849 words / 3.5 min read

Recall: FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus 

Medical device manufacturer Abbott is recalling certain FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors after detecting they may provide low glucose readings that could lead to severe complications for patients. 

Why it matters: If undetected, incorrect low glucose readings over an extended period may lead to wrong treatment decisions for people living with diabetes, such as excessive carbohydrate intake or skipping or delaying insulin doses. 

How to inform patients: Patients should check their sensor’s serial number by visiting www​.FreeStyleCheck​.com and request a free replacement if affected. 

• If a patient is currently wearing or has a FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor that has been confirmed affected, have them immediately discontinue use and dispose of the affected sensors. 
• Patients should be directed to use alternative devices to monitor blood glucose levels until the replacement is acquired. 

👉 This issue does not apply to any other Libre sensors, apps, or readers available in Canada. 

Learn more here.

Manitoba Boosts Rural Emergency Medical Responder Recruitment 

The Manitoba government is introducing a new $5,000 bursary and expanding in-community training for emergency medical responders. Graduates who receive the bursary will enter a one-year return-of-service-agreement once hired to ensure local emergency services are staffed and encourage them to build a career in rural Manitoba. By next year, the government says 50 – 60 new responders could graduate. 

Learn more here.

CPSM Restorative Practices Webinar 

Learn more about the Restorative Practices Program at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba at an upcoming webinar. The program is grounded in the principles of restorative justice, including active accountability, inclusive decision making, rebuilding trust, and repairing harm. 

Doctors Manitoba believes that effective restorative justice processes lead to better outcomes, with less adversarial disputes and less disruption for physicians. 

📘 What to expect: Join Dr. Jayson Stoffman, medical consultant and leader in restorative justice, for a practical session on applying these principles in real clinical settings. 

• Review the core themes behind restorative practices. 
• Learn strategies for leading restorative conversations with patients, colleagues and teams. 
• Explore approaches that foster collaboration and rebuild trust after harm. 

Read a recent profile on Dr. Stoffman’s national leadership in restorative practices in health care, available through CHVN Radio. 

🗓️ Date & time: December 2, 2025 at 6 p.m.

Register now to reserve your spot.

Improving Access for Manitoba’s Francophone Communities 

The federal government is investing $2.1 million over four years to expand access to French-language health services in Manitoba. The funding comes through the Official Languages Health Program and aims to strengthen bilingual care across the province. 

Many Francophone patients struggle to access care in their preferred language, especially in rural and remote regions. Strengthening bilingual services supports safer care and clearer communication. Care delivered in a patient’s chosen language is linked to improved comfort and outcomes. 

Next steps: Manitoba will collect data on bilingual capacity and launch new virtual French-language care options. 

🌐 The big picture: This funding helps more patients receive care in the language that best supports their health and understanding. 

Read the full release from Health Canada here.

CMA Leadership Opportunities 

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is looking for Manitoba members and medical learners who are interested in applying for the leadership vacancies below with an initial term starting in 2026. The CMA is particularly interested in having Indigenous leadership represented on the Board of Directors and welcomes Indigenous candidates to reach out for more information through the Indigenous Health team.

The details:

• CMA Board of Directors: Medical student (one position) 
• Awards Committee (one position) 
• Committee on Ethics: Medical resident and a medical student (two positions) 
• Governance Committee (two positions) 
• Nominations Committee: Medical student (one position) 
• Annual General Meeting Vice-Chair (one position) 

Learn more about these leadership opportunities and how to apply.

The deadline for eligible members to apply for all of these positions is Dec. 29, 2025.

CMAT Needs Your Help 

Canadian Medical Assistance Teams (CMAT) has deployed physicians, nurses and paramedics to support communities in Jamaica severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Teams are now on the ground helping stabilize an overstretched health system. 

Local hospitals are overwhelmed and many families have lost access to essential care. 

• CMAT teams are providing emergency and trauma care, wound management, pediatric services and medication support. 
• Their work fills critical gaps while coordinating with Jamaican health authorities and PAHO to ensure safe, effective care. 

📈 The ask: CMAT urgently needs to raise $50,000 to sustain medical operations, replenish supplies and support continued deployments. 

Your contribution to CMAT’s Hurricane Melissa Emergency Response Fund directly equips Canadian clinicians delivering life-saving care to communities recovering from this crisis.

$12.5M to Address Gender-Based Violence 

The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $12.5 million to strengthen prevention and supports for survivors of gender-based violence.

The details: The investment is being made through Manitoba’s four-year bilateral agreement under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence and funding will support 32 community initiatives across Manitoba, focusing on prevention, education, and healing. Priority groups include Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrant and refugee women and girls, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, women in northern/​rural communities, and people living with disabilities.

Read the release.