Dr. Amanda Wong

Dr. Rita Costa

The Interlake region offers opportunities for new doctors who are interested in gaining hands-on rural medicine experience.

Dr. Amanda Wong and Dr. Rita Costa have begun a two-year residency through a family medicine residency program launched by IERHA. Residency is the final training stage for doctors after they graduate from medical school. 

For her residency, Amanda chose to come to the Interlake-Eastern region for several reasons.

“Firstly, the staff in IERHA are great and create an ideal learning environment for residents, where our learning is prioritized and our experience can be tailored to our areas of interest,” said Amanda, whose family has a cabin in the Interlake and whose mom grew up in East Selkirk.

“Secondly, IERHA serves a large area of rural Manitoba and diverse populations, creating an ideal setting to become a skilled rural family physician. IERHA has been extremely welcoming.”

To start, Amanda will be primarily based out of the Selkirk Medical Centre and the Selkirk Regional Health Centre, and she’ll also spend some time in Lac du Bonnet during her second year of residency. 

Rita also currently works at the Selkirk Medical Centre and the Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

“Everyone I have come into contact with during my residency has been so kind, supportive and I find that everyone is invested in my learning and growth as a resident,” she said.

“I cannot say enough positive words about the residency program here in IERHA. I am truly very lucky to be trained here, and I believe the training I receive here will truly help me as a transition into independent practice at the end of the two years.”

Read more.

Toni, agency health-care aide; Teresa Grouette, clinical team manager; John Valdez, new health-care aide from the Philippines; Ronella Valdez, John’s wife; behind John and Ronella is Darlene Hargot, recreation director; to the right of Ronella is Helen Webster, CRN; Evelyn, agency, health-care aide; Catherine, agency health-care aide; behind Catherine is Courtney Hargot, health-care aide; Leona Wright, director of health services for the long-term care program and PCH standards.

The Ashern community is offering a warm welcome to a new resident and health-care worker who recently arrived from the Philippines, a welcome that is being repeated in communities across the province as health-care workers recruited from the Philippines settle into new lives and jobs in Manitoba. 

“We’re pleased to welcome health-care workers to their new home in Manitoba, where they will quickly make a positive impact on the health services available to Manitobans,” said Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long Term Care.

“Manitoba communities play a key role in making our province a supportive and attractive place for health-care workers and we know that these new staff and their families will feel welcome and appreciated.”

John Valdez and wife Ronella are the first family to settle in the Interlake-Eastern region as part of a provincial recruitment hiring effort in the Philippines earlier this year.

“I have always dreamed of working in Canada — and specifically in Manitoba. My motivation for this choice is deeply rooted in the encouragement I received from my relatives who reside in Winnipeg,” John said.

“Their positive experiences and the quality of life they have in Manitoba have inspired me greatly.”

Trained in the Philippines, John worked as a registered nurse at St. Luke’s Medical Center before the move, supporting care in the facility’s acute stroke and neuroscience unit.

As a participant in the Philippines recruitment initiative, John and other candidates were screened and interviewed before being offered jobs in one of three streams — internationally educated nurse, student internationally educated nurse or health-care aide, based on their education, experience and other skills.

Now in Manitoba, John will support care at the Ashern Personal Care Home where he will work as a health-care aide while Ronella, who was a pharmacist in the Philippines, has accepted a part-time pharmacy technician position. The PCH offers John the opportunity to support the care of elderly patients, something that he finds extremely rewarding. 

Read more.

Ashern elected officials and community members welcomed John and Ronella Valdez to their new home in Ashern. From left to right: Becky O’Sullivan, Fieldstone Ventures; Art Jonasson, reeve of the RM of West Interlake; John and Ronella Valdez; Susan Peitsch, IERHA HR officer; Keith McLelland, deputy reeve for the RM of West Interlake; Lyle Finney, councillor for RM of West Interlake; and Julie Bergner, Fieldstone Ventures.

Pictured above: Two students with IERHA staff members Alycia Palmer, occupational therapist; Karen Wood, manager of allied health; and Madison Minarik, physiotherapist.

On Nov. 28, junior high and high school students attended an IERHA career fair at Selkirk Comprehensive High School. More than 350 students came out to meet staff from occupational therapy, physiotherapy, acute care, Cancer Care, pharmacy, community wellness, French language services, support services, diagnostics, human resources, primary care and Quick Care Clinic, long-term care and public health.

