Health Systems Updates — Week ending February 21
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Medical Assessment Form Change
There is a new Clinical Practice Change regarding the Medical Assessment for Long Term Care. This form is being introduced as part of the Modernization & Provincial Standardization — Pathway to LTC project. The form is part of an important update to applications for Long Term Care.
This form will replace Part II, Page 1 Section C — Medical Data within the Manitoba Health — Application/Assessment for Long Term Care Placement document. This new form will be implemented effective immediately. After this date, all Long Term Care applications for Personal Care Home are to use the new Medical Assessment for LTC Form. A Medical Assessment is not required for Supportive Housing applications.
Read the full Clinical Practice Change here.
Government Adding 324 Child Care Spaces to Healthcare Facilities
In February 2025, the governments of Manitoba and Canada signed the action plan under the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund, detailing how Manitoba will invest $20.9 million in federal funding over three years to support the creation of approximately 324 child-care spaces in healthcare facilities across the province. This is something Doctors Manitoba had advocated for, based on feedback from physicians who have struggled to find convenient child care options.
“Investing in child-care spaces that will offer hours outside the traditional child-care hours in hospitals ensures that health-care staff and families in surrounding communities have improved access to child care – which will have a significant ripple effect,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Bolstering our child-care system helps parents working in the health-care sector return to work and pick up extra shifts because they have child care that works for their families. These spaces are another tool that supports the recruitment and retention of new health-care providers, having a direct impact on the health-care system and improving the quality of life for all Manitobans.”
Weapons Scanners Permanently Installed at HSC
Permanent artificial intelligence (AI) weapon scanners have been installed at the emergency departments at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg to help address safety and security concerns raised by front-line workers.
In addition to the weapons scanners, the government has funded 126 institutional safety officer positions at HSC and in facilities across the province, with 96 trained and working.
CPSM Career Opportunity
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba is looking for a Medical Consultant (0.6 EFT), who will work collaboratively within an expert team, to provide prescribing advice to CPSM registrants, examine prescribing data and trends, develop and deliver registrant education, and work on prescribing practice initiatives.
CEO change at CancerCare
Today, the CancerCare Board of Directors announced that current CEO, Dr. Sri Navaratnam, will exit her role earlier than anticipated. She will complete her work as CEO on April 17, 2025 rather than December.
As of April 17, Dr. Donna Turner (PhD) will become Interim CEO until the new permanent candidate is recruited. Donna has over 25 years of experience with CCMB, currently serving as Chief of Population Oncology. Recruitment is well underway for a new permanent CEO.
Doctors Manitoba just learned today of the CEO’s early departure at CancerCare and we wish her well in her future clinical work. Doctors Manitoba looks forward to working with the interim CEO and any future CEO on strengthening the work environment so physicians are well-supported in their research and clinical duties and helping Manitobans on their cancer journeys.