Interlake-Eastern Health Services is located at 100 Easton Drive

The Selkirk Home Care, Cancer Navigation Services, Palliative Care and Speech Language offices previously located at the Selkirk Community Health Office at 237 Manitoba Ave. have moved to the Interlake-Eastern Health Services building at 100 Easton Drive. The move to Interlake-Eastern Health Services increases the clinic space to serve clients.

Please note, clients receiving care at this location will be by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted.

The phone and fax numbers for these program areas remain the same.

Palliative Care Nurse: 204-785-7536

Selkirk Cancer Navigation Services: 204-785-7400

Selkirk Home Care Offices: 204-785-7537

Speech Language Services: 204-785-7730

Questions? Please contact our Corporate Office Reception at 1-855-347-8500 or email [email protected]

It’s National Immunization Week from April 22 to 30, 2024 — and this year, it is important for Manitobans to check if they are up to date with vaccinations.

“Vaccinations help your body create an immune response against disease and protect you and your family from getting sick,” says Marcy Timchishen, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority Immunization Co-ordinator. “Infectious diseases and illnesses such as polio, measles, meningitis and whooping cough are serious concerns for public health due to being highly contagious. However, thanks to the introduction of vaccines to modern medicine, these conditions are now preventable.”

Vaccine recommendations are updated over time as new evidence and findings come forward. This can sometimes make it difficult for people to know which vaccines they need and which vaccines they are eligible for. Some might not realize that they need to get caught up on their vaccines. For example, adults and pregnant people may not know that they need to get immunized against certain diseases.

Some may think that vaccines are just for kids — but, in fact, immunizations are needed throughout the lifespan. Most people aren’t aware that they need a tetanus shot until they visit the emergency room due to sustaining an injury. All adults require a tetanus booster every 10 years. For those who have not had an adult dose of whooping cough, they are eligible for that as well.

Timchishen said that National Immunization Awareness Week is a good time for Manitobans to speak to their health-care provider or public health nurse about updating their children’s or their own vaccinations.

“Public Health encourages all health-care providers to take the opportunity, when presented, to ensure that their client’s or patient’s immunization records are up to date,” she said.

Manitoba Health provides publicly funded vaccines to Manitoba residents who are registered with Manitoba Health, per Manitoba’s routine immunization schedule and vaccine eligibility criteria. Over the last couple months, Public Health has been focusing efforts on ensuring that those who are eligible for measles vaccination are up to date due to a significant rise in measles cases in many parts of the world and with some cases occurring in differing provinces across the country.

Public Health has also been administering more meningitis vaccine due to a recent change in the preschool routine immunization schedule in order to offer better protection against different strains that are circulating in the province.

For example, children over the age of 12 months and born after Jan. 1, 2020, are eligible for a Meningococcal Quadrivalent Vaccine even if they have had their routine Meningococcal C Vaccine.

During National Immunization Awareness Week, Public Health Nurses across the region will be increasing their outreach efforts to raise awareness of immunizations. There are clinics happening throughout the region as well as information boards, posters and community advertising around the importance of getting your vaccines up to date. Anyone with questions regarding their own or their child’s immunization records, who want to schedule an appointment or are unsure if all immunizations are up to date, are encouraged to please contact their local public health nurse www.ierha.ca/find-us

To learn more about recommended vaccination schedules for children and adults, visit:

• www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/schedules.html

For more information regarding vaccines and their importance, visit:

• https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/about.html

Please note, due to unexpected circumstances, the Quick Care Clinic will be closing at 2:30 p.m. today. It will reopen with phones answered (204-482-4399) at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow morning for same-day appointments.

Interlake-Eastern RHA extends thanks to volunteers

This year for National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 14-20), Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority is acknowledging 343 people from around the region who are donating their time as volunteers in health facilities and programs.

The theme for volunteer appreciation is “Be in the moment, because every moment counts.”

“This theme captures the notion that life is made up of moments and the ones we spend helping others are some of the most meaningful and rewarding,” says Interlake-Eastern RHA CEO, Marion Ellis. “Volunteers are an important part of the region’s work every day of the year. Thank you.”

On behalf of residents of the region, IERHA’s board chair, Michele Polinuk extends her thanks to volunteers.

“The IERHA board of directors thanks and applauds each volunteer for their tireless service throughout the year,” says Michele Polinuk, Interlake-Eastern RHA 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.”