Pictured above: Two students with IERHA staff members Alycia Palmer, occupational therapist; Karen Wood, manager of allied health; and Madison Minarik, physiotherapist.

A student practises compressions at the Selkirk career fair.

Katie Richlew, support services housekeeping manager, talks to students at Selkirk career fair.

A student poses under the giant colon with CancerCare services staff Crystal Behrends and Carroll Hull.

The time around the holidays always reminds us of our favourite recipes as well as our favourite memories making these recipes. Usually there is one person in the family who makes a certain recipe the best and no one can replicate it.

Here's a delicious budget-friendly alternative to traditional cabbage rolls (because we all have somebody who makes them like nobody else can). Cabbage is full of fibre, folate, potassium and vitamins C, A and K.

Check out this recipe for lazy cabbage rolls, as well as lemon garlic sauteed cabbage and cabbage soup, plus tips to make your money stretch.

Thank you to community wellness facilitator Marilyn Sitar, dietitian Caroline Le Clair and nursing student Dana Mandryk for sharing this great info, which was originally published in IERHA's Community Wellness e-news. To receive this free monthly e-newsletter, email [email protected] and type “Subscribe” in the subject line or click here to fill out an online form. 

Let’s continue learning about workers’ four basic legally protected rights related to workplace health and safety:

1. The right to know

2. The right to participate

3. The right to refuse unsafe work

4. The right to protection from reprisal

Workers’ right #3: The right to refuse unsafe work

In recent editions of the Wednesday Wave, we discussed workers’ right to know and to participate. This week, let’s delve into workers’ right to refuse unsafe work.

Workers have the right to refuse work they believe is dangerous to themselves or others. Dangerous work is defined as work involving safety and health hazards that are not normal for the job or a situation for which the worker isn’t properly trained, equipped or experienced to complete the task.

Workers should be encouraged to share safety concerns and immediately report them to their supervisor. In most cases, arrangements can be made to address workers' concerns. An employer or supervisor cannot insist that a worker perform work they believe is dangerous. The employer may assign alternate temporary work while the situation is being remedied. The worker should remain at work unless permission to leave has been granted.

Once the worker has expressed a safety concern to their supervisor, the supervisor shall make every effort to resolve the safety and health concern immediately/in a timely manner. If the concern is not resolved or the employee feels on reasonable grounds that the issue still presents an imminent danger, the employee may initiate the Right to Refuse Process (see GA-13-P-040).

Stay tuned for upcoming editions of the Wednesday Wave to continue learning about your legally protected rights in the workplace.

Think about how you got out of your vehicle when you came to work today. Did you reach over to grab your purse, supplies, coffee, laptop? Where do you keep your bags/laptop/purse when travelling by vehicle?

Every winter, Occupational Safety & Health receives injury reports from workers slipping when they get out of their vehicle. In many cases, this risk can be minimized or eliminated by how we get out of our vehicles.

Key points:

• Store items for safer retrieval once you have fully exited your vehicle.
• For greater stability maintain 3 points of contact when you exit your vehicle.
• Three points means that you should have two hands and one foot — or two feet and one hand — in contact with your vehicle at all times. Use fixed items, such as door handles, the door frame, steps or your steering wheel.
• NEVER reach over and grab items when exiting your vehicle
• Avoid the temptation to hold anything — a coffee cup, smartphone, purse — in your free hand when you enter and exit your vehicle. Doing so will prevent you from effectively using the Three Points of Contact Rule.
• Can you use a backpack to keep your hands free for some items?
• Use caution when you shift your weight when exiting the vehicle and use your vehicle for support.
• Do not rush.
• Choose non-slip footwear.
• Pay attention! Focus on surroundings, observe, assess and pay attention.
• Don’t look at your phone as you walk.
• Walk like a penguin! It’s not the fastest or most graceful way to work but it works!

Watch this useful video to learn more.

This year, why not go for the gold and give up smoking and vaping? The Staff Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Reimbursement Program can help.

This program offers support for IERHA staff and family members (who live with them) to make a quit attempt. You can apply for up to $300 dollars of reimbursement for NRT for each quitter. 

Each quit attempt is a success! And studies show smokers have the most success quitting when they use quit medications along with counselling. But quit medication can be expensive due to the nature of an extended quit process. NRT, such as the patch, gum, mist, lozenge or inhaler, may be helpful for people who have not done well with oral prescription medications. NRT can provide effective support and can be purchased without a prescription. 

