November 6, 2020


Dear ,

Many of you tuned in last night to watch the Shared Health town hall about their pandemic hospital contingency plan. If you missed the town hall, we understand it will be released later today and we'll share a link when it is available. 

We know physicians have been demanding to see a comprehensive plan, as have we, for months.

Within minutes of the session ending, messages were already coming in with one common theme: Physicians are still worried. While the plan offered framework with a high level of hospital capacity plans, it lacked the specifics that you were looking for to be confident a robust contingency plan is in place.

At this critical juncture, we are asking you to send us your feedback and ideas on the plan. A collective, specific and coordinated response gives physicians an even stronger voice.  If physicians' views in the public arena are divided or even conflicting, it erodes our ability to influence rapid improvement and positive outcomes. 

I offer this advice to you today with deep respect for the roles you are playing in amplifying the needs of physicians and the patients you serve. Having spent considerable time in the Minister's chair myself, I have some insight into what will inspire change and improvement, and what will not. A united physician voice is the best path forward. 

We quickly need your expert advice about the gaps in Shared Health's plan. We will compile and share the feedback from physicians with the hopes that Shared Health will improve their plan and share it in full without delay.

Here is what we propose:

Send us your views today or over the weekend on the plan by emailing covid19@doctorsmanitoba.ca. We will compile your views into a cohesive response that speaks for doctors of Manitoba, no matter where you live or work. This absolutely does not preclude you from sharing your views independently, either with your medical leadership or by taking your views public.  

We need your expert advice as a physician. We need to get specific. So please email us and tell us:

  1. What was missing from Shared Health's plan? What do you need to know today?
  2. Were there any elements of the plan, even foundational, that are positive?
  3. Shared Health's plan has four pillars: space, equipment, supplies and human resources. How do you feel about the level of readiness for each pillar?

Your unbridled heroism during this crisis is a constant source of strength and inspiration for us at Doctors Manitoba. As you focus on caring for your patients, we are focused on fighting for what you need.

Sincerely,
THERESA OSWALD,
Chief Executive Officer