National Volunteer Week falls April 23-30 and the theme is Volunteers: The heart behind the hands.  In years past, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has hosted a series of teas during the month of April to celebrate the invaluable support volunteers provide to health care. With this year’s teas being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IERHA’s regional recreation manager, Lori Martin is using the week of national recognition to thank volunteers for their contributions to health care in the region.

“Over the last two years, we have had to adapt to new ways of doing things, to help keep residents healthy, safe and happy. Although we have not seen as many volunteers in our facilities, we have seen some and we thank them for their valuable support during these last few years,” says Martin. “They have adapted to the new way of delivering care and been an incredible support to our staff.”

Glen West, IERHA’s board chair, says the region is looking forward to welcoming more volunteers into facilities.

 “Now that we’re starting to see parts of our lives return to a new normal, we’re also looking to spread the word that we’re looking for volunteers, » says Glen West, 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.”

The region is seeking volunteers to fill support positions in facilities once again. If you or someone you know is available to volunteer, please visit Volunteer Opportunities page.

Effective immediately, Dr. David Matear has been appointed provincial executive director of the Diagnostic and Surgical Recovery Task Force. He moves into this new role after recently completing a secondment as health system co-lead, Unified Health Sector Incident Command for Manitoba’s COVID-19 response.

Interlake-Eastern RHA has benefitted greatly from David’s strategic approach to health care management. We wish him success in this work with Manitoba Health where he will continue to contribute to the advancement of health care transformation at a provincial level.

Given the critical role of the region’s CEO in maintaining organizational strength and stability, directors on Interlake-Eastern RHA’s board have moved to appoint Marion (Mary Anne) Ellis as CEO. We are excited and confident that Marion will continue the established course in implementing our five-year strategic plan. Our regional work aligns with provincial goals and objectives of health system transformation that will see us work collaboratively to establish an improved health system that is patient-focused, efficient and sustainable for all residents of Interlake-Eastern RHA and beyond.