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Manitoba Health News Releases
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Brandon Regional Health Authority identified as one of Manitoba’s Top 25
Employers
We are very pleased to announce that the Brandon Regional Health Authority has been identified
as one of Manitoba’s Top 25 Employers. A full-page article was written in this past Saturday’s
Winnipeg Free Press (October 31, 2009, see attached).
This achievement and contest is a part of the Top 100 Employers in Canada application process in
which thousands of employer applicants from across Canada are reviewed. Questions included a broad
look at the organizations with sections like “Family Friendly Benefits” and “Environmental
Leadership”.
The Branodn RHA is ecstatic about this achievement and are proud of our staff for this
accomplishment. It is our employees that make the difference and assist the RHA in being an
employer of choice. Some of the reasons for success include:
- Excellent Wellness Programs for staff including: Fitness Centres, Social
Events (RHA Idol, Staff Curling Bonspiel, Children’s Christmas Party, etc.) Weight Watchers at
Work, Yoga Classes, Ski Trips, etc
- Respectful Workplace (policy & education program)
- 2009 City of Brandon Green Building Award for Institutions
- 2009 Brandon and Area Safe Communities “Ambassador for Safety” award.
- Successful in recent recruitment efforts including local and offshore
recruitment, which includes the development of strong mentorship programs to assist the new
workforce to adapt to their new environments.
- Competitive salary’s and benefits
- Great Communication Venues: Regional Responder (Staff Newsletter), Health Care
News (Community Newsletter), Computer Kiosks for staff to use; Classifieds & Announcements
Folders on desktops, Televised Board Meetings.
- Strong Growth and Development including - Western Manitoba Cancer Care Centre
and Westman Regional Lab
- Strong employee support for causes like the United Way.
The culture of quality improvement that the RHA staff nurture will continue to provide
opportunities to celebrate success. We thank our staff for making the Brandon RHA a “Top 25
Employer”.
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Call for Nominations for the Brandon RHA Board of Directors
The Brandon RHA is responsible for the delivery of a full range of health care services in
the Brandon region (includes City of Brandon, RMs of Cornwallis, Elton & Whitehead).
General Responsibilities of Board Members
The board’s responsibility is to provide leadership, allocate resources and be accountable.
Board Members have the authority to fulfill the mandate of the region, they provide the
constructive critic role in decision-making, and are at the same time, advocates of the RHA.
Individual board members need to be committed to the board, involved and informed.
Qualifications
The nominees must:
• be 18 years of age as of the date of the appointment;
• have a strong commitment to improving the health system, supporting their RHA and to
improve the health of Manitobans;
• have strong communication skills;
• be able to attend board meetings on a regular basis; and
• be able to comply with regional conflict of interest guidelines.
Other considerations for board appointments include financial or legal skills; experience in
leadership, business or human resources; or familiarity with strategic planning and policy
development. Any resident of the Brandon Region may nominate a person(s), including themselves for
the Board of the Brandon RHA. To obtain a nomination form or for more information, please call
571-8400 or
click here.
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September 11, 2009

Province Announces Construction Underway at Westman Cancer Centre in Brandon
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$24-million Facility First to Provide Radiation Therapy Outside of Winnipeg
BRANDON—Construction is now underway on a $24-million, Western Manitoba Cancer Centre that
will provide radiation therapy, chemotherapy and outpatient care, Health Minister Theresa Oswald
announced here today.
“This new centre will make Brandon the first community outside Winnipeg to provide radiation
therapy,” said Oswald. “We are working closely with the region and CancerCare Manitoba to move this
project forward so western Manitoba residents have access to enhanced cancer care closer to home.”
The new facility will include radiation therapy and chemotherapy units as well as:
· a supportive care area including offices for a pharmacist and a
dietician as well as support services for emotional, social and spiritual health for patients and
their families;
· the introduction of effective and efficient practices to help patients
and families navigate the cancer journey;
· an outpatient clinic with work areas and exam rooms;
· a quiet area for patients and family members; and
· volunteer space.
“This enhanced cancer care program is a great addition to the wide range of services provided
at the Brandon Regional Health Centre,” said Carmel Olson, chief executive
officer of the Brandon Regional Health
Authority. “We are very pleased to be partnering with and to have the benefit of the clinical
expertise of CancerCare Manitoba to guide us in establishing standards of care.”
