PHARMACARE STRENGTHENED WITH ADDITION OF 227 NEW MEDICATIONS

PHARMACARE STRENGTHENED

WITH ADDITION OF 227 NEW MEDICATIONS

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Province Lowering Cost for Families

Dealing with Chronic Conditions:  Minister Selby

Manitoba's pharmacare program has been expanded and enhanced, providing more affordability for families dealing with a number of health issues, Health Minister Erin Selby said today.

An additional 227 new drugs have been added to treat illnesses and chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, arthritis and blood clots.

"We're making it more affordable for families to get the medication they need to treat their conditions and live their lives to the fullest," said Minister Selby.  "We don't want the barrier of medication costs to affect families and we know these new additions will make a real difference for many families." 

Some of the new drugs added to the formulary include:

* the Asmanex Twisthaler for the treatment of asthma,

* a new brand of Heparin for the preventative treatment of blood clots,

* the NovoRapid FlexTouch for the treatment of diabetes,

* Seebri for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,

* Zenhale for the treatment of asthma,

* Humira for the treatment of a specific type of juvenile arthritis, and

* Rituxan for the treatment of specific types of blood vessel inflammation.

Of the 227 drugs added, 212 are generic medications.  The minister noted these additions are expected to save Manitoba families $4.5 million next year.  Coverage for the new drugs began on Jan. 23.

Pharmacare is a universal, comprehensive prescription drug program for any Manitoban with benefits based on family income.  It covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the income-based deductible is reached, regardless of medical condition or age.

Over the last 12 years, approximately 3,500 new drugs including those that treat influenza, reduce the risk of heart attack, treat severe eczema and for the treatment of HIV have been added to Manitoba's world-class pharmacare program. 

For more information on pharmacare, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/.

PROVINCE ANNOUNCES ACCESS TO IMPROVED CANCER SCREENING

New Colon Cancer, Lynch Syndrome Testing Available to Patients:  Minister Selby

New testing procedures to help identify patients at a greater risk for inherited colon and other types of cancers are now in place including testing for Lynch syndrome, a disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing cancer, Health Minister Erin Selby announced today.

"Identifying the risks for cancer is critical to providing the most appropriate care possible to the patient and at-risk relatives, and we're pleased to offer this screening in our province," Minister Selby.  "This testing will give patients, their families and their physicians the information they need to make informed decisions about treatment options, risk factors and a lifetime care plan."

All colorectal cancer surgery patients aged 70 years and under will receive testing for Lynch syndrome.  As a result of this testing, patients will have access to increased cancer surveillance which could lead to earlier detection and improved cancer survival rates.

Immediate family members of affected patients will also benefit from this new testing, as it will help to identify their risk of developing cancers and allow them to consider early detection and prevention measures, the minister said.  Manitoba's cancer strategy highlights the importance of genetic testing in early diagnosis as this type of screening can help oncologists tailor treatment for patients to provide the most effective form of chemotherapy, she added.

"No one wants to find out they have cancer or that an inherited genetic mutation caused it.  Worse still is seeing the cancer connection in your family but not knowing what it is," said Megan Tucker, who is living with Lynch syndrome.  "To be able to do the test right here in Manitoba is a wonderful step.  Testing followed by routine screening for the cancers allows me to be active in monitoring and managing my cancer risk and increases the overall chances of extending my life."

Diagnostic Services Manitoba (DSM), the organization responsible for Manitoba's public laboratory and rural diagnostic imaging services, is now offering these new tests.  Genetic testing for breast cancer is also available and further expansion of genetic screening for other forms of cancer, such as melanomas and lung cancer, is being explored, Minister Selby said.

"We have a commitment to provide the results that matter to our patients, and the topic of inherited colon cancer and Lynch syndrome testing has been an emerging issue for the past several years," said Jim Slater, chief executive officer of Diagnostic Services Manitoba.  "We understand how the local availability of this important genetic testing will help to save lives through earlier diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, and we are pleased to offer this testing right here in Manitoba in partnership with CancerCare Manitoba and the province."

Patients who have inherited the Lynch syndrome gene have up to a 60 per cent risk of developing colorectal cancer at some point over the course of their life.  Women with Lynch syndrome have up to a 60 per cent risk of developing endometrial cancer over the course of their life.

"With financial support from the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, this unique joint effort enables genetic testing that can be life-saving," said Dr. Sri Navaratnam, president and chief executive officer of CancerCare Manitoba.  "Detection of colon cancer at its earliest stage means a 90 per cent survival rate and Lynch syndrome testing is one more tool in our arsenal against this deadly form of cancer."