Anyone interested in volunteering with the region can choose from several opportunities. Personal care home resident and patient support includes reading, activities and crafts, assisting with meal times and transportation and more. The palliative care program is seeking volunteers for this year’s annual grief camp, held at Camp Arnes, for children that runs May 31-June 2.

To identify interest in volunteering for Camp Stepping Stones please contact Barb Ramsay, Interlake-Eastern RHA’s volunteer coordinator, [email protected], 1-855-494-7369.

The spiritual care program is running another ‘Spirit of Caring’ course in Stonewall Hospital (Multipurpse Room A & B ) to train people who want to volunteer and/or learn more about spiritual health, dying and death, spiritual development and trauma and crisis. The course takes place every Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. from April 26 to June 28. Additional training dates and locations will be identified for the fall as well.

To identify interest in signing up for the ‘Spirit of Caring’ course please contact Ferdinand Funk, Regional Spiritual Health Services Coordinator by phoning 204-461-3414 or emailing [email protected] by April 24, 2024.

Learn more about other volunteer opportunities here:

www.ierha.ca/about-us/community-involvement/volunteer-opportunities/

Be in the moment, because every moment counts

Gerry Grienke, 76, has been volunteering at Kin Place Personal Care Home for 13 years. He started when his father-in-law, Andrew Paterson was a resident and he continued volunteering after Andrew passed 10 years ago. Gerry helps out with the bingo for 15 to 20 residents at Kin Place and one resident calls him the “Bingo Man” when she sees him in the hall.

“Lots of people in personal care homes have great stories and personalities. Sometimes they tell you the same story more than once but you get used to that – I always act like it’s the first time I’m hearing it,” Gerry said.

His favourite parts of volunteering have a lot to do with the connections he makes.

“I like the people and the staff. The staff keep me informed on what’s happening with the residents. I tell people to give volunteering in a personal care home a chance – you may be pleasantly surprised by the people. If you like talking to people and chatting I think you will really enjoy it like I do.”

Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced the upcoming provincial budget will include funding to build a new personal care home in Lac du Bonnet. Read more about this commitment to build

Watch a recording of the announceme nt

Due to a water leak found in the crawl space of the dialysis unit of Ashern Lakeshore General Hospital yesterday evening, March 12^th 2024, dialysis patients will be receiving treatment at alternate facilities. No other programs in Ashern are affected by this. Resumption of dialysis services in Ashern is still to be determined.

There has been a significant rise in measles cases in many parts of the world, with several cases recently detected in Canada. Immunization is the best way to protect against measles. Protection against measles is especially important for people planning travel. Check your immunization status, especially if you are travelling outside of Canada, to ensure you are protected. Individuals are encouraged to be alert for measles symptoms, especially if you have recently travelled. Read more about measles symptoms and vaccine recommendations.

Julene Sawatzky, regional lead for human resources for Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA), said strong connections with education institutes are crucial to stabilize staffing.

“Working in health care has to become more accessible, so expanding the number of ways that people can enter the health workforce is critical,” she said.

“Since many health careers require training by certifying bodies — including registered nurse, licensed practical nurse (LPN) and certified health-care aide —we have cultivated strong working relationships with post-secondary institutions working in the region. Currently we’re working with Assiniboine Community College and Red River College Polytechnic. University of Manitoba is also a major partner for registered nurses, where a key focus is increasing practicum placements in the region.”

In addition, community-based organizations like Fieldstone Ventures education and training centre are working to connect communities to local post-secondary training.

“The partnership between Fieldstone Ventures and the community of Arborg would be a key example that has successfully brought licensed practical nursing and certified health-care aide training to that part of the northwest part of the region,” Sawatzky said.

“Similarly, the community of Beausejour and surrounding municipalities have worked to secure a building and have licensed practical nursing and certified health-care aide training brought to their community through Assiniboine Community College’s rotating LPN training. This IERHA-dedicated training is wrapping up in Arborg after graduating two consecutive classes of LPNs.”

In spite of these programs, Sawatzky said some people in local communities across the region still face barriers to gain employment in health care.

“Travel to a different community may not be an option and taking any time off from paid employment may not be feasible. For this reason, starting in June 2023, we piloted a community-based health-care aide micro-credential on-the-job training opportunity in five communities as a way of removing barriers that many face in joining the health workforce,” she said.

“This pilot project brought training and employment opportunities to the communities of Fisher Branch, MASH (Manigotagan, Agaming, Seymourville, Hollow Water First Nation), Selkirk, Lake Manitoba First Nation and Lac du Bonnet. Among those five communities, 34 individuals gained training and an opportunity to work in their community in a personal care home or in home care.”