Cutting-edge information technology will allow staff at the Brandon site to connect with the
CancerCare Manitoba site in Winnipeg. This will allow staff at both facilities to consult about
treatment options for patients and to access educational opportunities and training without having
to travel to Winnipeg.
“This is an exciting opportunity to transform care in the region,” said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal,
president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba. “We are blending chemotherapy, radiation therapy and
technology into leading-edge practice with highly co-ordinated health-care professionals centred
around the patient.”
Today’s announcement builds on other significant investments in health care in Brandon
including:
· the installation of the first MRI outside of Winnipeg in 2004;
· the $58-million, state-of-the-art redevelopment of the Brandon Regional
Health Centre, completed in 2004;
· the development of the Seventh Street Health Access Centre, which
provides expanded access to enhanced health and social services; and
· the development of a new pediatric residency training program.
Construction of the project is expected to create 328 construction jobs over the course of
the project, which is scheduled to be completed by late 2010. Services are anticipated to begin at
the new centre in spring 2011.
WESTMAN CARES CANCER LOTTERY
information click
here
For more BRHC Foundation and lottery information
click here
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June 24, 2009
Brandon and Assiniboine Regions Interim Placement Partnership
The Brandon Regional Health Authority and the Assiniboine Regional Health Authority are
partnering to introduce interim placement, an important change to ensure that hospital beds
designated for acute care are available when they are needed.
There are times when people remain in hospital following an acute illness or are admitted to
hospital when care at home is no longer possible. In many cases, the hospital stay is continued
until placement in a personal care home is possible.
“In the Brandon Regional Health Centre, this can affect capacity for admissions of people
requiring care for acute medical illnesses, rehabilitation, maternal/child care and surgical care,”
said Carmel Olson, chief executive officer of the Brandon Regional Health Authority.
The Brandon Regional Health Centre is a referral facility and serves the Brandon and
neighbouring regions, particularly the Assiniboine region.
“To ensure availability of acute care beds, the Brandon region is partnering with the
Assiniboine region to provide interim placement, providing care for individuals who are waiting
placement in a personal care home,” said Penny Gilson, chief executive officer of the Assiniboine
Regional Health Authority.
Interim placement ensures the availability of acute care beds in the Brandon Regional Health
Centre. People who are waiting to be placed in a personal care home will receive care in a facility
in the Assiniboine region. This will ensure they receive the long-term care they need in the most
appropriate setting until their placement is confirmed. The individuals waiting placement in a
facility in the Assiniboine region will remain there until an opening becomes available in a
personal care home of their choice. The current health record information will be transferred to
the physician at the Assiniboine region site, and that physician will provide care for the period
of interim placement.
If ambulance transportation is required, the costs will be borne by the RHA in accordance with
the interfacility transfer policy. If you or your family have questions or require more
information, please contact: Val Karton,
Patient Representative @578-2155.
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June 12, 2009
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Pictured above: Marg MacDonald, Brandon RHA Board Chair; Drew Caldwell, MLA Brandon East;
Dr. Jim Dalton, CEO Diagnostic Services of Manitoba.
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CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON $12-MILLION WESTMAN LABORATORY REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
A $12-million redevelopment and modernization of Westman Laboratory in Brandon is
now underway, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“This redevelopment will make Westman Laboratory the most modern diagnostic site serving
rural and northern Manitoba, and we are very pleased that shovels are in the ground,” said Oswald. “
By strategically investing in the lab today, we will be able to meet the medical testing needs in
the region now and for years to come.”
The project will allow the facility to house all departments on a single floor, improving
work flow and specimen processing.
The new space will include equipment such as a pneumatic tube system for sending samples from
the hospital to the lab and the installation of vented tissue-storage units to ensure the
biological safety of specimens and samples. Other equipment, such as prep stations, coolers and
walk-in refrigerators, will be used by staff preparing diagnostic-testing materials and undertaking
testing.
Extensive renovations of the existing facility, such as new areas for offices, record storage
and training space, and upgrades to heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, are also
part of the redevelopment.