The minister noted this investment builds on the province's commitment to shorten the cancer patient journey.  The $40-million IN SIXTY initiative strives to expedite cancer testing and treatment for patients when cancer is first suspected to help get patients the most appropriate care as quickly as possible.  The province also now provides costly cancer medication free to patients to help alleviate the burden of this disease on families. 

LEGISLATION REQUIRING DEFIBRILLATORS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS TAKES EFFECT

Thousands of Devices Now Registered across Province To Provide Help in Health Crises:  Minister Selby

Starting tomorrow, defibrillators are required by law in designated public buildings in Manitoba to ensure the life‑saving equipment is available to people in times of critical need, Health Minister Erin Selby said today.

"A cardiac arrest can occur anywhere at any time.  Having a defibrillator close by can save someone's life and this new legislation ensures busy public places will have one ready in case of an emergency," said Minister Selby.  "Other jurisdictions across Canada and internationally are looking to replicate our legislation and I'm proud our province is considered to be a leader in this initiative."

Manitoba was the first province in the country to develop legislation requiring public places to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available on site.  Under the Defibrillator Public Access Act, designated facilities include several types of high-traffic public places where cardiac arrest is more likely to occur such as gyms, indoor arenas, certain community centres, golf courses, schools and airports.

"In November 2009, I suffered a massive heart attack on the ice while refereeing a minor hockey game.  There is little doubt in my mind that if there had not been an AED and people unafraid to get in there and assist me through CPR, I would not be here today," said Chief Perry Batchelor, Altona Police Service.  "This is a tremendous piece of legislation which will no doubt save lives."

To make it easier for non-profit and community-owned public facilities to acquire the life-saving devices, the Manitoba government provided more than $1.3 million to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba for 1,000 defibrillators.  This included AEDs for schools, community centres, curling clubs, golf courses and other sports venues. 

"The province is an outstanding leader with a demonstrated commitment to creating a heart-safe environment for all Manitobans and our vision of having AEDs as commonplace as fire extinguishers is moving closer to reality," said Debbie Brown, chief executive officer, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.  "This law means more lives can be saved, more families will be together, more citizens will be working and more children will be laughing.  Together, we will be creating more survivors."

In addition, the province partnered with the foundation to negotiate with multiple distributors to provide discounts ranging from 30 to 40 per cent off the regular retail price to make it easier for facilities designated under the new legislation to purchase a defibrillator.

The legislation also supports public access in an emergency by requiring signage to identify the locations of defibrillators and require they be centrally registered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  The registry information is shared with emergency medical service dispatchers to help those trying to care for a cardiac arrest victim find the nearest defibrillator.  As of Dec. 31, 2,291 AEDs were registered in Manitoba.

Defibrillators deliver an electric shock to restart a stopped heart and are programmed to detect if a person is having an irregular heart rhythm that indicates potential cardiac arrest.  AEDs offer step‑by‑step instructions so training is not required.  If the AED does not detect a shockable heart rhythm, the machine does not deliver a shock.

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, defibrillation used with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can dramatically improve cardiac arrest survival rates by 75 per cent or more over CPR alone.

A full list of designated public places required to have a defibrillator on site, as well as information about the types of defibrillators that are acceptable and how they must be installed and registered, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/health/aed/. 

FLU SEASON UNDERWAY IN MANITOBA

January 9, 2014

FLU SEASON UNDERWAY IN MANITOBA

The Office of the Chief Provincial Public Health advises the province is experiencing the typical increases in cases of seasonal influenza in Manitoba, indicating that flu season is underway.

As of today, there have been 45 reported cases of lab-confirmed influenza.  To date, there have been no confirmed influenza-related deaths this season.

The flu is an infection caused by a virus.  It can spread easily from one person to another through coughing, sneezing or sharing food or drinks.  People can also get the flu by touching objects contaminated with flu virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

Manitobans are encouraged to wash their hands regularly and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette (coughing or sneezing into your elbow, sleeve or using a tissue).

This year's seasonal flu vaccine protects against H1N1 influenza A, as well as two other strains of the flu.  Manitobans who have not yet received their flu shot this year can contact their health-care provider or community public health clinic to make arrangements.

The annual flu shot is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts.  This includes:

* seniors aged 65 or older,

* residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities,

* children aged six months to five years,

* those with chronic illness,

* pregnant women,

* health care workers and first responders,

* individuals of Aboriginal ancestry,

* people who are severely overweight or obese, or

* as determined by your primary health-care provider.

For more information on seasonal influenza in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/.

REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT PROCLAIMED

REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS ACT

PROCLAIMED

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New Legislation to Focus on Accountability, Patient Safety:  Minister Selby

Legislation focusing on accountability, patient safety and ensuring all health professions in Manitoba are governed by consistent, uniform regulations will be proclaimed into force on Jan. 1, Health Minister Erin Selby said today.

"The modern Regulated Health Professions Act will change the way health professions are regulated in Manitoba to ensure consistency and a focus on patient safety," said Minister Selby.  "Audiology and speech-language pathology will be the first two regulated health professions transitioning to regulation under the legislation with more to follow." 

Currently, there are 21 statutes dealing with 22 different health professions.  The Regulated Health Professions Act will replace these statutes, bringing all regulated health professions under one act. 

The minister said the act will:

     

* further strengthen patient safety by ensuring all regulatory bodies establish standards of practice, codes of ethics and continuing competency requirements;

* improve patient safety by regulating the performance of activities specified in the act, called reserved acts, including diagnosis, prescribing drugs, cutting into tissue and applying a form of energy for diagnosis, for example, X-rays and CT scans;

* create consistent and fair complaint and disciplinary processes across all professional colleges;

* increase public representation on the boards of self-governing professions;

* provide improved accountability between the regulatory bodies and government; and

* allow health professions to continue to be self-regulating.

The new audiology and speech-language pathology regulations define the scope of practice of these professions including the reserved acts they may perform and provide a transition of the current Manitoba Speech and Hearing Association to become the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba.

"The professions of audiology and speech-language pathology are pleased to have the opportunity to modernize the governing legislation under the new act to improve accountability and enhance the  ability to protect the public interest," said Laura Lenton, president of the Manitoba Speech and Hearing Association.  "It is a privilege to be self-regulating and an honour to lead the movement of change for self-regulating health professions in Manitoba."

The new College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Manitoba will be responsible for administering all regulated programs including revised and modernized requirements for registration, continuing competency and advanced competency certification.  It will include public representatives to ensure transparent and accountable decision-making.  Members of the professions will be provided clearly-defined standards to which they must adhere in order to ensure the public receives consistent, high-quality care.

Extensive consultations were undertaken to help develop the regulations including public and professional consultations, the minister said.

As audiology and speech-language pathology will now be regulated under the new legislation, the Manitoba Speech and Hearing Association Act will be repealed. 

The minister noted the province is continuing to work with other regulatory bodies, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, to develop the necessary legislation to transition to regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act.

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=2013-12-01&item=20060

The University of Manitoba’s School of Medical Rehabilitation would like to invite all prospective students, future health professionals and anyone who would like to learn more about Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy to our annual

OPEN HOUSE

Date:	Sunday, January 19, 2014
Time:	12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Place:	The School of Medical Rehabilitation University of Manitoba (Bannatyne Campus) Brodie Centre 727 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB

Learn about Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Respiratory Therapy through displays and tours! Current students and faculty will be available to answer your questions.

To view the poster online, or for more information, please visit: 

http://umanitoba.ca/faculties/medicine/units/medrehab/open_house.html

The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Government of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba and Prairie Mountain Health.

The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Government of Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba and Prairie Mountain Health.

News Release

December 16, 2013

CANCER HUBS BRING EXPANDED SERVICES

TO WESTERN MANITOBA

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Sites to Offer Enhanced Cancer Services, Treatment, Information Options:  Minister Selby

DAUPHIN-Cancer patients can now access enhanced treatment and information at seven cancer hubs, as Manitoba's IN SIXTY cancer patient journey initiative continues to improve services, Health Minister Erin Selby said here today.

"Cancer is a scary journey for patients, but by reducing wait times and ensuring timely treatment and access to care, we can help make that journey a little easier," said Minister Selby.  "Cancer hubs are made up of networks of care providers who work together to make sure patients get the care they need, when they need it, closer to home."

The expanded services now include three full-time nurse navigators, two psychosocial oncology clinicians, two part-time family physicians focused on oncology, two part-time medical leads, a full-time clerk and part-time community liaison, with an approximate $700,000 annual investment in front-line staff for the Prairie Mountain Health region.  All front-line staff have received training from CancerCare Manitoba and will support patients at critical transition points, resulting in reduced delays and less stress and worry for patients, the minister said.

The experts who staff cancer hubs will work with local health-care providers and patient navigators to co-ordinate quick diagnosis, treatment and followup for patients.  The hubs will better co-ordinate care and offer some services close to home, reducing costs for patients who might have otherwise had to travel to Winnipeg to receive diagnosis or treatment.

