To Our Health Together leading the way for a healthier tomorrow.

Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 What’s Inside this Issue

Meet the Southern Health– Santé Sud Board of Directors — page 2

French language services improve health outcomes — page 13

Let us introduce you to Mental health a priority for Southern Health-Santé Sud — page 15 Southern Health-Santé Sud a vibrant community a diverse population a good place to live The Southern Health-Santé Sud health But more impressive is that over 183,000 The region is a great place to live, which authority unites the former South people make up the population of this is probably why the Southern Health- Eastman and Central Manitoba Inc. diverse region. There are seven First Nations Santé Sud is the most populated RHA Regional Health Authorities (RHAs), communities and over sixty-six Hutterite outside of the City of Winnipeg and, but it’s about much more than its bricks colonies throughout the area. Aboriginal according to data from community Southern and mortar facilities, its many programs people in the region represent 10% of health assessments done in 2009, and its caring health professionals. the overall population, and are relatively life expectancy rates and premature Health-Santé Sud Southern Health-Santé Sud also young in comparison. Approximately 70% mortality rates were better than those brings together a vibrant collage of of rural French-speaking Manitobans live in other areas of the province based on a rich cultures and talented people with in the region representing nearly 11% of number of health status indicators. histories that run as deep and proud as its population. There is also a large and That’s not to say that there aren’t the flowing waters of the Red River that growing population of Mennonite, German- health challenges and some disparities joins them. speaking, Ukrainian and other cultures. within the region. But as its 5,600 The physical characteristics of The average car radio in the region is employees across the region work the Southern Health-Santé Sud are probably tuned to a golden-oldie station, together to share ideas and programs, impressive. It covers over 27,000 as baby-boomers (aged 55 to 64 years old) engage people and communities and square kilometers that span 29 rural make up the fastest growing age group, encourage everyone in the region to municipalities and 1 unorganized but all age groups within the region are get active about his or her own health, territory and is home to 4 cities growing at a faster rate than the provincial perhaps the Southern Health-Santé (Morden, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie average. Over the past decade, Southern Sud will one day also be known as the 1-888-315-9257 and Winkler), 12 towns, 5 villages and Health-Santé Sud has grown by 19% and healthiest in Manitoba. numerous communities. has accounted for almost a quarter of the provincial population growth. 2 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 3

Southern Health-Santé Sud

Roy Enns Guy Gagnon Don Kuhl Armande Leclair Denise Harder Board of Directors Appointed by the Minister of Health, the Southern Health-Santé Sud Board of Directors is responsible for implementing and establishing a sustainable, integrated regional system of health services by providing leadership in addressing the health needs of the population. Line Leclerc

Long time Portage la Prairie resident, Having served as a high school teacher of Santé Montcalm Healthy Community. Paul Cenerini Denise Harder, is the Southern for 34 years, Guy Gagnon is currently She serves on the Board of Musée St- Donna Harasymec Health-Santé Sud Board Chair. She served retired. Guy and his wife Suzanne own a Joseph Museum Inc. and is involved in Ron Tardiff J. Guy Levesque on the former RHA Central Board for five Bed & Breakfast in Ste. Agathe. They have her local church community. years, two of those as Board Chair. “As we two married sons and grandchildren. Guy honor the achievements of the two former has always been actively involved in the Since retiring from her teaching career, RHAs reflected in the incredible depth francophone community having served Line Leclerc continues to be actively and breadth of our programs and services, on numerous local and provincial boards. involved in early years programs. She has we agree that we are not turning away He is currently a member of the provincial always enjoyed serving her community from the former — We are turning toward Board of Directors of the Conseil by participating on committees and Jean A. Balcaen the new. We are grateful for the diversity de développement économique des boards. Line brings a passion for healthy of the people who live in Southern Health- municipalités bilingues (CDEM) and the communities, for children and their Santé Sud and so we commit ourselves to Manitoba representative of RDÉE Canada families. In her spare time, she likes to Daren Van Den Bussche represent all of them.” (Réseau de développement économique et travel, garden, and read but mostly to Susan Hart-Kulbaba d’employabilité). spend time with her husband, four children Having been employed in the insurance and their families. business for nearly four decades, Jean Owner & Chief Operating Officer of A. Balcaen has worked the last 30 DH Privacy Consulting, Donna Retired after 33 years as a general years as a Regional Sales Director for a Harasymec is a certified Master duty Registered Nurse, Cheryl large International insurance company. Access & Privacy Professional (MAPP), McKitrick is now a Port Medic for A very active community member, Jean and the Manitoba representative for the Insurance Companies. She was Board has contributed on a number of boards Canadian Association of Professional Chair of the Genesis House for six years, in the education, recreational and health Access & Privacy Administrators. and enjoys contributing on boards. Cheryl services field. Jean and his wife Maria have Donna maintains certifications as ABCP has a passion for people and their well being, having recently completed a year Cheryl McKitrick two daughters and grandchildren. (Associate Business Continuity Planner) with the Disaster Recovery Institute of as District Governor for her Lions district Leo Van Den Bussche New Board – Same Mandate Paul Cenerini is an educator from Canada. which is a part of the Lions International There may be some new faces at the table, Board has done a lot self education, with With such a large and diverse region, the the Mountain-Pembina Hills region, Organization. Cheryl has been involved but the job for the fifteen members of the some internal facilitation by members of the Board needs to understand and be in-touch where he was born and has resided all Susan Hart-Kulbaba has worked in many organizations and has had the Board of Directors of Southern Health- senior leadership team, but they have spent with the community. It is an important of his life. He has served on a number of for 30 years with unions including three opportunity to serve on many boards. Santé Sud remains unchanged. “An integral a tremendous amount of time learning accountability tool for the Board. Mark Your teacher associations and various French terms as President of the Manitoba Together with her husband Bill, they have Governing part of what we do is to set the direction and about policy governance and the system’s Board ENDs have been developed cultural and education committees. Federation of Labour. She was named three grown children and one grandson. focus for the region,” says Denise Harder, operations on a larger scale,” says McPhail. that outline the strategies and actions that Calendars Since his retirement in 2001, he has YWCA Woman of the Year in 1990 and with Principles Southern Health-Santé Sud Board Chair. Harder says bringing together the two form a strategic health plan for 2013 – 2016 Ron Tardiff is the the Broker/Owner The Southern Health- been involved as a volunteer with the received the Caesar Chaves Order of the The Board sets the flight path for the boards of the former South-Eastman and and which are underpinned by the values renewal of the health infrastructure in Black Eagle in 2001. Her past community of Trinkl Realty a small boutique real Santé Sud Board of The Board of Directors of any organization, adds Kathy McPhail, CEO Central Regional Health Authorities into that guide the organization. But it will take his community. He is married to Yvonne activities include Vice-Chair of the Arts estate company committed to personalized organization is accountable for for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “They one is like bringing two families together time for people to fully understand the new Directors would like to and together they have two daughters Council, and Chair of the Occupational service. His past board experience includes its operation and activities, and it build the tone and the organizational and it’s a gratifying process. “We have spent Southern Health-Santé Sud and realize that invite you to its Annual and a son. Health Centre, the Apprenticeship Board two terms as a director of the Winnipeg must decide in what way it wants culture,” she says. a lot of time learning about our region its Board, its senior leadership team and its Public Meeting to be and Liquor Licensing Board. Susan is Realtors Association, past president of the held on October 2, 2013 Having served in multiple rural locations Manitoba Real Estate Association, and 12 to govern. Southern Health-Santé The first priority for the Board, says and each other and building relationships, 5,600 employees are all committed to those married with three children. Harder, was to develop a vision, mission gaining and earning trust with each other,” values, vision and Board ENDs. “When we at 7 p.m. at the Sanford across Southern Manitoba, Roy Enns years in local municipal politics. Sud has chosen to operate under and values for the expanded region, which she says. “It’s been wonderful to see those say that integrity, compassion, excellence Collegiate. has been employed by the Royal Bank Having served on several agricultural a policy governance model. Policy meant first figuring out what was important relationships forming and to work with and respect are our values, we hope that, for more than 35 years. He is married to organizations over the years, Don Daren Van Den Bussche is a governance is based on a set of for this new Board entity. “The more time people who are all passionate about the through their experiences, people are going Everyone Welcome Carol and together they have four married Kuhl is currently a retired farmer. Don career Fire Fighter for the City of Portage la principles that provide a framework we spent together, the more we realized that health of our communities.” to realize that we really mean what we are children and four granddaughters. also spent two terms on the Garden Valley Prairie. He has served as the past President for the Board of Directors to we are all here for the same reasons. We all Both Harder and Leveque are saying,” says Levesque. Outside interests include involvement School Division Board, and fifteen years of the Portage and District Labour Council and past VP for the Manitoba Federation perform its duties and govern the have very similar values.” convinced that the expanded RHA offers Guy Gagnon has had some of that on the Corporation Board of Providence on Winkler Council. He is a member of University College, local business the Winkler Lions Club and presently of Labour. He currently also sits on the whole organization. Which meant that the Board had more opportunities to share programs, experience. Gagnon can speak from both a good foundation to build on and has services and skills to the benefit of everyone sides of the fence as a rural Manitoban who Fact associations and the local church. serves on the South Central Cancer Portage Adult Learning and Literacy rolled up its sleeves and quickly got down in the region. “Going forward, we are going has recently seen a close family member Southern Health-Santé Sud Personal hobbies include camping, biking, Resource Board. Married to Liz, together Centre Board. Daren and his wife have two A policy governance Board to business, says Guy Levesque, Southern to be able to blur some of the lines and accessing health services for a serious has 12 Telehealth sites. gardening and snowmobiling. they have three married daughters and married adult sons and grandchildren. pro-actively drives the organization Health-Santé Sud Vice-Chair. “We have improve services,” says Harder. illness, and as a new appointee to the Board grandchildren. They enjoy supporting and Leo Van Den Bussche is a Public through policies that it identifies accomplished much already,” he says. “We “The way I look at, it we have more of the Southern Health-Santé Sud region. J. Guy Levesque, Vice-Chair has following their grandchildren in activities Relation Representative with American and develops. These define the have our mission and vision developed, options than before,” says Levesque, who “I am convinced and have seen much always been keenly involved on local such as sports, music, dance and drama. Income Life Insurance Company and has organization’s Vision, Mission and we have a new logo/identity and we have was Chair of the former South Eastman evidence in the relatively short time I have and provincial committees including Don took up the game of golf in his later the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain served on numerous boards in the past. Values, and establish boundaries started reviewing our policies and have region. “We can’t afford to have specialities been a board member that challenges and Fact years and is also an avid reader. (president), Land Value Appraisal Leo and his wife have two daughters. for acceptable practices in the already adopted several.” everywhere but maybe different facilities health issues in Southern Health-Santé Sud Southern Health-Santé Sud The new Board includes some seasoned will specialize in certain fields and that will be dealt with in a timely manner and, Commission (currently serving), Town of Having worked 30 years in education, organization. This in turn lays the has 3 regional hospitals: veterans and some new folks, so education will mean that our residents will be more importantly, health care will continue Bethesda (Steinbach), Ste. Anne C.A.O. (+26 years), Council for Armande Leclair is a retired foundation for the CEO and senior the Town of Ste. Anne, Ste. Anne Curling teacher/school administrator. Keeping Fact has been a vital component of every able to stay within the region for those to be delivered successfully and efficiently Boundary Trails (Morden/ Southern Health-Santé Sud leadership team to develop the Board meeting and many have attended specialized services.” to those in our communities who are most Winkler), & Portage la Prairie. Board, Ste. Anne Arena Board as well as bilingual roots and health care close to her any more boards and committees. The heart, Armande has been a member of the has a total of 1152 personal programs and activities which will workshops organized by the Manitoba One of the primary responsibilities in need,” he says. care home beds. meet those goals. Centre for Health Policy and others. “The of the Board is community engagement. youngest of eight children, Guy enjoys Table de concertation régionale du Centre retirement with his grandkids. for numerous years, as well as member