“The province’s commitment to Westman Laboratory’s redevelopment reinforces the value that
our government places on the facility as a part of Diagnostic Services of Manitoba’s provincial
network of diagnostic facilities,” said Dr. Jim Dalton, chief executive officer of Westman
Laboratory and Diagnostic Services of Manitoba. “Westman Laboratory is an important reference
centre for Manitoba and redevelopment will not only better equip the laboratory to manage the
increasing volume of testing that is performed there, but will also improve our ability to recruit
and retain staff who are critical to the laboratory’s viability.”
The province is investing $12 million in the project, with construction being completed in a
phased approach to ensure laboratory services are not disrupted. When completed, the laboratory
will meet top national standards, allowing the laboratory to keep pace with trends in technology
and function as a modern facility over the next two decades, the minister said.
“Shortly after assuming my current position, I walked through Westman Lab and was amazed that
the staff could manage the volume of services in the current space,” said Carmel Olson, chief
executive officer of the Brandon Regional Health Authority. “I made a commitment to change that and
the government listened. The services provided are critical to the Brandon region operations and we
are pleased to have our capital planning department lead this important project.”
“Our government has invested to renew critical health-care infrastructure in Brandon and
across the Westman region,” said Drew Caldwell, MLA for Brandon East, at the official construction
start today. “We still have work to do, but today Brandon has more doctors, a new hospital, new
diagnostic equipment and a state-of-the-art cancer centre on the way.”
The redevelopment of the lab builds on other investments at the Brandon Regional Health
Centre including:
· investing more than $750,000 to redevelop and relocate nuclear medicine services to an area
next to the diagnostic imaging department in the hospital;
· purchasing a new dual-head nuclear medicine gamma camera for approximately $630,000;
· funding a $58-million, state-of-the-art redevelopment of the Brandon Regional Health Centre
including over 156,000 square feet of new space and the renovation of another 36,000 square feet of
existing space, a new surgical service, emergency department, labour-delivery-recovery and
post-partum rooms, neonatal intensive care, pharmacy and central instrument processing unit;
· installing a state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imager (MRI), bringing this diagnostic
service outside Winnipeg for the first time ever; and
· investing in new echocardiography equipment to improve diagnosis of cardiac disease and
improper heart function.
The Westman Laboratory provides comprehensive laboratory services to the Brandon Regional
Health Centre as well as Brandon medical clinics, all rural laboratory facilities outside of
Winnipeg and northern nursing stations. These services include hematology (blood testing),
histopathology (tissue testing), cytopathology (cell testing), microbiology (the study of
micro-organisms), chemistry, transfusion medicine (preparation of blood and blood products for
transfusion), pathology, specimen procurement and management and shipping.
Construction on the new facility will be undertaken by Bird Construction.
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Minister of Health, Theresa Oswald appoints new
Brandon RHA board members for 3-year terms
Minister Oswald has appointed three new Brandon RHA board members: Alison
McNeill-Hordern, Barbara Anne Smith and Perry Roque.
Margaret MacDonald has been reappointed for another 3-year term and has been named
Chair. Colin Macfarlane has been named Vice-Chair. D.J. Scotty McIntosh has also been reappointed
for another 3-year term.
Larry Hogue, Bill Bryant and Marion Robinsong have completed their terms of office.
The full complement of Brandon RHA board members, along with terms, is as follows:
Terms ending March 2012
Alison McNeill-Hordern
Barbara Anne Smith
Perry Roque
Margaret MacDonald (reappointed)
D.J. Scotty McIntosh (reappointed)
Terms ending March 2011
Jo-Anne Douglas
Colin Macfarlane
Terry Parlow
Al Patterson
Terms ending March 2010
Charles Cuerrier
Roland Vodon
Rita Blaikie
Darrell Racine
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Friday, December 5, 2008
Canada’s government helps young people in southwestern Manitoba find jobs
BRANDON, MANITOBA, December 5, 2008 — Young people from southwestern Manitoba will develop
the skills they need to find and keep quality jobs through a project supported by the Government of
Canada. Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris, announced the project today on behalf
of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“Our government is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled, and most flexible work
force in the world,” said Tweed. “Our partnership with the Southwest Horizon School Division and
the Brandon Regional Health Authority will provide local youth with the skills, knowledge, and
experience they need to take advantage of the local job market.” “A skilled workforce is vital to
the overall economic future of Manitoba,” said Andrew Swan, Minister of Competitiveness, Training
and Trade. “The provincial and federal governments are working hard to meet the challenge of
providing the education and training skills Manitoba’s youth need to meet the demand of the
province’s labour market.”