The regional cancer hub in Brandon will co-ordinate work at the community cancer program hubs in Deloraine, Hamiota and Neepawa, while the regional cancer hub in Dauphin will co-ordinate work at the community cancer program hubs in Russell and Swan River.

"Patients and families have enough to go through following a cancer diagnosis," said Penny Gilson, chief executive officer of Prairie Mountain Health.  "No matter where one is in their cancer care journey, our goal is to ensure you know what's happening now, what's happening next and what your treatment options and outcomes might be."

The minister noted the introduction of cancer hubs is part of the $40-million IN SIXTY initiative, announced by the Manitoba government in 2011 to improve the cancer patient journey.  It is a partnership including the Manitoba government, CancerCare Manitoba, Diagnostic Services of Manitoba, regional health authorities, physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers and other health-care providers.  These cancer hubs enhance Manitoba's strong record of being world leaders in the support of cancer patients and fight against the disease, citing Manitoba as one of the first provinces to cover the full cost cancer drugs for all patients, said the minister.

For more information on Manitoba's Cancer Strategy, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/documents/mbcancer_strategy.pdf. 

Manitoba Locum Tenens Program

Coming soon!  www.manitobalocum.ca

RECORD NUMBER OF FUTURE DOCTORS ATTRACTED TO RURAL, NORTHERN COMMUNITIES UNDER EXPANDED RECRUITMENT GRANT PROGRAM: OSWALD

A record number of medical students has signed up to serve in rural and northern communities that need them the most in exchange for free medical school thanks to a recently expanded doctor-recruitment initiative, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today. The free medical school initiative supports the province’s commitment to ensure every Manitoban has access to a family doctor by 2015, the minister said.

“We’re committed to finding new ways to connect Manitobans with a doctor in their community,” said Oswald. “The incredible success we’ve seen in the first year of the free medical school program shows us we’re on the right track to recruiting more doctors to the rural and northern communities where they’re needed most.”

This year, over 251 undergraduate medical students and residents signed up for grants through the revamped Medical Student/Resident Financial Assistance Program in exchange for providing medical services after graduation, in under-served rural and northern communities. In total, this will result in nearly 250 years of medical services returned to Manitoba communities, Oswald said.

Under the expanded program, grants range from $12,000 to $25,000 per year, based on the year of study, the student’s specialty and where they choose to work after graduation. Students can apply for grants in each year of medical school and canaccess a maximum of $61,000 over four years, which covers tuition and other costs associated with studying medicine in exchange for a commitment to work for up to two and half years in communities identified as most in need of additional physicians.

“Our goal is to keep the majority of our graduating physicians here to serve the health-care needs of Manitobans across the province,” said Dr. Brian Postl, dean, faculty of medicine, University of Manitoba. “Thanks to this expanded and innovative program, more students are choosing to stay here, take advantage of the tuition-reimbursement incentives offered by the province and practise in under-served communities after graduation. It’s clearly a win-win.”

Since the program was established in 2001, over $35 million has been provided to approximately 1,300 students. Since 1999, rural and northern Manitoba has seen a net increase of 116 doctors.

The minister said Manitoba continues to make many important investments in physician training, recruitment and retention including:

• expanding the Medical Student/Resident Financial Assistance Program to cover the entire cost of a student’s four years of medical school, in exchange for a return-of-service agreement in communities chosen by the province;


• introducing a 60 per cent tuition rebate worth up to $25,000 for graduates who choose to live and work in Manitoba;


• introducing a unique northern/remote residency program to help attract more doctors to northern Manitoba;


• providing grants of $50,000 in return for service for family doctors to return to school to undertake a third year in an advanced-skill area such as emergency medicine or anesthesiology;


• expanding medical school spaces to 110 from 70, creating the largest medical school class on record; and


• introducing the Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates in 2001 to assist foreign doctors in receiving conditional registration.
  
  For more information about the programs, visit www.manitoba.ca/health/msrfap/index.html.
  

MANITOBA TO FULLY COVER MEDICAL SCHOOL COSTS OF STUDENTS WHO AGREE TO WORK WHERE THEY ARE NEEDED MOST

December 9, 2010

Grants Part of Province's Plan to Provide All Manitobans Access to a Family Doctor by 2015: Selinger
-------------------------------------

Manitoba medical students who agree to work in areas most in need of doctors will have their medical school costs fully covered by the province under a new program announced today by Premier Greg Selinger.

"Today there are 405 more doctors and 40 more medical school spaces than there were in 1999 as a result of our government's aggressive education, recruitment and retention efforts," said Selinger. "With this new program we are strengthening incentives for medical school graduates willing to work where they are needed most so that all Manitoba families can benefit from our significant investments in health care."

