Creating ripples of positive change together

This year for National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 27 to May 3), Interlake-Eastern Health is acknowledging 368 people from around the region who are donating their time as volunteers in health facilities and programs.

The theme for volunteer appreciation is “Volunteers Make Waves.”

“Each of our volunteers contributes to the health care system in their own way. People who donate their time, energy and personal resources to help others are inspiring. Volunteers make communities stronger and healthier through the connections they make and the people they help. Together volunteers generate waves of positive change and we are grateful for all that they do,” says Interlake-Eastern RHA CEO, Marion Ellis.

Interlake-Eastern Health’s board chair, Michele Polinuk, identifies that health care offers many ways to contribute to enhancing people’s lives. 

“If you or someone you know is looking to make a difference in the community and be of help to patients, residents and staff members, we have many different opportunities available. We thank and applaud each volunteer for their service throughout the year,” Polinuk said.

Interlake-Eastern Health’s recreation program, palliative care program and spiritual care program are all seeking volunteers. Assistance is needed with friendly visiting, reading, offering activities and crafts, assisting with meal times, helping with transportation and more. Specific opportunities are also available in some health facilities and with community partners such seniors resource councils.

The palliative care program is seeking volunteers for Camp Stepping Stones, an annual grief camp  for children held at Camp Arnes, that runs May 30 to June 1 this year. To identify interest in volunteering,  please contact Barb Ramsay, Interlake-Eastern RHA’s volunteer coordinator, [email protected], 1-855-494-7369.

Starting April 30 to June 25, the spiritual care program is running a “Spirit of Caring” training course every Wednesday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. People who complete training are eligible to become spiritual health care volunteers in Interlake-Eastern Health. To identify interest in this training, please contact Ferdinand Funk, regional spiritual health services coordinator by phoning 204-461-3414 or emailing [email protected] by April 25, 2025.

Learn more about other volunteer opportunities by visiting www.ierha.ca and click on About Us > Community Involvement > Volunteer-opportunities.

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Advanced care paramedic program being introduced into rural Manitoba

The Manitoba government is strengthening emergency care across rural and northern Manitoba through the introduction of advanced care paramedics (ACPs) throughout the province, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today. Read more on how this announcement will benefit Interlake-Eastern Health.

Interlake-Eastern Health spiritual care course being offered this spring

Interlake-Eastern Health is hosting a nine-week course in spiritual care starting April 30. Sessions will be led by Ferdinand Funk, the health region’s spiritual health care coordinator, who will be joined by a number of invited speakers.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your own spirituality while gaining some valuable insights on how to support someone who may be going through a difficult time due to failing health or older age,” Funk said.

The number of registrants and their location will determine if the course will be virtual or in-person at a convenient location or possibly a combination of the two.

Anyone who completes training is eligible to become a spiritual care volunteer in Interlake-Eastern Health’s hospitals or personal care homes.

“People who are interested in giving back to their community by visiting patients and long term care residents may find this training interesting and helpful. The course is very well suited to those contemplating retirement and seeking meaningful opportunities to connect with others,” Funk said.

Funk, who is a certified spiritual care practitioner with a master of divinity degree, says he is always amazed at the wealth of personal experience and wisdom that students bring with them to the course.

“It is encouraging to observe how well connected many students are with their own community, and the immediate impact they have when they sign up to become volunteers,” Funk said.

Training focuses on respecting the beliefs and values of individuals regardless of their spiritual or religious preference. People will gain a greater appreciation for the spiritual and emotional needs of patients and residents and the diversity in spirituality and religion including Indigenous history, culture and spirituality.

Currently, Interlake-Eastern Health has 25 spiritual care volunteers in the region and, according to Funk, more volunteers are always welcomed.

“Patients and personal care home residents benefit from being able to discuss how their current situation affects them spiritually and emotionally. We are always looking for volunteers who will listen without judgment and without the need to fix someone,” Funk said.