Canada’s government is committing $84,600 in Youth Skills Link funding for the Southwest
Horizon Mentorship project that will provide work placement experience to nine unemployed youth
facing barriers to employment to help them develop the skills they need to find and maintain
employment or return to school. "The Brandon Regional Health Authority is pleased to be a partner
in this most worthwhile project,” said Carmel Olson, Chief Executive Officer, Brandon Regional
Health Authority. “Demographics indicate that there is a diminishing workforce, and we must
consider every opportunity to assist individuals to consider the health care system as an option."
This project reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to creating a strong economy for
all Canadians. Through its Advantage Canada plan, the Government is not only focusing on developing
work-force skills, but is also building on Canada’s strengths and gaining a global competitive
advantage by reducing taxes for all Canadians, increasing competition in the marketplace, building
modern infrastructure, and eliminating the debt. The Youth Skills Link program is delivered by
Service Canada in the regions. Service Canada brings Government of Canada services and benefits
together in a single delivery network. It provides Canadians with one-stop service they can access
however they choose—by phone at 1 800 O�Canada, on the Internet at servicecanada.gc.ca, or in
person at Service Canada Centres across the country.
This news release is available in alternative formats on request. For more information on
Youth Skills Link, please visit: www.youth.gc.ca
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Public enquiries: 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) TTY: 1-800-926-9105 servicecanada.gc.ca
Youth Info Line 1-800-935-5555 youth.gc.ca
Backgrounder: The Skills Link program is one of three Government of Canada
programs that help young Canadians (aged 15 to 30) obtain career information, develop skills, gain
work experience, find good jobs, and stay employed. The two other programs are Summer Work
Experience and Career Focus.
Skills Link focuses on helping young people who face barriers to employment. These young
people include high school drop-outs, single parents, Aboriginal youth, young people with
disabilities, youth in rural areas, and recent immigrants. Summer Work Experience helps secondary
and post-secondary students find summer jobs. Career Focus helps post-secondary graduates develop
advanced skills and find careers in their fields. All three programs provide a range of activities
that can be tailored to meet individual needs.
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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Manitoba's newest stroke prevention clinic opens in
Brandon
BRANDON -- The Brandon Regional Health Authority in partnership with the Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Manitoba (HSFM) opens a stroke prevention clinic in Brandon today. An official
opening took place at 12:30 p.m. at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, 150 McTavish Avenue East,
Brandon, Manitoba, where the clinic is operating.
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Carmel Olson, Brandon RHA CEO and Kevin Willis, Director of Partnerships for the
Canadian Stroke Network
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Sherry Loewen, Stroke Prevnetion Clinic Manager
demonstrating the Transcranial Doppler machine.
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"The clinic is expected to provide local residents with the best medical care available to
prevent stroke," says Stroke Neurologist Dr. Arturo Tamayo, who is heading the Brandon Stroke
Prevention Clinic. "This represents a huge step forward in stroke care. People who are at risk of
having a stroke or those who have had a previous stroke or a mini-stroke - called a TIA - will be
seen the same week that the symptoms arise but, most important of all, prevention will be
encouraged."
Stroke prevention clinics address the needs of patients at high risk for stroke through
evidence-based stroke protocols, improved management and referral services. These services include
rapid assessment and accelerated care through a series of diagnostic tests and immediate
preventative medication if necessary. "Research has shown that treatment of high-risk patients in
stroke prevention clinics reduces their chances of suffering a stroke by up to 80 per cent," says
Dr. Kevin Willis, Director of Partnerships for the Canadian Stroke Network.
Funding by the Canadian Stroke Network in partnership with Merck Frosst has allowed HSFM to
provide the clinic with $95,000 per year for the first two years. These funds were used to hire a
nurse case manager and clerical staff support. Establishing this clinic is a great example of how
organizations can work together to decrease the impact of stroke," says Dr. Willis. "For Merck
Frosst, patients come first. We believe that the Brandon Stroke Prevention Clinic will provide the
best care for preventing future strokes", says Norma Sebestyen, Merck Frosst's Director, Policy and
Reimbursement, for Western Canada. "We are proud to be associated with such an initiative and hope
that the Clinic will serve as a best practice across Canada".