LEARDERSHIP At the Helm … TEAM WOR DS T H A T MA TTER Chief Executive O cer, Kathy McPhail VP Medical, Integrity Associate VP Medical, Kathy McPhail Dr. Denis Fortier Compassion VP Human Resources, Kathy McPhail stands at the helm of a Jim Hunter E xcellence very large ship. As Chief Executive Ocer VP Planning/Innovation, (CEO) of Southern Health-Santé Sud, she Quality, Safety & Risk, R espect negotiates a few larger waves but keeps a Jane Curtis steady rudder as the former Central and VP Finance & Capital, South Eastman Regional Health Authorities Ken Klassen learn how to sail together. Kathy McPhail is a CEO, administrator VP Clinical Standards & and leader. But if you ask the people who Chief Nursing O cer, Jan Gunness work with her, they will tell you that she is VALUES also a motivator, collaborator, relationship- VP Corporate Services, builder and steward, who is taking a Martin Montanti • Integrity systematic approach to building a new Medical O cers of Health, • Compassion regional health authority that is responsive Dr. Shelley Buchan • Excellence to the needs of the more than 183,000 Dr. Anna Johnston • Respect people living within its expanded borders. Communications/FLS Administrator, McPhail and the senior leadership Claudette Lahaie VISION team she has selected bring a wealth of These are not just words; they are the core programs and how we plan our services, Executive Director-North, Together leading the way for a knowledge and experience that is essential values that the Board of Directors, senior to think about how we can make things Marianne Woods healthier tomorrow. to support the Board of Directors of leadership team and the 5,600 employees more fair for all the people in our region Southern Health-Santé Sud in its role, says Executive Director-East, MISSION of Southern Health-Santé Sud are guided and be inclusive of everyone regardless of Board Chair, Denise Harder. “Kathy and Deb Taillefer age, culture, living conditions, gender or members of the leadership team attend Executive Director-West, To support people and compass that guide the organization, they sexual orientation is really important.” our meetings and they have their fingers Paulette Goossen communities in achieving optimal set the culture and the tone,” says Kathy Compassion begins with focusing Executive Director-Mid, health by providing innovative, McPhail, CEO of Southern Health-Santé care around the needs of the client, says provide immediate answers to most any Cheryl Harrison sustainable and quality health Taillefer. “Every single day we challenge by the Board of Directors in questions that we have.” services. here to serve the region with excellence ourselves to ensure that the decisions we Priorities were quick to rise to the and be compassionate in our every day are making are really about the people that September, 2012 and consists surface … like planning the structure work, which we do with integrity and we are providing the services to, and also of a symbol and the words and framework for the new organization, Community Four Board ENDs and corresponding respect.” the people who are providing the services,” “Southern Health—Santé Sud”. working with the Board of Directors to map Strategic Priorities provide the Making these values come alive, says she says. its direction and putting a senior leadership Engagement planning structure and framework Deb Taillefer, Executive Director – East Best practices in health care are a organization’s bilingual signature. team in place. But as far as her personal for Southern Health-Santé Sud: for Southern Health-Santé Sud, is about good example of excellence in action, says It succinctly identifies as the goals are concerned, says McPhail, nothing embedding them into all elements of the Paul Enns, Director of Health Services for Healthy people and organization and helps shape the has really changed. “My goals have always Some residents, community groups services, programs and daily care that Boundary Trails Health Centre located healthy environment corporate image. been to be connected to our communities and sta of Southern Health-Santé Sud the RHA provides to the region, and that between Morden and Winkler. “Best and sta , to be innovative in service recently took part in consultations at STRATE GIC PRIORITIES: involves everyone from management and practices are about competence and are Colours/ M eaning of Logo planning and delivery and, above all, to various locations around the region • Promote wellness initiatives governance to every employee across the deliver quality health care to the citizens of with representatives from Manitoba system. “How we do business at the Board are research-based and mean that we are .evah ew taht secruoser eht htiw noiger eht noiger htiw eht secruoser taht ew .evah • People supported to take table and at the sta table is going to have looking at the best models to deliver the Health to help develop a model for responsibility for their own health of service, trust and integrity. I don’t think that has changed,” she says. a direct impact on how we provide health best possible service that we can based on It also suggests water and sky Some things have changed. Southern ongoing and meaningful community and well-being care services to the citizens who come to what has proven e ective elsewhere.” Kathy McPhail, CEO, Southern Health-Santé Sud (reaching out). Red is the color Heath-Santé Sud has a vast geography, a consultation across the region. • People supported throughout their our many doors,” says Taillefer. “Something that falls into the of energy, vitality and life-force larger and more diverse population, and a “We were two regions with great table, to build relationships and show my “My personal values in regards to excellence category is innovation,” says “A common theme around those health journey. .secruoser dna smargorp fo esnapxe retaerg esnapxe fo smargorp dna .secruoser strengths, so there are many strong commitment to this organization and the having a sound and ecient healthcare Taillefer. “Some of the innovative things and also signifies the Red River. Accessible health services Having said that, some familiar challenges processes and commitments to build on people of the region.” tables was that, with a much larger system are also the values of Southern like reaching out to citizens to provide remain even under a new name and regional and help us move forward to achieve our McPhail’s commitment is very much geography, people wanted to make STRATE GIC PRIORITIES: Health-Santé Sud,” says Guy Gagnon, a health focused services, as opposed to the most prominent letter within identity. In the context of a very large region, goals,” adds McPhail. She uses the word in evidence, says Harder, and is mirrored sure their voices would continue to be • Access to appropriate care in recent appointee to its Board of Directors. illness focused ones, are a departure from we need a broad vision of health going “we” and “ours” consciously, realizing that by the senior leadership team she has heard,” says Kathy McPhail, CEO of appropriate settings how we have done things in the past. Red River, a meeting ground beyond the ‘bricks and mortar” and ask how the strength of Southern Health-Santé assembled. “Kathy brings a passion and a Southern Health-Santé Sud. what I, as a Manitoban, have come to Southern Health-Santé Sud is on the cusp we provide access for the less privileged in Sud lies in its relationships and in building commitment that we as a Board are always expect from my RHA.” of innovation and excellence in helping between the two former regions, society with programs and services such a sense of ownership amongst its sta , its in awe of,” she says. “Relationships are Community consultation approaches population are addressed From his own experiences in accessing our citizens and communities understand echoing a spirit of coming as primary health care, healthy living, and communities and its residents. Our vision, vitally important because that’s where you vary in each of the former RHAs and Safe, people-centred, health care services, Gagnon says that “it’s new ways to keep themselves healthy.” cancer care etc ...” “Together leading the way for a healthier build trust and confidence. I think as more are part of what is being examined quality health care obvious” that the sta of Southern Health- Values need to resound loudly to reach water which has a universal “We all know that we are going through tomorrow” is very purposeful in signalling and more people in the organization and Santé Sud care deeply about their work. “I across the vast region that is now Southern by the provincial process but the STRATE GIC PRIORITIES: life giving role in most cultures tough economic times and we have to be that the business of health care is a shared the region’s communities have come to have seen a team that adheres to a moral, Health-Santé Sud, and it’s the smaller, and the contiguous shapes importance of maintaining strong • Safe health care very good stewards of the resources that we responsibility with everyone. know Kathy and the leadership team, they ethical and professional code of conduct defining words behind the core values that demonstrate energy and forward connections with the community of have,” says McPhail. “We have an obligation Anyone following in McPhail’s have become more and more comfortable.” • Quality innovative health care that can be trusted and relied upon amplify those “larger” words and make movement. to future generations to make sure that our footsteps over the last year would have Being CEO of Southern Health-Santé the region is shared by all. because of their integrity, knowledge and • People-centred health care precious health care services remain viable covered many miles, meeting with a new Sud is a trust and a privilege, says McPhail expertise,” he says. as caring, empathy, honesty, the ‘golden “My approach has always been to and sustainable. We need the courage to board, visiting communities and groups and one that she takes very seriously. “I Sustainable, accountable and In her work, Stephanie Verhoeven, rule’, inclusiveness, diversity, competency, human element reaching out and make the right decisions and, in any new across the region, becoming familiar with see this role as a true privilege and with work with local stakeholders,” says responsive health organization Regional Director of Public Health – commitment and trust that are all a embracing a growing community developments, to make sure we can sustain new faces and facilities and listening to that comes lots of responsibility – this McPhail. “Often community groups Healthy Living sees much disparity in the part of the core values,” says McPhail. “I STRATE GIC PRIORITIES: — evoking the compassionate and support them. “Part of my task is to suggestions and concerns. “It has been responsibility is to the organization and have formed and are doing great health status of people that live within the see these words exemplified every day • Skilled, healthy and safe workforce nature of our service. work with our various organizational leads really important to try and put a structure the citizens of the region and, as well, work in the community. My intention region and believes respect is something in the people who deliver bedside care, in place for the organization, to frame and to the larger citizenship of Manitoba,” to try and meet the region’s needs by being would be to continue to communicate • Responsive and innovative that helps to equalize some of those in the physicians, nurses, dietary aides, more creative and ecient within current shape it and give it direction. It’s through says McPhail. “But I also know it’s a disparities. “It’s vital that we are meeting health care aides, maintenance people, it with stakeholders in communities organization FACT resources to sustain, re-shape or enhance relationships that all of that is achieved,” responsibility that many others are keen to people where they are at in their lives and doesn’t matter what their role is, and they • Sustainable and accountable Southern Health-Santé Sud programs.” And most importantly, we need says McPhail. “I believe it’s important to be share and, as our vision indicates, together across the region and I feel that any respect the diversity of the people who constantly strive to serve with integrity, organization serves 183,632 residents. to work with our funding partners at all present, whether that’s via phone or e-mail leading the way.” new consultative model will probably live in our region,” she says. “Bringing that compassion, excellence and respect.” stages of planning.” or, as I personally prefer, face to face at a enhance that.” • Communities are engaged into our approach, into how we set up 6 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 7