For those interested in health-care education, here are a few options close to home provided by some of the training institutions that are currently in collaboration with IERHA.

Fieldstone Ventures

Fieldstone Ventures aims to facilitate skills development and training opportunities for adults in the northwest Interlake region. For more than two decades, Fieldstone Ventures has worked with communities all the way from St. Laurent to Dauphin River.

“We travel to all the communities within our region and the five First Nations when time permits. In the last six years, we have moved over to the Arborg area with the intentions of offering the same services there as what is offered here along Highway 6,” Fieldstone Ventures manager Julie Bergner said.

“The services we provide are not available north of Selkirk, so we felt it a fit to join in with Arborg when approached on the opportunity to bring LPN training to the area.”

Over the past four years, Fieldstone Ventures, ACC, community representatives and IERHA have partnered on the LPN program locally. Since the Central Interlake Training Facility opened in Arborg, one LPN training program has concluded and the second is now underway with graduation expected to occur this spring. Of the 25 graduates from the first course offering, 16 took positions with IERHA.

“We work back and forth on identifying what positions need to be filled and constantly work on bringing training to the region locally. The staff at IERHA have been amazing to work with,” Bergner said.

“We also ran a successful health-care aide program in 2016-17, which saw 16 students graduate and all 16 obtaining work in the area. The training facility is within a 100-kilometre radius of the areas we serve so it can be accessed by people within our catchment area. We currently have seven students in the LPN training in Arborg who reside on the west side, with 15 students in the class in total.”

When it comes to community partnerships, Bergner said they’re all working towards the same goal — to bring training and employed personnel to the area.

“Having a diversified board of directors helps get the message out. Our board of directors is comprised of different organizations, including IERHA and one member from each of the municipal councils, as well as the Lakeshore School Division,” she said.

“We are funded through Manitoba Jobs & Skills Development Centre to provide the employment assistance services to the regions, so we follow their guidelines when it comes to training and employment.”

Fieldstone Ventures is always seeking new board members, and all board meetings are open to the public.

“Most of the members now are from the Ashern area. We would welcome new members from surrounding communities. This we feel would benefit their groups as well. We are not limited to only training in Ashern or Arborg,” she said. “If we can find suitable facilities in other locations, we would entertain bringing training there also.”

Fieldstone Ventures tries to offer courses that are in demand, including those to train nursing and health-care aides.

“We offered a paramedic training course in 2010 and this is something we are looking at again. In most cases, the training we offer through the colleges and universities must meet the labour market demand,” Bergner said.

“If the jobs are not available at the end of training, we will not bring it forward. We work with IERHA and Manitoba Jobs & Skills Development Centre from Selkirk to determine the needs and go from there.”

Anyone looking for information on training through Fieldstone Ventures can call their office at 204-768-3797. Bergner said they’re always open to training suggestions.

Assiniboine Community College

Similarly, Assiniboine Community College aims to transform lives and strengthen Manitoba through applied education and research — including opportunities in local communities.

“Assiniboine Community College is very much about bringing education closer to home in all rural Manitoba communities, and, as such, works in partnership with industry to meet labour market demand,” said Suzanne Nicolas, dean of nursing at Assiniboine Community College.

Community partnerships pave the way to determine if education programs meet industry needs and offer evolving opportunities. At the same time, Assiniboine Community College maintains a collaborative relationship with IERHA so it can respond to the region’s needs and bring education closer to home.

Assiniboine Community College has offered a comprehensive health-care aide program and practical nursing program in the Interlake-Eastern region. More courses are coming up in Beausejour for both programs.

“When students can stay in their home communities to study, they typically will stay and work in their community. This certainly builds capacity in the region, is good for economic growth and responds to the labour shortage and demand,” Nicolas said.

“We are always looking for partnerships with communities and regional health authorities. Currently the School of Nursing meets regularly with regional health authorities to connect with communities. We continue to have conversations with IERHA to meet the educational needs of potential students closer to home to meet the labour market demand.”

RRC Polytech

RRC Polytech is committed to a continuous transformation of its learning model to meet emerging needs. Education options are flexible with a blend of virtual and course-based delivery models, including in-community training.

“Virtual and blended learning models allow students to study in the community or from home with hands-on skills assessments either on campus or at a centralized location,” said Darlene Bouvier, regional campus manager.