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Canada and a stroke survivor has a 20% chance
of having another stroke within 2 years. People who have had a TIA are five times more likely to
have a stroke over the next two years than the general population. "We appreciate the support from
the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba to develop this clinic," says Carmel Olson, CEO of the
Brandon Regional Health Authority. "This partnership will give patients who come through the
Emergency Department with symptoms of stroke access to enhanced stroke care."
It is estimated that stroke costs the Canadian economy $2.7 billion a year in healthcare and
related costs. A recent Calgary study proves that coordinated stroke care could save lives, reduce
disability due to stroke and save the Canadian economy $240 million in reduced length of hospital
stays. "The provincial government is committed to providing the best stroke care to all
Manitobans," says Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross. "The implementation of a stroke
prevention clinic at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, is an important step towards the continual
improvement of stroke care for citizens living in western Manitoba."
The opening of these clinics does not require a large investment, but rather reorganization
of existing resources. This method of organized stroke care can significantly reduce stroke
mortality, hospital stays and long-term care costs. "It is crucial that our province increase the
number of stroke prevention clinics throughout Manitoba. We know the damaging effects of stroke are
preventable. Too many times we've seen individuals suffer permanent serious damage or dying
unnecessarily because they didn't receive the timely preventative care they required. We hope the
clinic will result in a lower number of strokes occurring in the Brandon area, effectively saving
the lives of families, friends and loved ones who are at risk," says Debbie Brown, CEO of HSFM.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in
eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research
and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy.
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For more information, please contact: Tammy Witko, Communications Manager
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba
Phone: 949.2023 / Cell: 799.7337 / Toll-free: 1.888.473.4636
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Sunday September 28, 2008
Westman Cares! Cancer Lottery launched
Today the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation announced the launch of the first Westman
Cares! Cancer Lottery in support of the new Western Manitoba Cancer Care facility.
The lottery offers over $75,000 in cash and features prizes from $1,000 to $50,000. The draws
start on October 31 with the Grand Prize draw November 7.
“The lottery is our first step in raising $2,000,000 as part of our campaign to support the
new Western Manitoba Cancer Care facility,” said Charlotte Potyondy, Chair of the Foundation. “This
is a great project for Brandon and Western Manitoba. We are anticipating a good response from the
community. “
The Western Manitoba Cancer Care facility will be built adjacent to the Brandon Regional
Health Centre. It is anticipated that after the facility opens between 300 and 400 patients will
receive their radiation therapy in Brandon each year. With cancer treatment services closer to
home, patients from Western Manitoba will benefit from reduced waiting lists for services and have
more treatment choices.
In addition to radiation therapy, the new facility will include four permanent Telehealth
units, links to CancerCare Manitoba, and a variety of services to enhance the patient experience
including a “Look Good, Feel Better” room and garden area.
“The lottery is a unique way for our foundation to support the new cancer facility” said Dave
Hughes, Lottery Co-chair. “It will give people a chance to win some great prizes and at the same
time support this new addition to our community.” “ We will be promoting the lottery throughout
October and hope that everyone will consider getting a ticket.
“There are only 15,000 tickets available, “noted Val Karton Lottery co-chair. “We have 22
cash draws between $1,000 and $50,000 and a terrific bonus draw; 4 tickets and camping at the 2009
Dauphin CountryFest.” “With a total of 23 draws”, said Karton, “there’s lots of chances to win.”
Tickets go on sale today and sell for $40 or 3 for $100 and can be purchased by calling
1-800-959-7789.
Click here
for additional information and order forms.
Order forms will also be available from participating credit unions, banks, and local
businesses.
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For any questions please contact Janice Meadows, Executive Director, (204) 578-4227. |
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008
New Model of Care to be Introduced at BRHC
The Brandon Regional Health Authority is introducing a new model of care for patients who do
not have a Family Physician in Brandon, but require admission to hospital.
Effective September 2nd, physicians specifically contracted to provide hospital-based
services will be on site for nine hours per day. These physicians are commonly known as “
Hospitalists” and will admit and care for patients who do not have an established relationship with
a Family Practice Physician who has hospital privileges. During the evening and night hours, “
on-call” coverage will be provided by physicians specifically assigned to this service.
Family Practice Physicians who have chosen to extend their practice to the hospital setting
will continue to have privileges for admitting and provision of care and treatment within the
Brandon Regional Health Centre. The hospital practice of physicians in other specialty services
will not change.