To download the report Empathy, Dignity and Respect: Creating cultural safety for Aboriginal people in urban health care Providing or to see the video visit healthcouncilcanada.ca/ pub/urban-aboriginal- Patient-First Care health

Diagnostic Services Manitoba Extends MRI Hours at Aboriginal Boundary Trails Insignia Health Centre Doretta Harris, Regional Director Aboriginal Health Services Description • The Medicine Wheel represents the spiritual, emotional, mental Aboriginal Health Services and physical elements of the person. Southern Health-Santé Sud patients two technologists providing weekday Since first introducing MRI service all lab and imaging services within requiring an MRI (magnetic resonance appointments. DSM has gradually to the region in 2007, Boundary Trails Southern Health-Santé Sud are part of • The four colors of red, blue, imaging) scan now have more flexibility improved access to the service since Radiologists have been key in the DSM’s provincial diagnostic network. Receive National Recognition white and yellow around the bear in booking their appointment at the 2010 with the staffing of two additional continuous improvement of the service. DSM was created in 2002 as the not-for- An innovative program which delivers these cultural differences as a learning “Aboriginal Health Services is making Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) technologists and clerical support. Patient The MRI unit recently received equipment profit corporation responsible for all of health services to Aboriginal people in opportunity to ensure that the appropriate an important difference in helping... represent the Four Nations of the thanks to extended service hours. appointments are now available weekdays that can now image the forefoot and Manitoba’s public laboratory services and the Southern Health-Santé Sud region has care is given to help our clients feel Aboriginal patients navigate the healthcare world. “There has been a very positive from 7:30 AM-10:00 PM and from 8:30 ankle together in a single scan and also for rural diagnostic imaging services. With received national recognition from the comfortable and safe when they are system and help[ing] medical professionals patient response to the extended evening AM-4:00 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. provides improved image data of the more than 70 sites located across Manitoba, Health Council of Canada and is featured accessing care,” she adds. understand how recognizing culture can • The braided sweet grass and weekend hours,” said Chris Murray, The extended hours have increased patient minute anatomy of the wrist which will DSM is proud to be the province’s leading in a report and video on its website. Cultural competency is key to be good medicine,” says John Abbott, CEO represents Mother Earth and Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM) appointments by 44%. help Radiologists to make diagnoses on provider of public laboratory and rural Aboriginal Health Services is centred Aboriginal Health Services, which of the Health Council of Canada in a letter her holistic healing gifts that she Senior MRI Technologist. “In addition “We are extremely pleased to partner everything from sprains, to breaks to diagnostic imaging services. out of the Portage la Prairie District incorporate many different resources and thanking Harris for participating in the provides us with. to providing convenience and flexibility, with DSM to be able to offer Southern tumors. General Hospital and is one of the first practices, including traditional smudges video and report. For more information about the department can now see more MRI Health-Santé Sud residents improved DSM’s Boundary Trails imaging in rural Manitoba. The program provides and sharing circles for clients, families of Building relationships is vital to the • The intertwined sash represents patients each week.” access to diagnostic imaging services,” said team is going above and beyond to offer Diagnostic Service Manitoba health care services which are sensitive to clients and health providers around the successful delivery of Aboriginal Health the Métis. The different ethnic DSM has listened to community Kathy McPhail, Southern Health-Santé Sud exemplary service and ensure a patient- visit dsmanitoba.ca. the cultural needs of First Nations, Inuit region. Services and without the support and residents and answered to the need for Chief Executive Officer. “These results are first environment. MRI Technologist Julia and Métis people. “Intensive Cultural Competency involvement of the Aboriginal community, backgrounds, different languages extended MRI service to meet the busy a testimony to the highly dedicated team at Stoesz was recently recognized with a Fact “The national recognition that the training and education has been health care providers, Board of Directors, and how they blend into one schedules of patients who have found Boundary Trails Health Centre, DSM and patient safety champion award from the Southern Health-Santé Sud Aboriginal Health Services program has undertaken since the outset of this CEO and senior leadership team of another to form a rich tapestry it difficult to make MRI appointments Manitoba Health who have demonstrated Southern Health-Santé Sud region. has a budget of $331.5 been given is so deserved,” says Kathy program for health providers, physicians Southern Health-Santé Sud the program like the lives and cultures of the during the regular week day. Initially, their commitment to improving patient Boundary Trails Health Centre million . McPhail, CEO of Southern Health-Santé and board members,” says Harris. “This could not have achieved all that is has, Métis people. the MRI Department was staffed with experiences and patient volume capacity.” laboratory and imaging services, and Sud. “I am very proud of this collaborative facilitates the broader understanding and says Harris.“We have really shown that the program, which grew out of a grassroots application of the principles and concepts program adds value to the health system • The bear represents traditional need that was identified by the community.” of Cultural Competency and directly and we are a recognized and respected and contemporary medicines Doretta Harris is the Regional impacts how providers approach their care part of the health care teams in our region,” and the teachings of the sacred Is cancer screening for Director of Aboriginal Health Services and service delivery.” Aboriginal Health she says. with Southern Health-Santé Sud and Services embeds and incorporates Cultural “We know that our Aboriginal medicines complementing one she was invited to share details about Competency education by providing population bears a large burden of another. the program at one of the cross-Canada cultural information through discussions chronic health issues, such as diabetes for me? meetings held by the Health Council of in daily interactions with health providers and hypertension,” says McPhail. “The Canada last spring to discuss cultural and physicians. Aboriginal Program, however, is much Manitoba competency and safety in health care. Aboriginal Support Workers are a larger than any one disease issue; it’s a Poison Centre Program Who What Test When How “The Health Council of Canada used our vital part of Aboriginal Health Services program that is broad in scope and reaches Centre Aboriginal Health Services program as and have contributed greatly to its success. across the social fabric of the aboriginal Anti-Poison Women starting at age 50 Screening Every 2 years Call 1-800-903-9290 an example of an innovative program Aboriginal Support Workers are based at community, not just the health fabric.” du Manitoba mammogram for an appointment that enhances cultural competency and the Portage District General Hospital and The launch of the Health Council cultural safety and ultimately improves the provide support for Aboriginal people to of Canada report, which featured the 1 855 776 4766 health outcomes for Aboriginal people in help them successfully navigate the health Aboriginal Health Services program, healthcare systems,” says Harris. “Cultural system. They provide culturally sensitive generated a lot of interest from TV and New poison control line All women who have ever Pap test Every 2 years Visit your doctor or nurse Competency is the other corner stone support and interpretation services print media and online social networks takes effect July 1 been sexually active or call 1-866-616-8805 of Aboriginal Health Services that is so for Aboriginal clients and the nurses, like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As The enhanced Manitoba Poison imperative to its ongoing success.” physicians and other health care providers a result of all this attention, other health Centre, 1-855-7POISON (1-855-776- Cultural Competency in health care assisting them, making sure there are no authorities across Canada are showing 4766), will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will provide means that the health care provider misunderstandings or miscommunication interest in adopting similar programs in specialized information and treatment Men and women 50-74 Home screening Every 2 years Call 1-866-744-8961 to request respects and understands that people about the care the client requires and their regions. “The hope is that our work recommendations related to chemical, from different cultures have different receives. “Our Aboriginal Support Workers will inspire others in Canada to use our biological, pharmaceutical and test (FOBT) your home screening test environmental poisoning and exposure. values and beliefs that will impact upon help to empower clients and their families programs as an example of everyday If needed, Manitobans can continue to the delivery of health care for that person, to be involved and engaged in decisions practices that are embedding cultural call 911 or their local emergency number says Harris. “Culturally Competent health about their own health plan and health competence and cultural safety in our to get urgent care for poisonings. Speak to your health care provider if you have questions about screening for other cancers. care providers recognize the value of outcomes,” says Harris. health system,” says Harris. 