To learn more about IERHA’s Staff NRT Reimbursement program, please contact Caroline McIntosh @ 204-345-1220 or [email protected].  

We also offer Commit to Quit, a virtual group program with five 1-hour to 1½-hour classes. This session is for anyone who would like to reduce or stop their tobacco or nicotine use. Learn about your triggers, setting realistic goals and how to start reducing. Find out about quit medications and how they might work for you. 

Choose your class time: Wednesday mornings, Jan. 10 to Feb. 7, 2024, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. OR Thursday evenings, Jan. 11 to Feb. 8, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. For either session, please register by Jan 4. To register, call 1-877-979-9355 or email [email protected].

The Primary Care Team’s chronic disease nurses are also excited to offer individual tobacco quit counselling. These nurses can help you develop a quit plan that works. For information about making an appointment with a chronic disease nurse, click here.

If you know someone who wants help quitting but does not qualify for the IERHA staff and family NRT reimbursement, they may be able to get support through the Tobacco Quit Card and Counselling program. For information click here or ask our chronic disease nurses about “TQCC.”

Why not practise your quit today?

Indigenous Cultural Awareness training recently took place in Gimli's hospital.

Indigenous cultural awareness sessions

These one-day workshops introduce a basic knowledge of world views, spiritual and cultural values of Indigenous peoples. Participants will also learn about historic and contemporary issues that influence Indigenous peoples. 

By attending this workshop, participants will increase their awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures in a health-care setting, while also increasing their ability to provide culturally competent and proficient care.

In addition, they will gain new knowledge and tools to help build a culturally respectful workplace.

Lunch is provided. If there any food allergies, contact Lori Buors at 204-280-1279 or [email protected].

Be sure to check LMS for more information and to register for upcoming Indigenous Cultural Awareness Sessions. When registering for a session, if you receive an email indicating that you are on a waiting list, please unregister and then register for another date.

Seats are still available for the following sessions in Selkirk:



• Jan. 8 – 4 seats left
• Jan. 29 – 9 seats left
• Feb. 13 – 6 seats left
• Feb. 26 – 17 seats left

Registered and you can't make it? Please contact Lori Buors, Indigenous human resources development assistant, before the course date at 204-280-1279 or [email protected].

Radon: Health effects, safety and protection

Join MFL Occupational Health Centre for a free webinar called Radon: Health Effects, Safety & Protection on Dec. 19 from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

The presenters will be Pam Warkentin, executive director of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists; Sandy Hutchison, regional radiation specialist for the environmental health program of Health Canada; and Adam Anderson, government relations officer and health programs analyst for the Manitoba Lung Association.

The session covers general radon information, including its effects and testing methods at the workplace and home, as well as addresses specific radon issues relevant to workplace settings. A discussion on changes in the Labour Code that pertain to radon and workplace safety, addresses common challenges faced in the workplace and provides guidance on the necessary protections that should be in place.

Click here to register.

WOW Wednesday

You are invited to join the Bilingual WOW Wednesday on Jan. 3, 2024, from 12:15 to 12:55 p.m. to hear Christine Johnson, who has been a nurse since 1995, graduating with a BN in 1995 and an MN in 2003 both from the University of Manitoba. 

Christine has held a number of positions throughout her career in long-term care, community and acute care, all positions focusing on the care of the older adult. Christine has spent two decades at the Health Sciences Centre as a clinical nurse specialist working with older adults.  

You can register here. And click here to see a poster.

For information about upcoming speakers and to listen to recording of previous speakers, visit the Manitoba Healthcare Providers Network website .

The Mennonite Youth Choir from Whitemouth recently performed a beautiful Christmas program for the residents at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home.

The residents' response was amazing, and the performance brought out many positive emotions from the audience. Afterwards, the choir wished each resident a happy holiday season and took time to chat with them.

Thank you to recreation coordinator Debra Bilawka for this festive submission.

The fabulous crew from Fisher Branch Personal Care Home pulled together to put on a spectacular resident and family Christmas Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 10. Thank you to all for their hard work!  

The staff at East Gate Lodge participated in a Christmas bake-off on Dec. 6. Staff had the chance to sample all the goodies during their lunch breaks. Left to right: Lisa Carmichael, Barbie Peters, Gail Pickering, Whitney Harms, Sheri Hadaller, Nancy Sharpe, Cindee Bialek, Betty Duerkson, Kim Ross, Lea Chorney, Lucy Henaire.