Under the new grant program, Manitoba medical students will be eligible for grants of $12,000 in each of their four years of medical school. Each grant requires a commitment to return six months of service to under-serviced populations upon graduation.
In their fourth year, students will have the option of taking a
$25,000 grant by committing to an additional one-year return of service. In total, students will have access to a maximum of
$61,000 over four years in exchange for a two-and-a-half-year commitment to under-serviced communities.

"Graduates who accept these grants will be providing care to many families that don't have a family doctor today," said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. "By targeting areas most in need of doctors, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring all Manitobans have access to a family doctor by 2015, regardless of where they live."

The program is open to all medical school students, whether they are pursuing family medicine degrees or areas of specialty.
Students will also still be eligible for the Manitoba tuition-tax rebate and the federal textbook rebate. When combined with the tuition- and textbook-tax rebates, students will be able to cover other costs associated with medical school studies including school-related travel and living expenses.

"We are proud to serve as Manitoba's medical school," said Dr.
Brian Postl, dean, faculty of medicine, University of Manitoba.
"This strong commitment from the provincial government will ensure all areas of the province benefit going forward."

The new grant program replaces and strengthens existing provincial medical student grants that were only available in years three and four of studies. It will be available to medical students beginning in the fall of 2011.

The most in-need under-serviced populations will be determined annually based on information from regional health authorities, Manitoba Health and the faculty of medicine. After completing their residency, students will be able to review the communities designated as under-serviced that year and apply to return service where they choose.

Congratulations Dr. Anne Durcan

Dr. Anne Durcan is the recipient of the Manitoba Family Physician of the Year Award as well being named as one of Canada's 2010 family physicians of the year by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. (Manitoba College of Family Physicians)
A physician at Winnipeg's Mount Carmel Clinic has been named one of Canada's top 10 family doctors of 2010.

Anne Durcan earned the recognition from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) for her professional accomplishments, which include several initiatives aimed at the rural and aboriginal populations.

Since 1999, she has been one of the coordinators of the Inuit Health Program of the J. A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit. The unit provides service to hospitals and 12 nursing stations in northern Manitoba as well as eight Nunavut health centres.

She has also collaborated with Manitoba’s Office of Rural and Northern Health in developing ‘Rural Week’, an opportunity for first-year medical students at the University of Manitoba to get first-hand exposure to rural and northern medicine.

Durcan, who also mentors students at the WISH Clinic, an inner city student-run medical clinic, will be presented with the award at a ceremony at the College of Family Physicians annual Family Medicine Forum in Vancouver on Oct. 15.

She is also the recipient of the Manitoba Family Physician of the Year Award for 2010.

Durcan graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1992 and was certified in family medicine in 1994, following two years of residency training at Dalhousie University.

She practiced for two years in Nova Scotia, one year in Rankin Inlet and for the past 13 years at Mount Carmel Clinic.

Each year, the CFPC presents the Reg L. Perkin Award to one family physician from each province "in recognition of their exceptional care for patients, meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of communities, and dedication to research and teaching," states a news release from the College.

Award recipients are nominated by their peers, patients, colleagues, and community leaders.

2010 White Coat Ceremony - University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine

The University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine welcomed 110 new medical students at the annual Inaugural Day Exercises on August 25. The new admissions process casts a wide net to place value on applicants with a commitment to rural issues, and 49 per cent of the class has these attributes.

Of the 110 students, 104 are Manitobans and six are from out of province. Seven students, or 6 per cent, are self-declared Aboriginal. The average age is 23.3 years in the Class of 2014 with the youngest student just 19 and the oldest student 32 years of age.

IMPROVEMENTS TO DOCTOR EDUCATION, RECRUITMENT, RETENTION STRATEGY ANNOUNCED

New Resources Build on Successful Strategy, Resulting in a Net Increase of 345 Doctors Since 1999: Oswald


Health Minister Theresa Oswald today announced new resources to educate, recruit and retain more doctors with a specific focus on increasing the supply of family doctors throughout Manitoba.

“We have made significant progress in increasing the number of doctors who provide front-line care to Manitobans,” Oswald said. “But this is not the time to stand still. We must focus new attention to ensure our doctor strategy continues to meet the needs of our aging population while ensuring all patients have timely access to family doctors whether they live in Winnipeg, Brandon, rural or northern Manitoba.”