The “Hospitalist” model is new to Brandon but common in Winnipeg and other jurisdictions. We
are implementing it to address the needs of individuals who do not have a Family physician and to
address the workload demands of Family Practice Physicians.
Manitobans looking for a family physician can call the Family Doctor Connection phone line
program, which connects Manitobans with family physicians accepting new patients. The province-wide
phone line can be reached at 1-866-690-8260.
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Look at What Your Community Has Done!
Thanks to the people of Brandon and surrounding area, the Brandon Regional Health Centre
Auxiliary has been able to donate money to buy the following pieces of medical equipment in the
2007/2008 calendar year:
- 2 Bariatric beds (general facility) $74,000
- 2 Bariatric stretchers (emergency and general facility) $30,000
- Hysteroscopy equipment (surgical suite) $33,000
- Pediatric bronchoscope (surgical suite) $ 36,000
- Ultrafin stirrups (surgical suite) $ 11,500
- Adult bronchoscope (GI unit) $ 36,000
- 2 Vacuum-assisted wound closure units $ 66,000
- Birthing bed (maternity) $ 20,000
For an amazing total of: $306,500
How was this money raised? The Auxiliary has 3 sources of income.
1. The Nearly New Shop located at 1328 Rosser Avenue.
This shop sells good, clean, slightly used clothes for all ages; books; toys and household
articles that have been given to us by the community. When you drop off your donations and shop at
the Nearly New Shop you help the auxiliary continue to raise funds.
2. The Gift Shop located in the main entrance of the Health Centre.
This shop sells a beautiful assortment of items such as cards, artwork, beanie babies, floral
arrangements, books, jewellery and decorative objects.
3. Tim Horton's coffee shop located in the main entrance of the Health Centre.
The coffee shop is a tenant of the Gift Shop and contributes a percentage to the BRHC
Auxiliary.
Did You Know...
- There are about 60 volunteers at The Nearly New Shop and only one paid employee.
- There are about 30 volunteers at The Gift Shop and only one paid summer student and one part
time bookkeeper.
- Bariatric is a term used to refer to the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity. Bariatric
equipment is specifically designed to accommodate the weight of severely obese patients, weighing
up to 1,000 pounds.
- Severe obesity affects at least 3% of Canadians.
- For the past few years, the Brandon Regional Health Centre has been gradually acquiring a
variety of Bariatric items such as beds, wheelchairs, patient lifts, commode chairs and therapy
equipment.
- In 2004 the auxiliary donated $80,000 to purchase four new regular hospital beds.
- In 2007 the auxiliary donated $74,000 to purchase two new Bariatric beds.
To continue these efforts, the BRHC Auxiliary needs your ongoing support at our stores as
customers and donors. Thank you to the Volunteers! Thank you to the faithful customers!
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Thursday, April 17, 2008
Minister of Health, Theresa Oswald appoints new Brandon RHA board members for 3-year terms
Minister Oswald has appointed three new Brandon RHA board members: Jo-Anne Douglas, Terry
Parlow and Al Patterson. Larry Hogue’s term as Chair has been extended for one year and Marion
Robinsong continues as Vice-Chair. Colin Macfarlane has been reappointed for another 3-year term.
Bill Bryant’s term has been extended for one more year.
The full complement of Brandon RHA board members along with terms is as follows:
Terms ending March 2011
Jo-Anne Douglas
Colin Macfarlane
Terry Parlow
Al Patterson
Terms ending March 2010
Charles Cuerrier
Roland Vodon
Rita Blaikie
Darrell Racine
Terms ending March 2009
Larry Hogue (Chair)
Bill Bryant
Margaret MacDonald
D.J. Scotty McIntosh
Marion Robinsong (Vice Chair)
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Manitoba News Release
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February 5, 2008
Province Invests $275,000 in New Diagnostic Equipment at Brandon Regional Health
Centre
Health Minister Theresa Oswald today announced the province is investing $275,000
for the purchase and installation of new diagnostic equipment at the Brandon Regional Health
Centre.
“This new diagnostic equipment will provide specialists with quality images they can use in
intensive care and surgery,” said Oswald. “Having access to the latest technology allows
health-care providers to give their patients the best possible care when they need it most.”
