New Doctors Set to Keep Minnedosa ER Open 24/7 This Fall

The Minnedosa Health Centre is set to expand its emergency services, with the addition of two internationally trained doctors allowing the emergency room (ER) to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting this fall. This development was confirmed by Lana Hogg, the hospital’s acute care manager, who highlighted the importance of this change for local residents.

The two new doctors will bring the total number of physicians in Minnedosa to six, a significant increase that Hogg described as “huge.” Currently, the ER closes every Thursday due to staffing shortages, creating challenges for local patients who require immediate care. “We had one lady that was upset because she had to call the ambulance from just down the street. We were closed, so she ended up in Neepawa, so then she couldn’t get a ride home,” Hogg noted.

Impact on Local Healthcare

The addition of the new doctors will alleviate pressure on existing medical staff, who currently juggle patient appointments, emergency coverage, and surgical duties. Hogg expressed optimism that knowing there will be consistent ER coverage will enhance the quality of healthcare in the area. “Being open 24-7 is going to open those doors a little more to even local citizens,” she added.

Dr. Karen Aquino, one of the new recruits, recently toured the Minnedosa Health Centre, where she familiarized herself with the various facilities, including treatment rooms and the three-bed emergency department. Dr. Aquino is completing the Manitoba Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates through the University of Manitoba and is expected to graduate in June 2024.

Originally from the Philippines, Dr. Aquino has experience as both an anesthesiologist and a family physician. She moved to Canada in 2013 and has worked in various capacities, including as an anesthesia clinical assistant at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Her decision to join the Minnedosa community was influenced by her positive experiences in Brandon, where she appreciated the peaceful environment and close-knit community.

Recruitment Efforts and Future Prospects

The recruitment of internationally trained medical professionals has been a focal point for Prairie Mountain Health, which aims to address shortages in rural areas. Since November, the health authority has identified communities, including Minnedosa, that are in need of family doctors. This year, a total of seven internationally trained doctors were recruited, with Dr. Moazzam Raza also joining the team in Minnedosa.

Dr. Aquino expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating, “I kind of want to be connected to everybody because I want to succeed here as well. I want the people to love me.” Her commitment to integrating into the community reflects a broader strategy employed by Prairie Mountain Health, which organizes site visits for new doctors to help them acclimate to rural living.

Currently, the international medical graduates program receives over 1,000 applications annually, with only 30 spots available. Typically, around seven to eight graduates are placed in rural settings each year, helping to improve healthcare access in underserved areas.

With the arrival of new doctors this fall, local residents on waitlists for family physicians are expected to have their healthcare needs met more promptly. Hogg emphasized the importance of fostering relationships with medical residents and students to encourage them to consider rural practice, which can often be overlooked in favor of urban opportunities.

As the Minnedosa Health Centre prepares for this significant change, the local community can look forward to enhanced healthcare services, which will ultimately improve the quality of life for its residents.