Southern Health–Santé Sud leaders struck an optimistic tone during their online annual meeting last Wednesday, highlighting progress in care delivery, Indigenous partnerships and recruitment while continuing to navigate the challenges facing Manitoba’s health-care system.
Interim CEO Dana Human said this year’s theme — the power of listening — reflects how the regional health authority works with communities to improve care despite global uncertainty and rising costs.
“It really sums up how we work closely together with our communities and teams to make things better for everyone,” she said. “Even with challenges happening around the world, the conflicts and rising costs, we stay focused on what matters most … helping people get the care they need.”
Human said listening remains central to the organization’s approach. A recent community survey reinforced the importance of two-way communication with patients and partners.
“One person said, ‘Being listened to makes us feel important,’” she shared. “Another said, ‘Communication should go both ways. There are things my provider understands better, but also things I understand better. A good partnership considers both.’”
Those responses, Human added, reaffirmed the authority’s focus on people-centred care and meaningful engagement, particularly with Indigenous communities.
“We spent a lot of time listening to our Indigenous communities in relation to several projects,” she said. “One highlight was the new Indigenous cultural space in Portage. Elders helped design it, and it will be filled with meaningful artwork and signs. It’s a space that truly respects and honours culture.”
Board chair Adam Monteith said that commitment continues to guide the organization’s priorities.
“Something new this year is the Indigenous education council, formed through collaboration between Southern Health–Santé Sud, First Nations communities and Dakota Ojibway Health Services,” he said. “The group promotes culturally safer care, cultural humility and two-eyed seeing, developing education and on-the-ground resources in the best ways possible.”
Human said monthly sessions on topics such as traditional medicines have helped staff “learn and grow together,” reminding them that reconciliation can advance at every level.
She also pointed to the updated strategic plan as an essential guide.
“This is not a document that’s finalized and put aside,” she said. “It’s a living document that guides our decision-making on a daily basis.”
Among other highlights, Southern Health partnered with the Manitoba Adolescent Treatment Centre to hire two child psychiatrists — an important step in expanding access to youth mental-health supports.
“This means more kids and teens can get the help they need,” said Human.
Meeting the needs of a growing population remains a major challenge.
“We have to be flexible in where and how we provide services,” Human said. “We’ve seen a 50-per-cent increase in our age-65-plus population in the last decade, and that number continues to grow.”
Monteith said the board closely monitors key health indicators and celebrated progress on surgical volumes.
“We’re excited to share that we beat our targets for hip, knee and cataract surgeries this past year, helping Manitobans get back to healthier lives sooner,” he said.
Staffing also remains a key concern.
“Recruitment and retention are critical to the success of our organization,” Human said. “This past year we hosted 30 health-care students on a bus tour to show them how great it is to work in our region. It was a fun and inspiring day.”
She noted that Manitoba also welcomed 150 health-care workers from the Philippines, with 21 joining the Southern Health–Santé Sud team.
Human said major capital projects are advancing in Portage, Steinbach and at Boundary Trails Health Centre.
During a short question-and-answer session, officials addressed the province’s recent measles outbreak, saying the region continues to promote vaccination and emphasize the importance of immunization.
The financial report showed revenue increasing from $479 million to $521 million, while expenses rose from $491 million to $517 million. The result was a surplus of about $3.4 million, bringing the authority’s accumulated surplus to just over $51 million.
Acute care services accounted for the largest share of expenses at almost $171 million, followed by long-term care at nearly $85 million. Provincial support made up most of the funding at almost $456 million.
The meeting concluded with recognition for staff and teams across the region.
Recipients of the annual quality service awards included:
• Teresa Mulligan, health-care aide at Lorne Memorial Hospital;
• Brigitte Remillard, manager of health services for palliative care;
• Paula Enns, regional co-ordinator for infection prevention and control;
• Jayde Jonasson, activity and recreation manager at Foyer Notre Dame; and
• Tamara Burnham, collaborative practice lead for acute care.
A team excellence award went to the public health nursing team, and the CEO achievement award was presented to Donna Unrau, a home-care nurse in Portage la Prairie.
“Even with the many challenges happening around us, the dedication of our teams and our communities keeps us moving forward,” said Human. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve made — and of the people who make it possible every day.”