The equipment, known as a C-arm, will be used to install temporary pacemakers and to guide
the insertion of needles and other medical devices.
“The new C-arm will replace an older piece of equipment,” said Dr. Charles Penner,
vice-president of diagnostic and medical services for the Brandon Regional Health Authority. “This
will allow increased flexibility in booking surgical cases needing C-arm support and also will
provide the intensive care unit with improved images in placing pacemakers and other devices.”
The equipment is expected to be installed and operational by July 2008.
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Manitoba News Release
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January 31, 2008
Province to Invest More Than $20 Million to Expand Regional Cancer Services in
Brandon
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Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health; Larry Hogue, Brandon RHA Board Chair; Don
MacDonald, CancerCare MB Board Chair;
Carmel Olson, CEO Brandon RHA;
Bev Cumming, VP Acute Care Services Brandon RHA;
Kathy Suderman, Provincial Director CancerCare MB.
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Premier Gary Doer:
Drew Caldwell, MLA Brandon East
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BRANDON—The province will invest more than $20 million to develop an expanded
western Manitoba regional cancer centre that will provide chemotherapy and outpatient care in
addition to making Brandon the first community outside of Winnipeg to provide radiation therapy,
Premier Gary Doer announced here today.
“In planning this project, we consulted with and listened to experts, and have agreed to
develop this project beyond a linear accelerator to create a regional cancer centre including
expanded chemotherapy and outpatient care,” said Doer. “This expanded project builds on our
commitment to Westman and will make sure area residents will have access to more services closer to
home.”
The new facility will include:
· a radiation therapy department including a linear accelerator for treatment, work space,
office space, a teaching room and storage space;
· a chemotherapy unit with 20 chemotherapy treatment stations, a teaching room, a medication
preparation area and a storage area;
· a supportive care area including offices for a pharmacist, a dietician, a social worker and
a psychologist;
· an outpatient clinic with work areas and exam rooms;
· a quiet area for patients and family members; and
· volunteer space.
“Through our partnership with the Brandon Regional Health Authority and the investment
provided today, we will be able to have a new hub of cancer services in Brandon, fully connected to
CancerCare Manitoba’s sites in Winnipeg,” said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and chief executive
officer of CancerCare Manitoba. “This will increase our overall capacity for cancer services within
the province, improving access to radiation oncology for all Manitobans.”
In addition, the new facility will use state-of-the-art information technology to link the
Brandon site with the CancerCare Manitoba site in Winnipeg. This will allow staff at both
facilities to consult about treatment options for patients and to access educational opportunities
and training without having to travel to Winnipeg.
“This expanded cancer treatment centre will provide services closer to home and build on the
partnership that already exists between the Brandon Regional Health Authority and CancerCare
Manitoba,” said Carmel Olson, chief executive officer of the Brandon Regional Health Authority. “We
are very grateful to government for agreeing to expand the scope of the project, recognizing that
there have been changes to treatments and care since the program was originally conceptualized.”
Today’s announcement builds on other significant investments in health care in Brandon
including:
· the $58-million, state-of-the-art redevelopment of the Brandon Regional Health Centre,
completed in 2004;
· the installation of the first MRI outside of Winnipeg in 2004;
· the development of the Seventh Street Health Access Centre, which provides expanded access
to enhanced health and social services;
· investments in new echocardiography equipment; and
· the development of a new pediatric residency training program.
Construction of the project is scheduled to be completed by late 2010.
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Canadian Patient Safety Week (October 8 - 13) launched at the Brandon Regional Health
Centre.
Pictured: Phil Hassen, CEO of the
Canadian Patient Safety Week campaign.
Canadian Patient Safety Week Encourages Practitioners, Patients, and Families to Communicate
Better to Decrease the Risk of Errors that Can Lead to Adverse Events or Death.
For more info click here.
Health professionals in many areas of the province are working to get patient
safety messages out in their health care settings in a variety of creative, entertaining and
innovative ways. The Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety has posted information made available
from health organizations at
www.mbips.ca/events
and
www.patientsafetyweek.ca
. More information on activities in your part of the province might
also be available through your local healthcare facility.
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Manitoba News Release
............................................................
September 28, 2007
PROVINCE MAKES NEW HEALTH-CARE INVESTMENTS IN BRANDON REGION
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More than $165,000 Invested in New Echocardiography Equipment; University of
Manitoba Implements Rural, Northern Pediatric Residency Training Program.