The minister said the following new initiatives will build on a strategy that has resulted in a net increase of 345 doctors in Manitoba since 1999:
· Supports for Students – The University of Manitoba school of medicine will see an increase in its funding of $1 million over the next two years. These resources will be used to sustain increased enrolment at the medical school, help encourage medical students to practise family medicine in rural, northern and urban centres, and fund other school improvements.
· Affordability – Tuition fees for medical students will be held at a five per cent increase to keep the cost of attending medical school affordable. This fee increase is in line with those approved for other undergraduate students.
· Improving Access to Doctors for all Manitobans – The Manitoba government will invest in a study to examine how education, recruitment and retention initiatives can further increase the supply of doctors throughout the province, with a particular emphasis on doctors serving rural and northern areas. In addition, the study will examine the potential of a greater role for Brandon University in educating medical professionals. Further improving access to family doctors in Winnipeg and Brandon will also be studied.

For more than a decade, the Manitoba government has embarked on an aggressive strategy to increase its doctor supply including:
· increasing the number of seats at the University of Manitoba school of medicine to 110 seats from 70 in 1999,
· providing a 60 per cent tuition fee rebate up to $25,000 for medical school graduates who choose to stay and practise in Manitoba,
· offering return-of-service grants for medical students who want to practise in rural and northern Manitoba,
· creating a $500,000 rural and northern doctor relief fund,
· implementing a $500,000 physician resettlement fund, and
· creating a northern and remote family medical residency program to recruit and retain more family doctors in underserved areas.

Manitoba Graduates Record Number of Doctors

The University of Manitoba has graduated a record number of doctors this year, and hopes are high that they will stay in the province to practice.

Dean of Medicine Dr. Dean Sandham said 104 medical students collected their diplomas after a Thursday ceremony at the school's Bannatyne Avenue campus.

According to Sandham, 63 of them have agreed to do their residency training in the province.

He said it took a lot of effort to convince that many to remain.

"[It took a] tremendous effort on the part of Manitoba Health and our provincial government to make this a desirable province … to do residency," Sandham said.

The government has made efforts to boost salaries for doctors in recent years, and there are also programs in place to forgive as much as $40,000 in student loans if a graduate chooses to work in Manitoba.

The average annual salary for a family physician in the province is $200,000. Specialists average about $250,000.

Class valedictorian Joe Kim wants to stay and work in Manitoba, which is what the provincial government is hoping grads do. (CBC)Class valedictorian Joe Kim said he's eager to work as a family doctor in Portage la Prairie, a town about 80 kilometres west of Winnipeg.

"I just love rural family medicine. I get distracted very easily and get bored really easily," Kim said with a smile.

"So I need a little bit of everything, and that's what rural family medicine offers - a little bit of everything. You get to work in emergency, family clinic, maybe assist in [an] operating room, it's just really fun," he said.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2010/05/13/man-doctors-grad-record.html#ixzz0nv39okSP

NURSE TRAINING CONTINUES TO GROW IN MANITOBA, SUPPORTING FRONT-LINE CARE

May 13, 2010

- - -
Premier Announces New Practical Nursing Diploma Program During National Nursing Week

The practical nursing (PN) program at Assiniboine Community College (ACC) will now provide graduates with a diploma to recognize their important role in Manitoba's health-care system, Premier Greg Selinger, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Diane McGifford and Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

"Today during National Nursing Week we are moving forward to strengthen medical education opportunities throughout the province," said Selinger.  "These changes will help better prepare students for their crucial role in Manitoba's health-care system with broader knowledge and experience." 

"By moving to the diploma program, we will ensure that Manitoba's practical nursing graduates receive appropriate academic recognition for the demands of their training program," said McGifford. "Our strategic investments in health-care education have resulted in a range of opportunities that continue to encourage Manitobans to pursue this challenging and rewarding field."

Manitoba has invested $400,000 this year to help transition the PN program at ACC from a certificate to a diploma. The curriculum has been updated and will be introduced in classes starting this fall. The new diploma program will increase the total number of practicum hours required to graduate to 880 from 800. It will also require graduates to complete an additional 120 classroom hours in microbiology, nutrition and sociology. 

"We have trained thousands of nurses since 1999 who have brought their expertise and compassion to the front lines of patient care," said Oswald.  "We will continue to invest in nurse training, recruitment and retention initiatives that strengthen our health-care system, even in these challenging economic times."

Over the last 10 years, nearly 4,000 students have enrolled in the PN program alone. There are currently 190 practical nurse training seats available, split between Brandon (70 seats), Winnipeg (70 seats) and two rural rotating sites of 25 seats each. Admissions to the new diploma program opened in March and the first group of graduates is expected in 2012.

"ACC has been a leader in practical nursing education for over 30 years," said Karen Hargreaves, dean of the school of health and human services at Assiniboine Community College.  "We believe the diploma program will ensure that our graduates will continue to be well positioned to meet the demands of the ever-changing health-care industry."