“Our course-based registration model allows for part-time, full-time, day or evening learning opportunities to meet the needs of learners who may be moving into a new career, underemployed or unemployed and may need alternate dates and times to complete their learning.”

Community partnerships are critical since students can learn directly and complete hands-on practicums locally, she added. From there, they can transition smoothly from practicum into jobs to support local employment needs.

“The college provides flexible wrap-around supports including students services, tutoring, study sessions, counselling, accessibility services and access to mentors and Elders,” Bouvier said.

“For example, in Sagkeeng First Nation, we delivered a health-care aide program where students studied with the support of the community and family. The opportunity for local training removes barriers related to access to childcare, transportation and the challenges and costs of moving outside of the community to receive an education where the learner may not otherwise have this opportunity.”

RRC Polytech provides dual credit opportunities locally throughout Manitoba in partnerships with schools and adult learning centres. Students can achieve their Grade 12 certificate alongside an RRC Polytech health-care aide or health unit clerk certificate, plus many other program options.

Partnerships within industries, such as health authorities, are essential, she added.

“IERHA is one of the region’s largest employers, and our partnership ensures collaboration on employment needs, supports training throughout the region and supports students with work experience that leads directly to job offers — and often times multiple job offers due to the extensive need for health-care professionals throughout the region,” Bouvier said.

“Our partnerships are the core of our success. They enable us to extend our resources, leverage our partners’ strengths, accelerate progress in innovation and research, and expand our reach.”

Looking ahead, RRC Polytech is committed to the continued development and expansion of community partnerships to reach all learners. Part-time virtual and blended options will be available this fall through Interlake and Peguis Fisher River campuses. Evening and weekend options are available through continuing education.

“We deliver multiple programs where learners can participate anywhere in the region with our blended learning model. Students may need to travel for testing and practicum; however, a large portion can be done in community or, if the student prefers, on campus. Students can take this full time, reduced work load or part time to meet individual needs,” Bouvier said.

“With the opportunity for virtual, in-community and flexible blended learning models, this opens the door for expanded learning opportunities throughout rural Manitoba.”

University of Manitoba

The University of Manitoba also creates connections with local communities through the College of Nursing.

Jennifer Dunsford, director of clinical education for the College of Nursing, said many nursing students benefit from clinical placements in rural settings, including those in Interlake-Eastern communities.

“We really value the opportunity to work with Interlake-Eastern RHA. There’s such a rich potential for great experiences for our students that they wouldn’t necessarily get doing a specialty placement in a tertiary care setting. If you’re in a rural setting, you might get orthopedic, burns, trauma, palliative care, labour and delivery,” she said. “If at all possible, we strongly encourage students to consider doing a rural placement at some point within their program.”

At the same time, rural communities benefit from students pursuing clinical placements in their facilities.

“Rural hospitals are having staffing crunches just like everywhere else. We find that the more a student is exposed to a certain environment or facility or area, the more likely they are to request that for their senior practicum — and very often senior practicum students get hired right onto the unit that they did their final placement on,” Dunsford said.

“So we’re hoping that that will help to address some of the staffing shortage across the province as well by expanding the placement opportunities. It’s been quite successful. Our students tend to enjoy their time in rural hospitals and I think they get a great experience.”

To learn more about local health-care education opportunities, visit https://www.ierha.ca/careers/educational-opportunities/.

Healthy Together Now (HTN) is a community-led grassroots program that helps prevent chronic diseases in Manitoba. Starting now, community organizations can apply for funding for prevention activities in the areas of physical activity, healthy eating, tobacco prevention and reduction, and mental well-being.

Interlake-Eastern RHA provides funds through Healthy Together Now for community organizations interested in decreasing chronic disease in their communities.

“The Interlake-Eastern RHA is awarding funding to community groups addressing health and wellness issues in their communities. Applications are currently being accepted and grants will be awarded in late Spring. All programs are encouraged to apply,” says Shannon Montgomery, director health services; public health & wellness.

Applicants must complete an online application outlining the proposed project, the budget, partners involved, and target population. The fund covers activities directly related to the programming offered. Applications will be reviewed by the Interlake-Eastern Healthy Together Now Steering Committee to ensure grant criteria is met.

Community meetings are being held across Interlake-Eastern region for any groups interested in applying for funds. The meetings are held to review potential projects and for community to review and recommend projects for funding. Participation in a community meeting is required in order to access funding. Community meeting dates are scheduled from March 13-22^nd.