8 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 9 Restore and Recharge Navigating Restore and recharge...take it outside in Louise Recreation Director and chair of nature was the theme of the 15th annual the organizing committee. The theme soon Healthy Communities Conference held on emerged about the need to re-establish that the Cancer April 19 in Pilot Mound. connection between health and nature … Southern Health-Santé Sud sponsors and how that is being lost in our modern, the annual Health Communities stress-filled lives, which are increasingly Conference, which is held in a different being spent indoors. community each year and explores a topic Presenters including early childhood Journey around health and healthy living that is of educators, motivational speakers and an Boundary Trails Health Centre (BTHC) comfort to those who have been referred importance to the host community. “It’s occupational therapist drove home the has enhanced access to cancer services into our service. We want to make sure a way for us to work in a meaningful way message that we are biologically hard- targeted at improving the start point of an they don’t fall through any cracks,” says with communities and to learn together wired to be outdoors. It is unnatural individual’s cancer journey and maintaining Deb Weir, one of three Nurse Navigators about topics of common interest which for us to spend as much time as we do personalized care throughout that journey. working with patients in Boundary Trails support healthy living in communities in indoors. Plenty of research has proven The Community Cancer Program at and neighbouring communities. “We’re the region,” says Jennifer Baker, Regional that our health improves when we spend Boundary Trails, which already provided watching and following up on their tests and Manager Public Health-Healthy Living time outdoors. A community panel of chemotherapy closer to home for patients, advocating for them to ensure things don’t with Southern Health-Santé Sud. members also shared their own ideas and has now added an integrated network take longer than they should.” Although the RHA provides a small experiences about the role that nature can Morning keynote speakers Ruth Lindsey-Armstrong, Mavis Lewis-Webber & Brigitte of cancer services, including Cancer “Cancer Navigation Services are there grant to help with the cost of speakers, play in our health and in the sustainability Navigation Services, counselling and for people, regardless of where they are Insull from Red River College encouraged participants to get outdoors and fight the a vast majority of the planning and of our communities. support, and increased links with local care on their journey with cancer,” adds Weir, new adage that “sitting is the new smoking”. organizing is done by the many community “I was tremendously excited about providers and oncology specialists. “Whether they are suspected of or have a groups and organizations which become the choice to focus on the connection BTHC, located between Winkler diagnosis of cancer, are in treatment, are involved. “The amount of volunteer effort between health and nature,” says Baker. “I and Morden, was chosen as the first post-treatment, need palliative care or are and energy that goes into this annual event think it really is an up-and-coming focus in Community Cancer Program in Manitoba a family in bereavement - our services are is astronomical,” says Baker. “Communities Healthy Living circles to focus on how we to have increased access to supportive there for information, for support and to do a lot of work to really explore their own have removed ourselves from our natural cancer services because it already had a answer questions about what to expect next.” thinking about what they think is important world – this to our own detriment. I think similar cancer pre-referral program in place. To reduce the anxiety associated with to the health of their community.” the global community is learning more and Cancer Navigation Services at BTHC are awaiting diagnosis, Nurse Navigators try to When the organizing committee more about this and I think it is exciting also being extended to the northern part of better coordinate tests and reduce delays. first sat down to determine the theme that the community also thought this was the region, based out of Portage la Prairie. “We try to set up tests concurrently instead for this year’s conference, they made relevant and essential to their community’s Additional integrated services are planned of consecutively,” says Dr. Woelk, Physician the observation that they didn’t see kids health.” for Steinbach to serve the eastern portion of Lead for the integrated cancer services now outside much anymore, then realized the Next year’s Healthy Communities Southern Health-Santé Sud. The integrated available. “Instead of waiting for one test same was true about themselves. “Then Conference will be hosted by Swan Lake network of services are part of the efforts of a result and then having to wait for another, we all started to talk about when the last First Nation in collaboration with the $40-million provincial strategy to transform we try to arrange for patients to undergo time was we were outside ‘to restore and Swan Lake Community. This will mark the the cancer patient journey and reduce the their tests and consultations at the same CEO Kathy McPhail and members of the Southern Health-Santé Sud Board recharge’ and that did not come to mind first time that a First Nations community timeframe from clinical suspicion of cancer time, when possible.” for most,” says Desarae Angus, who is has hosted the event. preparing for a day of learning at the Healthy Communities Conference. through diagnosis to start of treatment in 60 Another cancer service now available days or less. at BTHC is counselling, emotional and “From what I have seen, the speed and psychological support for patients and quality of the patient journey, especially in families through a psychosocial oncology Dr. Woelk, Physician Lead, Cancer Patient Journey, Boundary Trails Health Centre those first days from cancer suspicion to clinician. “There is a fair amount of worry treatment, has been significantly improved and fear about cancer. Having someone through these services,” says Dr. Denis who can listen to those worries makes a big Fortier, Associate Vice-President Medical difference,” says Dr. Woelk. “Sometimes that for Southern Health-Santé Sud. psychosocial support is also provided by the What Additional Cancer When it is first suspected that someone Nurse Navigators.” has cancer, there is a waiting period while The enhanced services started running tests are performed, and that can be one in Boundary Trails as of January 2013, and Services are Available? of the hardest times in a patient’s cancer have already had a noticeable impact. “It’s Wear a Helmet for Every Ride Check Helmet Fit Cancer Navigation Services, Cancer Counselling Services journey. A big part of the enhancement about getting patients to the treatment Helmets should be worn by children Helmets work best when they fit well, are worn to services for patients during this time they need, faster,” says Dr. Woelk. “We’ve cancer counselling services, and There are times when the stresses of and youth riding bikes, scooters, and correctly and the straps are fastened. frame is the addition of Nurse Navigators. already seen cases where we have been Family Physicians in Oncology everyday life and the added concerns skateboards every time they ride. Trained oncology nurses are assigned to able to shorten the timeframe from clinical support are all part of the and disruption of a cancer diagnosis Learn the 2-V-1 rule: only 2 fingers should fit each referred cancer patient to guide and suspicion of cancer to that first treatment. cause patients and families to experience between your eyebrows and the helmet, the enhanced cancer services now Parents are important role models expedite them through the whole process of We’re very pleased with that.” significant distress. Access to a for kids, and should always wear a straps should form a V around your ears, and available at Boundary Trails. testing, diagnosis, referrals and treatments. Family physicians and patients can Psychosocial Oncology Clinician can help helmet when cycling. only 1 finger should fit between your chin and the “There are so many unknowns for find out about referral to these services patients and families through difficult chin strap. Cancer Navigation Services Remember that serious injuries patients and families at that time and a by calling Boundary Trails Health Centre points in their journey. These services big part of what we do is to try to give 1-855-623-1533. All diagnosed patients, or those usually happen close to home, on Ride Together includes individual, couple, family and whose health providers have a clinical neighbourhood streets, parks, and small group counselling sessions, as well as Younger children should always cycle with a parent. suspicion of cancer, can and should paths. assistance to access practical help including Before age 9 most children do not have the be referred either by their doctor or Choose the Right Helmet The Cancer Patient Journey Initiative transportation, accommodations, finances, maturity and skills to cycle safely on the road by self-referral to Cancer Navigation Patients diagnosed with cancer have often is a partnership of Manitoba Health, child and elder care. Do you know that there are different alone. Read more about why children lack Services. From there, oncology trained described their journey with the illness CancerCare Manitoba, Diagnostic Services helmets for different activities? good judgement in traffic at our website www. Nurse Navigators can help the patient as frustrating and poorly coordinated, of Manitoba, Regional Health Authorities Family Physicians activesafekidsmanitoba.ca and the primary care provider more Bike helmets can be used for cycling, with gaps in care and communication. of Manitoba, Family Physicians and other in Oncology (FPOs) easily work through cancer testing and scooters, and inline skating. General Cycling Safety CancerCare Manitoba estimates that for health care providers. These partners have These are family physicians with special referrals for timely access to care. These many, the cancer patient journey from brought together key players and patients interest or focused practice in oncology, Skateboard helmets should be worn Make sure your bike fits you properly and is in nurses will answer questions for patients when a patient’s family doctor first suspects from across Manitoba to work together to and who have received special training for inline tricks and skateboarding. good condition. and families to better understand cancer until treatment actually begins, takes reduce the time from suspicion of cancer to in the provincial cancer system. These diagnosis and the plan of care. They are Some helmets are designed for Wear bright colours to be seen. anywhere from three to nine months. Delays first treatment to 60 days or less. doctors are a resource to Cancer Navigation multiple activities. Make sure your raise anxiety for patients and their families, There are many improvements already also the communication link between Everyone should learn the rules of the road Services, family doctors, and other health helmet meets safety standards from and may affect clinical outcomes such as underway and many more to occur in key CancerCare MB services and the family such as hand signals, how to use bike lanes and care providers who are in a more active role CPSC, CSA, ASTM or Snell. requiring more intensive treatment. areas related to primary care, diagnostics, as doctor or primary care provider. navigate traffic. early on in the patient journey. The Cancer Patient Journey Initiative well as specialty care and IT support. 10 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 11 Primary Care Network