The ministers noted that practical nurses are an important part of the health-care system whose role includes assessing and treating health conditions, promoting health and preventing illness.

"LPNs play a vital role in Manitoba's health-care system and these changes in education will allow for greater autonomy in practice," said Lynn Marks, president of the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. "The role of the LPN continues to evolve through education and training to respond to the changing needs of Manitobans and our health-care system."

There are 2,532 more nurses working in Manitoba today than in 1999, the ministers noted. The number of nurse education seats has almost doubled in that time. 

The province continues to build on the Manitoba Nursing Strategy, first introduced in March 2000. For more information on the province's nursing strategy, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/nurses/strategy.html

Rural Week 2010: Rural and Northern Manitoba Communities HostFirst Year Medical Students

On May 17 - 21, one hundred and ten first-year University of Manitoba - Faculty of Medicine medical students will descend upon over 40 rural and northern Manitoba communities. Rural Week 2010 will be the eighth annual Rural Week installment where organizers from Manitoba’s Office of Rural & Northern Health and the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Medicine team up to give medical students a firsthand rural/northern medical experience.

Since the inception of Rural Week, fifty-five communities in rural & northern Manitoba as well as the remote communities of Rankin Inlet & Sanikiluaq, Nunavut have hosted first year medical students. Collectively, these communities have hosted a total of 753 students. Thirteen of these communities have participated every year the Rural Week program has operated.

During the week, students are given real-life exposure to the rewards and challenges of practicing medicine in rural and northern Manitoba, training experiences which are different than those which they more typically encounter in an urban setting.

Visit Coordinators and Preceptors in each community work together to arrange student schedules which offer a wide range of clinical exposure as well as allow for time to enjoy life outside of the city and to discover some of the many benefits of a rural/northern lifestyle. Rural Week presents communities with the opportunity to showcase themselves and promote the opportunities, challenges and benefits of rural and northern medicine.

Rural Week is a component of a broader strategy to expose medical students and residents to the rewards of rural/northern practice and rural/northern lifestyles. Other components include rural/northern exposure at various stages of medical training, rural/northern family medicine residency and financial incentives to encourage rural/northern practice. Family medicine graduates from the last two years were participants in the first two years of the Rural Week program. A number of these recent graduates are currently practicing medicine in rural/northern Manitoba and had the benefit of the Rural Week experience. These include: Dr. Jennifer St. Goddard (Portage), Dr. Elaine Csupak (Selkirk); Dr. Holly Hamilton (Notre Dame), Dr. Heather Menzies (The Pas), Dr. Joe Lines (Winkler), Dr. Heather Lehman (Winkler), Dr. Melissa Caswill (Winkler) and Dr. Sara Scott (Dauphin).

Rural Week 2010 will see students travel to the following rural & northern communities in groups of two to five students. Rural Week sites for 2010 are: Altona, Arborg, Ashern, Beausejour, Brandon, Carman, Dauphin, Eriksdale, Flin Flon, Garden Hill, Gillam, Gimli, Gladstone, Hamiota, Minnedosa, Morden, Morris, Neepawa, Niverville, Notre Dame de

Lourdes, Pinawa, Pine Falls, Poplar River, Portage la Prairie, Rankin Inlet, Red Sucker Lake/Wasagamach, Rivers, Russell, Sanikiluaq, Selkirk, St. Pierre, Ste. Anne, Ste. Rose du lac, Steinbach, Stonewall, Swan Lake/Somerset, Swan River, The Pas, Thompson, Winkler.

On Friday May 21 at 7 pm, students will reassemble at a central site to discuss their varied experiences during the week.

This valuable learning experience is possible through the commitment of community volunteers and the physicians who have agreed to act as preceptors/teachers to the students.

Press Release Document

For more information contact:

Dr. Don Klassen Wayne Heide
Medical Director Administrative Director
Office of Rural & Northern Health Office of Rural & Northern Health
Telephone: (204) 331-4703 Telephone: (204) 622-6210
E-mail: drdon@cwwiebemedical.ca E-mail: wheide@ornh.mb.ca

MANITOBA REPORTS LARGEST ONE-YEAR INCREASE IN NURSES ON RECORD

April 15, 2010

Nearly 500 More Nurses Working in Manitoba This Year after Record Number of Doctors Added Last Year: Oswald

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=month&item=8240

According to new data from Manitoba’s nursing colleges, 498 more nurses are practising in Manitoba today compared to this time last year, representing the province’s largest-recorded annual increase, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.