All applicants should discuss projects with their Interlake-Eastern RHA contact.

For more information please visit: www.ierha.ca/programs-services/life-style/healthy-together-now/

Questions? Call 1-877-979-WELL(9355) or email [email protected]

Healthy Together Now is coordinated by Interlake-Eastern RHA and supported by Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care.

Camp Stepping Stones will be back in person from Friday May 31^st to Sunday, June 2 and is looking for volunteers and campers! This camp is geared for kids aged seven to 17 who have recently lost a parent or somebody close to them. Volunteers create a safe environment for kids to explore their grief alongside other youth who are also grieving.

Cameron Benedictson, 33, occupational safety and health officer with Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, lost his father when he was in his twenties so he knows what is like to lose someone close to him.

“I volunteered at camp last year for the first time. I saw that they needed volunteers and

I thought it was a great idea for kids to go away for a weekend and see other kids who are going through something similar. They learn they aren’t alone,” says Benedictson who will be volunteering again this year. “They get to go have fun.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can fill out an application form that is available at https://www.ierha.ca/programs-services/palliative-care/camp-stepping-stones/

Different volunteer options are available, such as serving as cabin leaders and helping with activities.

In addition to volunteers, Camp is also still accepting applications for campers are also available at https://www.ierha.ca/programs-services/palliative-care/camp-stepping-stones/

“Volunteers are needed to help campers with a variety of activities ranging from sewing and crafts to ziplining and archery,” said Barb Ramsay, Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator, “Volunteers are welcome to come for the whole weekend or for a few hours.”

For more information, contact Barb at [email protected], 1-855-494-7369 or 204-785-7542 or visit: https://www.ierha.ca/programs-services/palliative-care/camp-stepping-stones/

Please be advised our clinics, x-rays and labs will be closed this upcoming Monday. In event of emergency, please call 911 to view the nearest emergency department schedules here: Emergency Department Schedules (ierha.ca)

Learn more about the contributions of Louis Riel and Métis peoples to our province.: Louis Riel Day – Shared Health (sharedhealthmb.ca)

Please be advised the Quick Care Clinic phone lines are down. Please email [email protected] to relay a message to staff onsite.