TheFocuses Primary Care Network is a new onto provide appropriate the care to clients“Person” as A Patient Care Connector will soon A primary health care delivery model which needed, increase their access to care and be implemented in the region, whose role is first being implemented by Southern shorten wait times. will be to connect individuals without Health-Santé Sud in partnership with “It allows physicians to use the scope a physician to a practice. Improving Steinbach Family Medical Clinic. The of their practice more efficiently,” says access is a key function of the Primary main focus of this delivery model is Dr. Myron Thiessen, Vice-President Care Network says Ilchyna. “The goal to centre on the needs of the person Medical for the region and the Physician is to improve access for all Manitobans Physician requiring health services. Lead for the Primary Care Network. to quality health care by focusing on “The Primary Care Network is a “Physicians have training which allows the patient and connecting health care comprehensive, person-centred approach them to function in a more efficient providers together seamlessly so there is Deb Taillefer, Executive Director- to delivery of primary care,” says Karen manner when they can use other primary continuity and consistency of care and East for Southern Health-Santé Sud Ilchyna, Primary Care Network Project care providers that can deliver some of the patient doesn’t have to come in and Lead. “We know that the individual is the the care. When everybody works as a repeat his or her story to more than one Dr. Myron Thiessen, VP Medical, Dr. Denis Fortier, Associate VP expert in their health or illness, so we work team, it improves access and quality care provider.” Southern Health-Santé Sud Medical, Southern Health-Santé Sud for All with that individual to improve, manage for patients.” The Primary Care Network at and maintain his or her health and offer Thiessen likens the role of the Steinbach is the first to be implemented Last year, the Manitoba government Alternative health care providers, hours” and same day access to primary care source of human resources being exposed support in getting the information and physician in the Primary Care Network and three similar networks have been announced its commitment to ensuring who can help alleviate the workload that isn’t an emergency. “The idea is that if to our region,” says Dr. Fortier. “If they train care they need, when they need it.” to that of a quarterback to the team. proposed for other facilities across that all Manitobans have access to a for physicians, are also in place in a patient has an ear infection or something here and like what they see as well as the Manitoba’s first Primary Care “That physician doesn’t necessarily see a Manitoba, and although they have yet to family doctor by 2015. It’s one of four key some facilities. Nurse Practitioners and like that and is not able to immediately people they are working with, some of them Network is being implemented in the patient every time they need care, so the be approved, many believe that innovative strategies that have been identified by Physician Assistants have been deployed see their family physician, they can go to come back to work in the region.” Manitoba upcoming weeks and brings together patient may see one care provider in the systems such as this are the future of health Manitoba Health, which also include the in several locations across the region. the Quick Care Clinic and see someone. Health is also increasing incentives for a team of various health care Primary Care Network in one setting and care delivery systems. “The Primary Care Cancer Patient Journey, the continuing “Alternate care providers such as nurse The clinic communicates this occurrence recruiting physicians and has increased providers including physicians, physician a different care provider in a different Network is about system transformation Long Term Care strategy and Access/wait practitioners and physician assistants are back to their family physician, so they can the enrolment base at the University of assistants, nurse practitioners, a chronic setting, but that is all connected to what to get us to a place where we have a very list reduction. very helpful because physicians spend a follow up and get longer term care,” says Dr. Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine. disease nurse, registered dietician, we call the patient’s primary care home,” connected and well networked system,” Southern Health-Santé Sud is lot of time doing other work in hospitals Myron Thiessen, Vice-President Medical There are multiple tiers that make up child immunization nurse, reproductive he says. “So by utilizing the Primary says Deb Taillefer, Executive Director- engaging in a number of different strategies and personal care homes,” says Dr. Fortier, for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “The Quick the overall strategy that aims to ensure all health nurse and a mental health brief Care Network in this way it allows one East for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “The to try and help make the “doc for all” goal a Associate Vice-President Medical for Care Clinic is not taking on a permanent Manitobans have a family physician, and treatment counsellor. The Primary Care physician to have a broader base of Primary Care Network is the glue that reality for its more than 183,000 residents. Southern Health-Santé Sud. “If we can patient load, it’s just providing, as the name its partnerships between many different Network provides a way for these health practice and that improves access and connects all those gears so they work as a Karen Ilchyna, Primary Care A Primary Care Network is soon shift those duties to other care providers, implies, that one visit for a quick item and people, groups and communities that will be to be implemented in partnership with the family physician can spend more time then expects patients to go back and see essential to make it happen. “Partnerships care professionals to collaborate and everybody has a physician that they are very well articulated machine.” Network Project Lead communicate efficiently with each other attached to.” Steinbach Family Medical Clinic that in his or her clinic and see more patients.” their primary care provider, to whom they are hugely important when it comes to aims to more efficiently connect patients Steinbach has also implemented a are attached, for longer term care.” achieving this goal for 2015,” says Dr. with the services of a team of health care Quick Care Clinic, one of four across Physicians continue to do their part Fortier. “Southern Health-Santé Sud can’t providers to help improve access. Manitoba, which aims to improve “out of in trying to encourage young physicians to do it alone, doctors can’t do it alone, the … practice in rural areas and support them in communities can’t do it alone, the Province ou go their training. “Our physicians do a good job can’t do it alone, but if all of us are working It’s Safe hen y of training future doctors and that is a huge together, then we will succeed.” do w ou Fact Fact do y to Ask hat Southern Health-Santé Sud Southern Health-Santé Sud W has 24 Public Health sites. has 19 ambulance stations. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist… High Blood Arthritis AsthmaAre you sick and tired of re What is my What do I being sick and tired? Or are health problem? Diabetes ht need to do? You only need one reason to quit. Stro you managing well and want 1 We have three ways to help. nt CChronic Pa to stay that way? Let’s...es Smokers’ Helpline has proven tips and tools to help you quit tobacco use. We have three ways for you to get free, personalized and non-judgmental C igue Syndrome support, advice and information that can improve your chance for success. Get Better You can quit! We can help. M pression S Together! Cover your sneezes and coughs Phone Support Online Program Text Messaging Why do I need A free bromyalgiaprogram for to do this? O and help stop the spread of germs. living better with 2 ongoing health se conditions 3 1 2 3 SOAP Osteoperosis Heart Disease