The Brandon Regional Health Centre is now home to new echocardiography equipment as well as
a new pediatric residency training program, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced
today.
For more information
click here
.
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NEW CANCER TREATMENT SERVICES ONE STEP CLOSER FOR WESTERN MANITOBA RESIDENTS: OSWALD
BRANDON—Plans to make Brandon a regional centre for cancer care moved another step
forward today with the selection of architectural firm Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Inc.
to design the facility that will house a new linear accelerator and supporting cancer treatment
services here, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
“With the installation of the first linear accelerator outside Winnipeg, people in western
Manitoba will be able to access the radiation therapy treatment they need closer to home,” said
Oswald. “When complete, the new facility will be able to provide Manitobans the care they need
closer to their homes and families, making a difficult time in their lives a little easier.”
“Manitobans who might have chosen a less than ideal treatment to avoid enduring the
discomfort of travelling to Winnipeg and being far from family and friends, will now have more
effective options,” said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and CEO, CancerCare Manitoba. “By bringing
together expertise in cancer services and the knowledge of the region’s needs to provide excellent
care, our partnership with Brandon Regional Health Authority increases our capacity to care for
Manitobans.”
A linear accelerator is a highly specialized piece of equipment that produces high energy
x-rays or streams of particles called radiation that target cancer cells. Currently, CancerCare
Manitoba operates seven linear accelerators in Winnipeg.
“This project adds radiation therapy to the cancer treatment services already available in
Brandon and the surrounding regions and will serve as a great asset to local residents,” said Kathy
McPahil, vice-president of acute care and diagnostic services with the Brandon Regional Health
Authority. “We look forward to the next phases of building design and program development, as well
as our continued collaboration with both CancerCare Manitoba and Manitoba Health.”
In 1994-95, there were 30,852 radiation therapy treatments in Manitoba. In 2005-06 there were
44,995. Between 1999 and 2001, an estimated 40 per cent of radiation therapy patients were from
rural and northern Manitoba, and had to travel to Winnipeg for care.
The increase in demand is due to a rise in cancer incidence and prevalence, as well as
changes in treatment procedures. Wait times for radiation therapy have been reduced to
approximately one week in 2006 from an average of six weeks in 1999.
“We’re proud that our investments in cancer care and treatment have dramatically lowered wait
times for radiation therapy in Manitoba to levels well under national benchmarks,” said Oswald. “We
remain committed to purchasing and installing new equipment and establishing resources to make sure
Manitobans receive better care sooner and closer to home.”
The minister noted Smith Carter Architects and Engineers is one of Canada’s largest
integrated architectural and engineering practices with significant expertise in health-care
facility design.
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New and improved CT Scanner to be installed at the Brandon Regional Health
Centre
With an eye to improve patient care and reduce wait times, the Brandon Regional
Health Centre is installing a new state-of-the-art CT Scanner.
The approximately $1.6 million dollar 64-slice scanner was funded through the
Manitoba Health Specialized Equipment Fund. A planned replacement and installation will begin mid
November. It is anticipated the installation process will take a little more than a month to
complete.
During this time, only emergency procedures will be completed with the use of a
temporary CT Scanner. This equipment has been brought in for the express purpose of providing safe
and timely care for patients. Elective appointment times will be rescheduled to a date following
the installation of the new CT scanner.
Ongoing professional training and development will be conducted during the
transition time so that when installation of the new scanner has been completed, the RHA staff will
begin to perform procedures immediately on the new 64 slice scanner.
The Brandon Regional Health Centre has a full range of diagnostic services and is a
regional referral centre for the "Westman" area.
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Child Adolescent Treatment Centre
Crisis Stabilization Unit Fully Operational
As part of the evolution of Mental Health Service delivery in Western Manitoba, a Crisis
Stabilization Unit for youth located at the Child and Adolescent Treatment Centre has been
developed and now is fully operational.
Read More?
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Brandon RHA Program Educator Receives National Recognition
Kathy Foley has been selected as this year's recipient of the Canadian Association for
Suicide Prevention (CASP) Service Award.
Read More?
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Tissue Bank Manitoba changes legislation.
Click here
for more info
How do these changes affect you and your family at the
BRHC?
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