For more information, contact Ferdinand Funk at [email protected] or 204-461-3414 or register online.

Camp Stepping Stones

Camp Stepping Stones will be back in person from May 30 – June 1, 2025 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.

“Volunteers are welcome to come for the weekend or for a few hours,” said Barb Ramsay, Palliative Care Volunteer Coordinator. “We are looking for volunteers to come to camp to help the campers with craft activities on Saturday and Sunday morning.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can fill out an application form. 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/

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/

Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of a confirmed measles case, unrelated to previously announced cases. Read more.

If your child has missed any of their immunizations, talk to your health-care provider or call your local public community health office (Click Community health office).

Assiniboine College celebrated the grand opening of its rural rotating Practical Nursing site in Beausejour. Read more: Assiniboine College celebrates grand opening for Practical Nursing rural rotating site in Beausejour | Assiniboine College

We are seeking your input to inform the renovation of E. M. Crowe Memorial Hospital’s emergency room in Eriksdale.

Public information session

Come and speak with project leads on Thursday, March 6  from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Eriksdale Recreation Centre, #2-1st Ave.

Everybody welcome!

If you have any questions, concerns or accessibility needs, please contact us at [email protected].

Public health officials with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care are notifying the public of five confirmed cases of measles in southern Manitoba, all connected to an outbreak in Ontario. These cases involve five individuals living within the same household, all of whom were contacts of lab-confirmed cases while recently traveling in Ontario. The individuals have been asked to isolate at home. See locations where there is recent known potential for exposure to measles virus.

Time to ensure childhood vaccinations are up to date? Contact a community health office near you.

The Manitoba government is welcoming Interlake residents to weigh in on the design and development of the new Eriksdale emergency room at a project open house on March 6 at the Eriksdale Recreation Centre, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today. Read more

Renovating E.M. Crowe Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Room

Physician, staff and community input:

Feedback from residents and staff is influencing the design of the emergency department renovations. Feedback was captured through a public survey that generated 142 responses as well as in-person information sessions in Eriksdale on March 6, 2025 with approximately 150 staff members, physicians and members of the public.

Community based comments are being integrated into designs to ensure the needs of area residents and staff are reflected and that the new space enhances patient care.

Six themes have arisen from feedback collected. The following is a summary of feedback received. Project scope allows for focus on structural elements of the renovations:

1. Facility & infrastructure improvements

Streamline entry, waiting, and ER pathways • Separate and clearly mark entrances: dedicated ER, visitor and ambulance entrances • Proximity and visibility: ER should be closer to nursing stations for better monitoring • Improved signage and wayfinding: better directional signage • Expanded ER space: larger treatment areas and an increase in patient rooms/beds • Waiting area enhancements: more seating, privacy, and comfort features.

2. Privacy & safety measures

• Increased patient privacy: separate areas for ER patients, visitors, and grieving families • Dedicated family and grieving spaces: safe, private rooms for families in distress • Enhanced security features: secure nurse stations, emergency call systems and isolation areas for crisis patients

3. Staffing & medical services

• More staff needed • Improved staff workspaces: larger workstations, better break rooms and overnight staff accommodations • Extended ER hours: many respondents requested 24/7 ER operation • Recruitment and retention efforts: competitive wages, incentives and staff housing solutions needed

4. Technology & equipment upgrades

• Modernized medical equipment: Investment in new diagnostic tools and imaging systems • Technology integration: implementation of digital systems • Better resource allocation: improved lab and diagnostic services for faster patient care

5. Patient experience & comfort

• Better waiting conditions: separate waiting rooms for critical and non-critical cases • Entertainment and transparency: TVs, wait time displays and better communication for patients • Improved accessibility: wider doorways, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and better patient movement/flow.

6. Operational & long term considerations

• Future-proofing the ER: design considerations for future healthcare needs and community growth • Community-centered decision making: strong demand for ongoing community consultation • Balancing renovation and staffing issues