Use a tissue Wash your hands Hepatitis Throw in the garbage For more information on programs in Southern Health–Santé Sud or to register, call 1-800-742-6509 and ask for Healthy Living.

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COLOURS CMYK IMAGES HI-RES X FPO 12 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 13 Growing French Language

InOur 2011, our Recruitment Ownand French The workshop, formerly called Chaching Language Services (FLS) staff set out to en santé, was developed in collaboration create a durable and innovative program with the Conseil communauté en santé du Services Improve that would get bilingual high school Manitoba, a provincial partner recognized students excited about careers in health by the Government of Manitoba as care. The goal is to curb future bilingual- official representative of the Francophone staff shortages by ‘growing our own’. The community in the areas of health and idea is that if we get bilingual individuals to social services. Also, generous funding Health Outcomes become healthcare professionals, we’ll be from Francofonds and the De Salaberry able to provide health services in French to District Health Centre Foundation made What are the French-speaking clients well into the future! the initiative possible in its initial year. The resulting program is a mobile Finally, the community involvement in Tables de game-show, now known as Les héros de la developing the program was outstanding. santé. Now in its third year, we’re taking Les héros de la santé was developed Concertation? the workshop to more French and French- using input and active participation of immersion schools throughout the Region. youth: they are the subjects in the photos Tables de Concertation exist To date, the region has impacted an and videos used throughout; they piloted in both the former South- estimated 500 French-speaking students the program to ensure it was relevant and from grades 9 through 12 and we’ve engaging to them. The participants, their Eastman and Central regions started to return to schools that had the parents, teachers and the RHA staff on- and form partnerships with presentation in the first year. location all became aware of the project community health providers Les héros de la santé introduces which further increased the impact it has and organizations like schools participants to up to 55 different healthcare had. The program has been and continues and seniors groups, to careers and specialities in entertaining to be used beyond Southern Health-Santé Southern Health-Santé Sud and Conseil Communauté en santé du Manitoba staff and engaging ways. It reinforces the value Sud boundaries and to the benefit of the attended attended a career fair in Notre Dame de Lourdes on May 9, 2013 in the promote wellness within the added of being bilingual when seeking entire bilingual healthcare industry. hopes of inspiring bilingual students to consider the many careers in health care. francophone community, with a job and the need for bilingual services. an emphasis on how people can It promotes health care as an exciting, Fact Fact Fact have an impact upon their own promising industry and Southern Health- Southern Health-Santé Sud Southern Health-Santé Sud Southern Health- Santé Sud Santé Sud as a first-choice employer. personal health through healthy has 5,600 employees. has 13 acute care sites and has 21 Home Care sites. The ‘game-show’ gets students thinking activities and lifestyles. 5 transitional care sites. about the industry of health care and about what they have to offer within it. The Table de Concertation Santé Sud-est established two Members of the two Tables de concertation régionales du Centre et du Sud-Est gathered together for a joint meeting in March French-Language Community to discuss the 2013-2016 Southern Health-Santé Sud FLS Strategic Plan. Wellness Centres (Centres de bien-être communautaire Based on 2011 Census data, the Southern team are very committed to putting and continues to be key, says Lahaie. francophone) in Ste Agathe You’re Health-Santé Sud region is home to 70% specific policies and actions in place to “Our FLS have been built on consultation of rural French-speaking Manitobans, serve the needs of the French-speaking with the community and it’s vital that the and La Broquerie where almost 11% of its population is French- population of the region,” says Bédard. RHA continues to work in collaboration the emphasis is on primary speaking, so being able to provide health Both of the former RHAs which now because part of having healthy people health and well-being and asking good care services in French is important to help make up Southern Health-Santé Sud had and a healthy environment is to assume where programs, activities ensure good health outcomes. The RHA provided FLS and had FLS strategic plans. a shared responsibility for health with the embraces its role as a designated bilingual These have been reviewed and are being community,” she says. and information help all age questions. organization, providing services in both consolidated to develop an FLS strategy for Recruiting French-speaking employees groups within the francophone official languages. the whole region. is another challenge that the region is faced community be more aware of “Research has shown that if providers “Our FLS policies were very similar, so with, says Bédard. “It’s not easy to recruit how to positively influence their of services speak the same language as the it makes sense to merge the best of both,” bilingual staff and although the RHA client, it has a significant impact on health says Pierre Beaudoin, Chair of the Table de recognizes the challenges, it is engaged in personal health. outcomes,” says Claudette Lahaie, French Concertation Sud-est, one of two regional finding innovative and creative solutions,” Language Services (FLS) Administrator round tables. The “tables de concertation” she says. The Table de Concertation for Southern Health-Santé Sud. “If the which provide an important link to the French language services currently du Centre also partners client has a better understanding of the French-speaking community, give input available in the region are a solid base to with community groups and information being shared, there is more into FLS and promote awareness of FLS continue to build upon, says Lahaie. “There organizations and last year > We have ansWers. likelihood that the client will follow through programs. “We are looking at how to best has already been a lot of work done and organized SAC ADOS, an Get started by findinG us online or on the phone, 24/7. with the recommendations being made, share some of the programs, facilities and there is strong support from the RHA to and the provider will also understand people and consolidate our best practices. ensure that bilingual services continue to awareness conference for 204-788-8200 better what is going on with the client.” We have to make sure that we maximize be available for the community.” teens on how to make better This statement stands true in the French the resources and opportunities within the Consolidated, regional FLS should choices related to mental health culture as well as for other cultures such as region.” bring a synergy that will help free up wellness and risk behaviors. The 1-888-315-9257 toll-free evidenced through our Aboriginal Support Making people aware of where and how some time to work on priorities such as Worker program. FLS can be accessed is a key priority for the bilingual human resources, says Dr. Denis event was held in Notre Dame manitoba.ca/betterhealth “Southern Health-Santé Sud has RHA, says Lahaie. “The province has officially Fortier, Associate Vice-President Medical de Lourdes which was attended been very proactive in recognizing the designated us as a bilingual RHA and we for Southern Health-Santé Sud who also by 200 local francophone high importance of French Language Services to need to make sure that access to FLS in the chairs the Table de concertation régionale school students. the region”, says Annie Bédard, Executive region are very evident, readily available, du Centre. “The merger has allowed us to Director of the Conseil Communauté en and easily accessible,” she says. There are a build capacity,” he says. “It will also allow Santé du Manitoba, the organization which number of designated bilingual facilities in us to explore policies that were otherwise Fact is the official provincial representative of the region in areas where concentration of theoretical. Now we can develop and Southern Health-Santé Sud the francophone community in the areas French-speaking people is high. implement them. I think there is going to has 180 physicians/ of health and social services. “The RHA Engaging communities and other be more activity in terms of consolidating specialists. Board of Directors and senior leadership partners in the provision of FLS has always and enhancing FLS in the region.”

