary of the past year.
Cyndi Typliski, vice chair of the board of directors, was the master of ceremonies. The meeting opened with a prayer from Ferdinand Funk, spiritual care coordinator for the region.
Board chair Michele Polinuk talked about the region’s population and demographics. She noted the cultural diversity that is historically part of the region and that continues to shape it today with the arrival of newcomers. In addition to reviewing the board’s governance structure and priorities of the board this year, she also announced the four winning staff members of the Chair’s Award for Excellence in Customer Service.
“Staff members submitted 22 outstanding nominations this year and every one of these people reflects the culture we are building in this organization,” Polinuk said.
To the winners Polinuk said, “How you choose to show up to work, what you bring to your workplace, and how you make the people around you feel good is inspiring to us all!”
She recognized the following staff members:
Jamie Brown, Selkirk Regional Health Centre’s health services manager for obstetrics, patient flow and social work. Jamie always takes the lead in complex obstetrical situations and makes sure staff feel supported and that patients receive the best care and advocacy possible.
Barb Ramsay, palliative care volunteer coordinator exemplifies the values of the health authority through her work in leading Camp Stepping Stones, the region’s grief camp for children who have experienced the death of a loved one. Her impact is evident in the standing ovation she received at the end of the weekend.
Ashley Braun, registered nurse at Selkirk Regional Health Centre was recognized for providing compassionate, competent patient care while using her critical thinking to investigate patient care plans. Her collaborative approach to work with other staff members helps move patients to discharge home.
Housekeeping aide Karen Schreyer stands out for her profound impact on both residents and peers in Fisher Personal Care Home. She consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of support services needs and addresses them with both compassion and efficiency, making her a true asset to the region’s health team.
Chief executive officer, Marion Ellis, provided a review of the region’s work and she was joined by the RHA’s executive lead, human resources Julene Sawatzky to provide an overview of the region’s successful training and recruitment initiatives.
Receiving the CEO Award for Community Leadership was Yvonne Oxer, a registered nurse who invested more than 50 years working in the health region. She suspended her retirement to help Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority open its first transitional care unit. This new unit in Selkirk prepares people for their return home or for a move to a new place of residence.
“Yvonne jumped in and really worked with the team,” Ellis said adding that the unit Oxer was instrumental in establishing is helping patients from all over the region receive appropriate care.
Other speakers included Dr. Tim Hilderman, medical officer of health for Interlake-Eastern RHA who addressed the role of vaccinations as a cornerstone of infectious disease control. Presenting the finance report were Murray Werbeniuk, chair of the finance committee of the board, and Lorianne Kowaliszyn, IERHA’s executive lead of corporate services and chief financial officer.
A recording of IERHA’s AGM and the IERHA 2023-2024 Annual Report document can be accessed at www.ierha.ca under “About us” and “Annual General Meeting”.
Chair’s Award winner, Jamie Brown, health services manager
Chair’s Award, Barb Ramsay, palliative care coordinator
Chair’s Award winner, Ashley Braun, registered nurse
Chair’s Award winner, Karen Schreyer, housekeeping aide
Tentative agreement reached with CUPE and MGEU
We are pleased to share that a tentative agreement has been reached with both CUPE and MGEU. This means that the anticipated work stoppage scheduled to begin earlier today will not occur at this time.
Work to resume normal operations and reschedule affected appointments will occur over the coming days. For most patients, residents and clients, health-care services will continue as planned today.
Some disruption can still be expected for patients and clients whose appointments and surgeries may have been postponed in anticipation of a work stoppage.
If you have been affected by a change in service or some other disruption to your scheduled health services, you can expect to be contacted directly with an update or a rescheduled appointment.
We are working with our teams to support a smooth return to normal operations and appreciate your ongoing understanding as our dedicated staff do their best to support the care of all patients, residents and clients.
We recognize the planning work for a potential work stoppage has been disruptive. We thank you for your understanding.