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The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, as a Trustee, is bound by The Personal Health Information Act (hereinafter called PHIA). Pursuant to PHIA, the Interlake-Eastern RHA is required to protect the confidentiality and privacy of its patients’ and clients’ personal health information. As a result, the Interlake-Eastern RHA will not disclose personal health information except as may be allowed and required by PHIA. The Interlakeu0002Eastern RHA requires that its employees, volunteers, students, and others associated with the Interlake-Eastern RHA act in this manner. All employees and those associated with the Interlake-Eastern RHA must be provided with PHIA education and understand their obligation to comply with PHIA and the Interlakeu0002Eastern RHA’s policies regarding the confidentiality of personal and personal health information. WHAT IS THE PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION ACT (PHIA)? PHIA is provincial legislation that incorporates the common law right of an individual to examine and receive a copy of his or her personal health information. It also limits and controls the manner in which personal health information is collected, used, disclosed, stored and destroyed. We are required to protect the privacy and confidentiality of all personal health information obtained, handled, learned, heard or viewed in the course of our work or association with the Interlake-Eastern RHA. The purpose of PHIA is to protect the confidentiality of information provided by individuals to health care professionals so as to ensure that personal health information is protected and individuals are not afraid to seek health care or to disclose sensitive information to health care professionals. PHIA policies are found in the Interlake-Eastern RHA’s General Administration Manual, under section 7, Health Information. WHAT IS PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION? All information, whether recorded or exchanged verbally about an identifiable individual that relates to:  The individual’s name, health or health care history, including genetic information, about the individual or the individual’s family;  What is learned or observed, including conduct or behaviour, which may be a result of illness or the effect of treatment;  The provision of health care to the individual. Individuals include co-workers or families of co-workers when they are patients/clients of the Interlake-Eastern RHA;  Payment for health care provided to the individual and includes:  the personal health identification number (“PHIN”) and any other identifying number, symbol or particular assigned to an individual, and  any identifying information about the individual that is collected in the course of, and is incidental to, the provision of health care or payment for health care.  The individual’s personal information, including financial position, home conditions, domestic difficulties or any other private matters relating to the patient/client which have been disclosed to staff or persons associated with the Interlake-Eastern RHA. GA-7-F-6131 PHIA Education Document Pledge of Confidentiality Revised: May 26, 2023 Page 2 of 7 DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION  Means an individual’s name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. If information is demographic or his or her PHIN, it can be used to confirm eligibility for health care or payment for health care, verify the accuracy of the demographic information or PHIN, used to collect a debt the individual owes to the trustee, to verify the individual’s eligibility for a program services or benefit, and to assist police in locating an individual reported as being missing. While you are performing your duties with the Interlake-Eastern RHA, you are responsible to:  Keep all patient and client personal health information confidential and private. Do not discuss any patient or client information with anyone who does not need to know this information to do his or her Interlake-Eastern RHA job.  Do not share any patient or client personal health information or any other information provided to you:  In the presence of someone who does not need to know this information  In public places, (i.e., cafeteria, elevators, off premises)  You are required to ensure that all personal health information is properly secured and maintained to protect its confidentiality and to ensure that it is safe from accidental loss or destruction.  Authorized personnel who need to transport personal health information outside the Interlakeu0002Eastern RHA’s premises are required to store laptops, charts, or files in the trunk of their vehicle during transportation and must never leave this information in the trunk of a vehicle in an area of high risk of theft.  All confidential material must be disposed of by an approved method (i.e. shredding).  Anyone faxing personal health information needs to take precautions by using an approved fax cover sheet which clearly indicates that the fax contains privileged or confidential information, that unauthorized disclosure is prohibited, and that the sender should be notified immediately and the original destroyed in the event that it is received by someone other than the intended recipient.  If you are not sure what is the appropriate thing to do in a specific situation, discuss it with your supervisor, manager, site Privacy Officer, or the Interlake-Eastern RHA Regional Privacy Advisor at 785-7240.  Report all suspected breaches of confidentiality immediately to your supervisor/manager. The supervisor/manager must report the suspected breach to the Regional Privacy Advisor in a timely manner and complete an occurrence report. A Breach of Confidentiality Occurs When:  Information is accessed when you don’t need it to do your job.  Personal health information is shared with another employee who does not need it to do their job.  Personal health information is shared with someone outside of the Interlake-Eastern RHA who is not authorized to know the information.  Where consent is required and there is a lack of consent from the patient or authorized representative to share the information.  Patients or clients are identifiable when information is disclosed and patient identification is not authorized. IF a breach of confidentiality is confirmed, discipline may include:  Verbal warning  Written warning  Suspension  Termination of employment GA-7-F-6131 PHIA Education Document Pledge of Confidentiality Revised: May 26, 2023 Page 3 of 7 If convicted of an offence under PHIA, the courts may fine you up to $50,000. A confirmed breach of confidentiality may be reported to the individual’s professional regulatory body. PHIA Policies You are required to have read and understand the following Interlake-Eastern RHA PHIA policies. These policies are summarized below. The complete policies are found in the Interlake-Eastern RHA General Administration Manual, Section 7. Confidentiality of Personal Health Information GA-7-P-50  To ensure that personal health information is protected so that individuals are not afraid to seek health care or to disclose sensitive information to health professionals.  