47.25x68.25_Transit Shelter Poster 14 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter www.southernhealth.ca Spring 2013 15

of individuals and community is everyone’s business. The professional health funded services are important, but only a part of the solution. Workplaces, schools, community centres, sports organizations, Speaking churches, families and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring that we incorporate mental health into our overall health and well-being.” Kroeker and his colleagues are in the process of reorganizing services for the new Our Respect Southern Health-Santé Sud. Services and Quite unconsciously, we often speak to we should ask ‘Are you ready for your walk? programs currently provided include crisis seniors in the same way that we would speak I am here to help you’.” response, adult community mental health, to an infant child, but little do we realize the Equally as important as the words intensive case management services, negative effects that so called “elder speak” we say is the tone in which we say them. mental health services for seniors, child can have on the physical, psychological and Using a higher pitched voice, for example, and adolescent services, support services functional wellbeing of older people. can actually make it harder to differentiate including housing supports, proctors, “Elder speak is using slower speech, words. mental health promotion and prevention. exaggerating the pronunciation of words, “When we discuss elder speak it’s Services in all of these areas are elevating the pitch and volume of our voices generating a lot of conversation,” says currently provided across the region, and using repetitive and simpler vocabulary Groulx. “A lot of people are saying ‘I didn’t although they have evolved slightly and grammar than we would use with one even realize I was doing that’. What I think differently in scope and capacity in each of of our peers,” says Michelle Groulx, Client is key is that we need to remember that we the former RHA regions (South Eastman Services Manager at Boyne Lodge. are professional staff and we are not in the and Central). Part of the challenge ahead It was at a long term care conference same role as the family and friends of the is to standardize services across the region last spring that Groulx was introduced seniors in our care. We need to speak to and evolve capacity to meet the needs to the concept of elder speak and further seniors with the respect that we, as seniors, of the region’s growing population. “We research led her to discover studies that will expect to receive ourselves some day.” are working on developing the program detailed the detrimental effects that it can structure so we can clearly communicate have. Although, she says, people are usually to the region’s population what services Mental Health Promotion Coordinator Allana Hall posing for a picture with singer/songwriter Robb Nash at the 2013 trying to express caring when they use Hands spread about 80% of infectious we have, where they are available and what they can expect from those services,” says elder speak, it doesn’t necessarily convey diseases like the common cold and fl u. Out of the Blue launch. the intended message. “Elder speak fails Kroeker. to communicate appropriate respect,” she Presently, access workers at Winkler, says. “It can create a feeling of being talked Portage la Prairie and Steinbach provide down to and implies incompetence, which Keeping our hands an entry point for those seeking any kind has a spiralling effect of causing lower Mental Health a Priority for of mental health services across the region. self esteem, depression, withdrawal and clean is the most “The access workers are a first point of dependent behaviour, that can then lead to important thing we can contact to find out what mental health a decline in that person’s physical, cognitive Get the dirt do to reduce the risk of services are provided on a regional and a and functional status.” Southern Health-Santé Sud provincial basis,” says Kroeker. “The idea illness or infecti ons. Groulx has been sharing her research on clean hands! The World Health Organization indicates 2,000 to 3,000 people at any given time, The scope of the issue does not is to get people connected to the right with staff to instill the message that, in that one in five people have a diagnosable estimates Ken Kroeker, Regional Director however mean that all folks impacted services and make them aware of what speaking with elders, they need be treated mental illness at any given time. To put of Mental Health and Spiritual Health require assistance from the formal mental their options are.” When you touch a doorknob, computer mouse or a shopping cart that has germs such as as equals rather than as children. It’s that in perspective, the Southern Health- Care, which is a reason that provision of health services such as community Each former region has innovative viruses or bacteria on it and then touch your mouth or eyes, you can become ill yourself important, she says, to address seniors Santé Sud region has a population greater mental health services has been identified mental health, psychiatry, psychology services that it’s hoped can become or you can spread the illness to someone you care about. Serious infecti ons can be picked by name instead of using inappropriate than 183,000, which means that 36,000 as one of the priorities for the region in its and inpatient care, adds Kroeker. “It does standard across the region. For example, up anywhere and without you knowing it. terms of endearment such as ‘sweetie’, and of them could potentially be dealing with strategic health plan for 2013-2016. “It’s a however mean that we need to evolve while there may have been a variety of to remember to ask them direct questions mental health issues on a daily basis. theme that is pretty strong and comes up a range of options that allow people initiatives and strategies relative to suicide that empower them to make decisions for Soap and water gets rid of germs but doesn’t kill them. When you scrub, the soap traps the germs The Mental Health program for the repeatedly in conversations that mental impacted to seek the appropriate assistance prevention, they are all based on the same themselves. “We tend to pluralize some and the water rinses them off your hands. Southern Health-Santé Sud is currently health is a key component of overall health in a variety of settings, in both formal and focus and goals. Southern Health-Santé- of our questions when we speak with the providing services for approximately promotion,” says Kroeker. informal ways,” he says. “The mental health Sud has some innovative programs and elderly,” says Groulx. “For example we might Regular soap is best for hand washing. It comes in two forms: resources to help raise awareness and offer say ‘Are we ready for our walk?’ and instead support for those at risk. (See p. 16 for Liquid soap - this is a good choice because it is clean and easy to use. Clean the outside of the examples.) dispenser and wash the inside of the container and allow to dry before re lling it. “The vision is to continue to build partnerships and work in sync with the Antibacterial soap is not a good choice for regular hand washing. Even though this soap strategic directions established by the contains anti bacterial substances to kill germs, it needs to be scrubbed into the hands for 30-45 seconds Mental Health Commission of Canada for it to work. It not all the germs are killed, they can become resistant to the anti bacterial substance. and our own Province of Manitoba’s Also, anti bacterial soaps can’t kill viruses that cause colds and  u. If used too oft en, it can be harsh on Strategic Plan in an effort to build an skin. evidence-based service delivery system that can make a difference to people in ” Hand Cleaning Using alcohol-based hand rubs: When you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use the Southern Health-Santé Sud region an alcohol-based hand rub. The alcohol in the hand rub kills germs. Use the products that have 60-95% who are experiencing mental illnesses,” alcohol. There are ti mes when alcohol-based hand rubs are less eff ecti ve than soap and water. says Kroeker. Alcohol-based hand rubs can’t kill germs when there is dirt, so wash your hands with soap and water • continued next page if your hands are visibly dirty. If you eat foods that could cause an allergic reacti on in other people, wash aft erward with soap and Fact water. Alcohol-based hand rubs don’t remove food. Southern Health-Santé Alcohol-based hand rubs are not eff ecti ve against Clostridium diffi cile Associated Diseases (CDAD) so Sud has 21 Mental Health use soap and water aft er using washroom. Service sites.