“Since our government launched our nursing strategy 10 years ago, we have invested aggressively in education, recruitment and retention of nurses,” said Oswald. “Today we are seeing the results of this strategy with a record-setting increase in the number of nurses working for Manitobans.”

The number of practising Manitoba nurses has climbed every year since 2000, to 16,624 in 2009 from 14,092 in 2000, a net increase of 2,532.

Manitoba continues to invest in nurse training, recruitment and retention initiatives consisting of targeted programs that help attract and keep nurses in northern and rural communities including:
· a relocation assistance program that has benefited 1,286 nurses by providing up to $8,000 to cover the costs of moving to this province, with 421 nurses choosing to work in rural Manitoba;
· a grant program for new nurse graduates who choose to work in rural Manitoba;
· an ongoing recruitment campaign to attract nurses from other provinces and other countries including more than 100 new nurses from the Philippines; and
· nearly doubling the number of training seats for nurses at post-secondary institutions across Manitoba since 1999.

Updated nursing workforce data, including a breakdown of active practising Manitoba nurses, training data, information on recruitment initiatives and an update on total funded, filled and vacant positions, is available at www.manitoba.ca/health/nurses.

“Managing health care during difficult economic times is about choices,” said Oswald. “Our government’s choice at this time is to continue to invest rather than cut front-line services as has been done in the past when times were tough.”

Data from the colleges’ annual reports indicate the province gained 467 registered nurses, 23 licensed practical nurses and 16 nurse practitioners in the past year.

The new numbers represent a net gain of 943 nurses in three years, already surpassing the government’s 2007 commitment of adding 700 nurses over four years, said Oswald.

PROVINCE INVESTS MORE THAN $2.1 MILLION IN PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT, RETENTION INITIATIVES

24AUG09 - Manitoba Health News Release

Innovative Recruitment Strategies See Results, Receive Additional Funding To Enhance Recruitment to Rural, Northern Manitoba: Oswald

DAUPHIN - The province is investing more than $2.1 million in Manitoba's innovative, multi-tiered strategy to recruit and retain physicians across Manitoba, especially in rural areas, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced here today.

"We have worked with the regions to recruit more physicians to Manitoba communities and, since 1999, we have increased the number of physicians in Manitoba by more than 345," said Oswald. "Manitoba has a strong record of innovative physician recruitment and retention programs, resulting in a 19 per cent increase in practising physicians in rural Manitoba. These investments will help us continue to increase the number of doctors in the province, particularly in rural areas."

Read the complete news release here: http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=&item=6539

TENTH STRAIGHT YEAR OF PHYSICIAN INCREASES IN MANITOBA

Check out the Manitoba News Release for August 17, 2009

http://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?archive=today&item=6460

The minister notes that, this year, 49 students with a rural background will be part of the incoming class of 110 students at the University of Manitoba's faculty of medicine.

"It is wonderful to see the impact that the spectrum of programs initiated to improve physician numbers has had in Manitoba," said Dr. J. Dean Sandham, dean of medicine at the University of Manitoba. "In response to the need for rural physicians, a review of our application process for entry to medicine has expanded the value placed on rural backgrounds. We are very excited to increase the proportion of the incoming class of students with commitment to rural life and professional practice."

2008/09 Events we participated in

September 08
UM Family Medicine Residents Retreat – The Pas
Brandon University Presentation to Health Studies Students
Brandon University Presentation to Nursing Students
UCN – Nursing Presentation
AIESEC Career Days – Winnipeg (http://www.aiesec.ca/)

October 08
Garden Valley Collegiate Career Days
Eastern Manitoba Education Symposium - Beausejour
UM – Pharmacy Career Avenue
UM – Presentation to Nursing Students

November 08
Discovery Days
Red River Nursing Presentation
Linkages ConferenceUM – Med Rehab Presentation

December 08
West Region Tribal Council Career Fair

January 09
UM - Employment Services Career Fair
Mitchell Middle School Presentation

February 09
UM - Nursing Career Fair
Brandon University Interview Prep Workshop – Medicine/Dentistry

March 09
Brandon Career Symposium
Rotary Career Symposium – Winnipeg
UM - Pharmacy Presentation
Frontier School Division Career Days
Steinbach Career Fair
Norway House Career Fair
Cross Lake Career Days
UM - Medical Rehab Job Fair

April 09
Rural Mentorship Orientation
Evening with Rural Docs
SRPC Conference
UM – Faculty of Medicine Presentation
Parkland Career and Job Fair

May 09
Career Connections Expo
Sanford Collegiate Presentation
Rural Week
Career X (The Pas)
MCAT/DAT Prep Workshop

June 09
Selkirk High School