To ensure that personal health information is protected during its collection, use, disclosure, storage, and destruction within the Interlake-Eastern RHA.  All employees and persons associated with the Interlake-Eastern RHA are required to sign a Personal Health Information Pledge of Confidentiality (Appendix A) after having read the PHIA Education Document provided to them.  All employees are required to attend a supplemental PHIA education session provided at regional orientation.  All employees are responsible for protecting the security of all personal health information (oral or recorded in any form) that is obtained, handled, learned, heard or viewed in the course of his/her work or association with the Interlake-Eastern RHA.  Use or disclosure of personal health information is acceptable only in the discharge of one’s responsibilities and duties (including reporting duties imposed by legislation) and based on the need to know. Discussion regarding personal health information shall not take place in the presence of persons not entitled to such information or in public places (elevators, lobbies, cafeterias, off premises, etc.).  Unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment/contract/association/appointment. Access to Personal Health Information GA-7-P-52  The provisions of The Mental Health Act (Manitoba) take precedence over any conflicting provisions in The Personal Health Information Act.  Individuals have the right to examine and receive copies of their personal health information.  Requests for access to information should be in writing. A Request to Access Personal Health Information form is available for completion (attached to Policy GA 7-52).  Responding to requests for personal health information regarding care currently being provided:  Where a request to examine Personal Health Information is about a hospital in-patient, a member of the Health Care Team or designate shall be present and make the Personal Health Information available for examination only within 24 hrs. after receiving the request. Copies requested must be provided as soon as reasonably possible.  Where a request is from an individual who is not a hospital in-patient, a member of the Health Care team or designate shall make the Personal Health Information available for examination and if requested, a copy of the information must be provided to the requestor within 72 hrs. after receiving the request.  All other requests for information must be provided within 30 days.  Privacy Officers or designates coordinate requests for access to information.  Health care providers may show or share copies of personal health information to clients during assessment, consultation, care and treatment. Access must be documented on the health record.  The request and response for personal health information shall be included in the client’s health record. GA-7-F-6131 PHIA Education Document Pledge of Confidentiality Revised: May 26, 2023 Page 4 of 7  Requests for personal health information may be refused for reasons specified in The Personal Health Information Act. Collection of Personal Health Information GA-7-P-54  Collect only as much personal health information as needed to do your job.  Inform the individual why you are collecting the information and with whom the information may be shared.  Collect information directly from the individual. The exceptions are listed within the policy.  Collect information in a manner and location that protects the confidentiality, security and integrity of that information.  A trustee shall inform the individual of the purpose for collecting information. This may be done by posting notices within the health care facility and/or providing individuals with a brochure. Correction of Personal Health Information GA-7-P-55  Requests for correction of personal health information must be made in writing to the Privacy Officer or designate using the standard correction form or in a covering letter which includes the same information. Disposal of Confidential Material, Including Personal Health Information GA-7-P-56  Confidential material must be disposed of by supervised incineration, shredding or otherapproved methods. Use and Disclosure of Personal Health Information GA-7-P-57  Use is revealing personal health information to someone within the Interlake-Eastern RHA.  Disclosure is revealing personal health information to someone outside of the Interlakeu0002Eastern RHA.  Before using or disclosing health information, reasonable steps must be taken to ensure the information is accurate, up to date, complete and not misleading.  Use of personal health information is limited to “the need to know” for your job.  Requests for disclosure of personal health information are coordinated with the Privacy Officer or designate.  A record of all personal health information disclosed shall be kept on the health record. A Record of Disclosure of Personal Health Information must be completed for every disclosure (see Policy GA 7-57).  The individual’s consent is required to disclose personal health information except under circumstances listed in this policy.  Personal health information may be disclosed without consent if authorized or required to do so by an enactment of Manitoba or Canada, for example, The Child and Family Services Act, The Fatality Inquiries Act, The Missing Persons Act and The Gunshot and Stab Wounds Mandatory Reporting Act.  PHIA allows disclosure to any person requesting information such as the client’s name, condition and location (as long as the location does not reveal specific information about the individual) and provided that such disclosure is not contrary to the express request of the individual or his or her representative.  PHIA allows for demographic information or PHIN to be used to confirm eligibility for health care or payment for health care or verifying the accuracy of the demographic information or PHIN. Security and Storage of Personal Health Information GA-7-P-60  Security safeguards shall be in place to protect personal health information, i.e., locked cabinets, restricted access, security clearances, and passwords.  Users must log off their computers when they leave the workstation.  Computer users must not share their user IDs and passwords.  Personal health information shall not be transmitted via e-mail outside the Interlake-Eastern RHA network. GA-7-F-6131 PHIA Education Document Pledge of Confidentiality Revised: May 26, 2023 Page 5 of 7  Files containing personal health information will be kept in a designated secure storage area and not left unattended on desktops.  Health care providers removing personal health information from the premises on authorized business shall ensure the secure storage of the information at all times. Transmission of Personal Health Information Via Facsimile GA-7-P-61  Use the Record of Disclosure of Personal Health Information and a fax cover sheet whenever faxing personal health information.  