Alcohol-based hand rubs are safe for children when used correctly. Make sure children rub their Scrub-a-dub

“ hands unti l they are completely dry. This will allow the alcohol in the hand rub to evaporate and children can safely touch their mouths and eyes. Store container safely aft er use. Fact Southern Health-Santé Sud covers 27,025 km2. Michelle Groulx, Client Services Manager, Spread the word. Not the Germs! Boyne Lodge – Carman 16 Spring 2013 www.southernhealth.ca Southern Health–Santé Sud newsletter

Southern Health-Santé Sud To Our Health

Programs & Services In collaboration with the community and partners, Southern Health- Santé Sud endeavours to provide access to appropriate services in the Programs & – Child & Youth – Healthy Baby Other Services • Affiliate Health Services (Growing with Mom Corporations – Eden appropriate setting as demonstrated Services • Aboriginal Program – Employment & Super Start) Mental Health Centre by the many programs and services • Elderly Persons • Communications / Support Services – Public Health – Menno Home for the Housing Media Relations delivered in the region. We strive to – Housing Support Nursing Services Aged • Emergency Medical • Disaster Management deliver a seamless continuum of care Services (Ambulance) Services > Communicable – Prairie View Lodge Disease • Finance that supports our clients at every • Healthy Living – Intensive Case – Rest Haven Nursing Management Prevention & • French Language Home – Get Better Together stage of their lives Services Control Services program – Rock Lake Health – Mental Health Crisis > Immunizations / • Handivan Services District Hospital – Health Corners Child Health Clinic Thank you for reading our Spring Services • Human Resources – Rock Lake Health – Healthy 2013 issue reaching households – Psychiatric Services > Postpartum & District Personal Communities • Information Breastfeeding Care Home across Southern Health-Santé Conference – Safehouse Support Technology – Salem Home Inc. Sud. Created by the Southern – Healthy Living – Seniors Mental > Prenatal • Quality of Care & Together Program Health Services/ Education Patient Safety – St. Adolphe Health-Santé Sud, this newsletter Mental Health Personal Care – TeleCARE Manitoba • Spiritual Health Care Service for Older > Reproductive Home is published to share stories about • Home Care Services Health • Support Services Adults – Tabor Home Inc. health care, health promotion and – Adult Day Programs > School Health • Telehealth • Midwifery – Villa Youville health wellness. Stories are written – Meals on Wheels > Travel Health • Nutrition Services Facility-Based • Lab & Imaging by our staff and a freelance writer. – Personal Care at • Palliative Care – URIS- Unified Services Services Home Referral Intake Many regards to the numerous • Pharmacy System • Acute Care – Cardiac stress – Respite Care testing interviewees who contributed to our • Primary Health Care • Rehabilitation – Chemotherapy • Medical Clinics – Chronic Disease – Emergency Care – Computed stories. Reproduction of materials in – Audiology Tomography (CT • Medical Officer of Self-Management – Extended whole or in part is encouraged with Health (Diabetes) – Occupational Scans) Therapy Treatment / confirmation from: • Mental Health – Medical Clinics Rehabilitation – Electrocardiogram – Physiotherapy (ECG) – 450 Main (Crisis – Primary Health Care – Hemodialysis – Speech Language – Laboratory Lorraine Grenier Stabilization Unit) Centres – Intensive Care Steinbach Therapy – Magnetic resonance Regional Director – QuickCare Clinic – Medical Care – Adult Counselling • Services to Seniors / imaging (MRI) – Teen Clinic Communications & French Services Congregate Meal – Obstetrical Care – Mammography • Public Health Program Language Services – Adult Inpatient – Respiratory Services Services – Ultrasound Psychiatric • Supports for Seniors Southern Health-Santé Sud – Surgery / Surgical – X-ray Treatment (Eden – Families First in Group Living Care [email protected] Mental Health • Personal Care Homes Centre) • Transitional Care 1-800-742-6509 Thank you for joining us.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT In the western geography of Southern Health-Santé Sud, a number of Some Recent programs initiated by its Youth Suicide Prevention Committee have similar Initiatives in goals. The programs have focused on making resources such as books, Suicide Mental Health Prevention handbooks and videos available Make at least to schools and First Nations communities half your grain products whole Services in the region, delivering informational and grain each day • continued from page 15 training programs that teach children and youth everyday coping skills, increasing Try a new The Out of the Blue campaign, which is awareness about suicide prevention and veggie or fruit delivered annually to grade 10 students in share suicide prevention programs and Bien every week five schools in the eastern portion of the best practices. manger region, talks about suicide intervention A provincial pilot program at Portage and helps youth find the help they need and la Prairie Collegiate Institute called aims to reduce the social stigma associated Sources of Strength provides lunchtime educational and training sessions about Drink 2 cups of with mental health issues. “The more we milk or fortifi ed suicide intervention and prevention to soy beverage repeat this campaign and let people know every day it’s OK to have a mental health concern, empower and support students and adult the more we are going to see people reach volunteers from the community. out for help and the more we will see An annual event for World Suicide Choose fi sh, Prevention Day invites people in the lean meat and suicide rates going down,” says Allana Hall, alternatives region to fly a kite, symbolizing the need to like beans, Mental Health Promotion Coordinator lentils and tofu for Southern Health-Santé Sud. Crisis reconnect our reason to live with dignity, intervention and Child and Adolescent purpose and meaning and invite and Services workers give presentations to challenge everyone to become involved in the students about the suicide prevention Suicide Prevention. and other mental health services that are available and how they can be accessed. For more information visit: www.areyouok.ca Need to talk to someone? BUILD YOUR OWN or www.outoftheblue4u.ca Mental Health Crisis Lines HEALTHY EATING HABITS The Committee for Suicide Prevention Eat a variety of foods from the four food groups and remember partners with many organizations and East of the Red River to check the Nutrition Facts table on packaged foods when grocery shopping to help you choose and compare foods. Bon appétit! groups to deliver programs and resources 1-888-617-7715 in the eastern geography of the region West of the Red River which raise awareness and teach suicide 1-866-588-1697 LEARN MORE AT: prevention skills for people of all ages. HealthyCanadians.gc.ca/eatwell