The long-term care leadership team would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Back row, left to right: Clayton Fisher, manager, health services, Lac du Bonnet PCH and Whitemouth PCH; Michelle Bobowski, manager, health services, Arborg PCH; Cheryl Fudali, manager, health services, Kin Place PCH; Teresa Grouette, manager, health services, Ashern PCH, Eriksdale PCH and Lundar PCH; Angelina Hartwell, manager, health services, Sunnywood Manor; Lori Martin, regional recreation manager; Shauna Peters, administrative assistant; Keltie Kadynuik, manager, health services, Fisher Branch PCH and Goodwin Lodge.

Front row, left to right: Cindee Bialek, manager, health services, East Gate Lodge; Margaret Moulden, manager, health services, Rosewood Lodge; Kate Hodgson, regional lead, health services, community and continuing care; Leona Wright, director of health services for long-term care/PCH standards.

Lori Martin

Keltie Kadynuik

Back row: Pam, HCA; Cameron, nurse; Melissa, lab; Rose, ward clerk; Steve, housekeeping; Rheane, homecare. Middle row: Nicki, lab; Amanda, CRN; Ashley, HCA; Evelyn, ER nurse; Vicki, ward/stock clerk; Kim, clinic; Cheryl, admitting. Front row: Richard, maintenance; Holly, kitchen; Dianne, ER nurse; Wendy, HCA.

Administrative assistant Melissa Voth shared these festive photos of winter paintings done by her dad, David Voth, at Selkirk Regional Health Centre to spread some joy to the world.

Del MacDougall and nephews Gary and Harris Clinch had a surprise visit from Santa and one of his elves.

At Rosewood Lodge, residents, families and friends enjoyed their first Christmas dinner together since 2019. A good time was had by all!

Order cut-off is Jan. 26 for delivery to corporate office on Feb. 16.

Visit our online shop.

A few new shows have been added to the Super Group Program (be sure to read below when ordering):

• Ram Motorsport Spectacular – Canada Life Centre – Save $6.75 on select adult tickets – Feb. 3 & 4
• Bluey’s Big Play – Centennial Concert Hall – Save 50% - Dec, 11, 12, 13
• Winnipeg Jets – Select Games - $60 including all fees!
• Beyond Monet – RBC Convention Centre – Save 15% - Various Dates December

To activate the discount offers, you have to select the show from this link and enter our organization's unique code INTERLAKE1 for the events from this page: https://www.tnse.com/offers/

Note:

1. For shows at Canada Life Centre and Burton Cummings Theatre, select the event and date you want, select find tickets and sign into TM account. Once signed, in you will enter your organization's unique code INTERLAKE1 at the top of the page. The unlock button (desktop) or filter button – three lines with a dot on each (mobile) – this will unlock the savings!
2. Blueys – click the button, select your seats, click the “Supergroup Ticket (TNSE1)”
3. Beyond Monet – click the link, select buy ticket, scroll to the bottom of the calendar page and click “Have Discount Code” – enter your unique code INTERLAKE1 here.

IERHA employees are eligible for exclusive savings on TELUS products and services.

Be borderless with Can-US-Mex Plan: Stay connected to loved ones with a 150GB Canada-US-Mexico 5G+ plan for only $75/month. Includes unlimited data, calling and messaging between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.

Enjoy 30GB for $50/month when you bring your own device: Experience 30GB at our fastest 5G+ speeds with unlimited data at reduced speeds. Plus, get the one-time $60 connection fee waived for all new activations.

Get the most exclusive offer available on TELUS SmartHome Security: Say hello to TELUS SmartHome Security, Canada’s leading provider for advanced home security systems. Sign up today for a professionally monitored plan and save up to $300 with our Exclusive Partner Program. Call or email us for more info on pricing and eligibility.

Learn more.

IERHA is pleased to have partnered with Arborg Nic Nac’s & Flowers!

Receive 10% off! Simply present your IERHA employee photo ID badge to be eligible for the discount at time of purchase.

*Not applicable on wire-out flowers or consignment items.

Arborg Nic Nac’s & Flowers is located at 281 Main Street in Arborg.

Phone: 204-376-5023

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.arborgflorist.com

We're looking for your story ideas!

Send your submission of 250 words or less to [email protected] by Friday and we'll work to get your story into the next issue.

We're taking a break from publishing editions in weeks following statutory holidays.

There will be no issue of the Wednesday Wave published on Dec. 27.