The sender is responsible for the security of all personal health information being sent by fax.  Ensure the fax number is correct and the fax machine is located in a secure place. A confirmation sheet must be kept for all personal health information sent via fax.  A guideline is available for use and is attached to this policy. Retention and Destruction of Personal Health Information GA-7-P-65  Personal health information will be retained as per retention periods outlined in the policy. Disclosure of Personal Health Information to Police GA-7-P-66  The Interlake-Eastern RHA will only disclose personal health information to the police which is maintained and collected by the Interlake-Eastern RHA in accordance with PHIA and the regional policies related to PHIA.  Police are required to obtain consent for disclosure of personal health information from the individual the personal health information is about or from a person permitted to exercise the rights of that individual. If the police do not have such consent, a subpoena, warrant, or court order is required.  During normal business hours requests for disclosure of personal health information shall be forwarded to the site Health Information Services Department for processing. Requests will be reviewed to determine the urgency of the request and will be processed accordingly.  After normal business hours, requests for disclosure of personal health information must be discussed with the Clinical Team Manager or management designate who is on call. If the circumstances are not considered to be urgent, the police should be advised to contact the site Health Information Services Department on the next business working day. The only urgent request from Police will be regarding the Missing Persons Act.  Under The Missing Persons Act Police may request access and/or copies of information via a Record Access Order or Emergency Demand when they have a reported missing person. They may also request access to information on a person who may be accompanying the missing person. A guideline is available for reference. Personal Health Information Disclosure Due to Risk of Serious Harm GA-10-P-300  In compliance with provincial legislation and MHSAL policy, all trustees/health professionals are to follow the processes outlined in the policy for the determination, disclosure, and documentation of an individual’s personal health information related to the risk for serious harm to an individual and/or public health or public safety.  Individuals seeking health related services are encouraged and supported to provide consent to disclose PHI when there is an assessed risk of serious harm to the individual and/or public health or public safety.  An individual’s consent to disclose PHI remains best practice. PHI belongs to the individual and trustees are entrusted to use it appropriately. Where a risk of serious harm has been identified through assessment and the individual does not consent to the disclosure of relevant PHI to mitigate this risk disclosure may occur to an identified family member or natural support individual.  Determination of risk must not remove an individual’s basic rights and dignity to determine their own lifestyle choices and acceptable personal risks. Self-determination and personal autonomy are integral principles of personal recovery.  Discussions to build natural supports and preferred contacts into the individual’s profile should be asked for and be part of every episode of care. GA-7-F-6131 PHIA Education Document Pledge of Confidentiality Revised: May 26, 2023 Page 6 of 7  Collaborative decision: When risk is not immediate, the determination to disclose PHI without consent in order to lessen risk of serious harm is reviewed by at least two trustees/health professionals within the interdisciplinary care team.  The decision to disclose PHI is clearly determined based on the individual’s needs and best interests. Disclosure is never considered solely or principally from the perspective of risk mitigation to the health professional.  Once the risk has passed, the disclosure of further PHI without consent is no longer authorized. Data Collection and Research Activities GA 7- P-95  Personal health information may be disclosed for health research after approval from the Institutional Research Review Committee or designate.  Consent will be obtained from the individual when personal health information will be disclosed. Disclosure of Personal Health Information to Religious Organizations GA-7-P-49  Notices must be posted to inform hospital in-patients and residents of personal care homes that their names, condition and location may be provided to a representative of their religious organization. Notices will also advise of the ability to object to the disclosure of their information.  The Spiritual Care Coordinator(s) will provide sites with a list of religious organizations and their representatives that may receive this information.  A consent to visitation by spiritual representatives form will be completed for every patient at sites that do not have 24 hr. admitting coverage. Sites that have 24 hr. coverage will record this information in their ADT system upon admission. Disclosure of Personal Health Information to Affiliated Foundations GA-7-P-47  Hospitals and personal care homes may disclose an individual’s name and mailing address, if they have received services from the hospital/personal care home, to a charitable fundraising foundation affiliated with the health care facility unless: 1. The individual has objected to the disclosure 2. The individual has died while in the hospital/personal care home 3. The individual is under the age of 18.  Notice must be provided to individuals advising that their names and addresses may be provided to the fundraising foundation affiliated with the facility. Notices will also advise of the ability to object to the disclosure of their information

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Please be advised the phone lines are down at the Winnipeg Beach Clinic. Internet is still in service. If you need to contact staff onsite, please email: [email protected]

Introducing the new Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Location in Selkirk

Protect your future. Get immunized! National Immunization Awareness Week – April 22-30

Quick Care Closing at 2:30 p.m. today

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 14-20

Be in the moment, because every moment counts

Manitoba Government will build a personal care home in Lac du Bonnet

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Measles cases detected in Canada

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Fieldstone Ventures

Assiniboine Community College

RRC Polytech

University of Manitoba

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Camp Stepping Stones is looking for volunteers, campers

Clinics, X-Rays and Labs are closed Monday, February 19 for Louis Riel Day

Quick Care Clinic Phone Lines are down

Premier, Ministers Visit Selkirk in Latest Health-Care Listening Tour Stop