Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s virtual annual general meeting on Oct. 6 saw 124 staff and community members log in virtually to hear the region’s planned activities and a summary of the past year.
Cyndi Typliski, vice-chair of the board of directors, was the master of ceremonies. Speakers included board chair Michele Polinuk; Dr. Tim Hilderman, medical officer of health for Interlake-Eastern RHA; Lorianne Kowaliszyn, IERHA’s executive lead of corporate services and chief financial officer; and chief executive officer Marion Ellis.
Polinuk presented six Chair’s Awards, which recognize those who repeatedly go above and beyond to reflect the health region’s vision, mission and values through exceptional patient care, leadership or teamwork.
Jaycee Seenie received a nomination from Jamie Boyer, manager of Indigenous Health. Based out of Selkirk Regional Health Centre, Seenie has evolved in his role as an Indigenous Health skaabe. Through this role, he helps Indigenous patients and clients to navigate the health system, care planning and health education, while being mindful of language and cultural differences. As Seenie makes his rounds through hospital rooms, he demonstrates compassion, integrity and respect with both patients and staff. The Indigenous Health team continues to grow, and Seenie has made an impact through his efforts to improve culturally safe and appropriate care in the health region.
Ursula Hammerstedt is making an impact in her role as an admitting clerk at Selkirk Regional Health Centre. Nominator Leanne Passante Case, supervisor of health information services, said Hammerstedt always goes above and beyond to help out. She also serves as a trainer for new staff, and she is bolstering her French skills on her own time to better assist patients. Staff and patients alike comment on her ability to quickly and professionally triage patients and to prepare all the necessary paperwork.
Michele Staszkiewicz is an outstanding ambassador for cancer navigation services, with a focus on psychosocial oncology social work. Nurse navigator Michelle Rosentreter nominated Staszkiewicz, describing her as a kind and compassionate person who provides support to patients on their cancer journey. She has been a mentor to social work students and is always willing to lend a helping hand to other team members to help troubleshoot unique situations, solve barriers to care and seek out solutions to practical needs. Based in Selkirk, Staszkiewicz helps out with cancer screening in the region, while also participating in health education and promotion.
Clinical mentor Erin Hertz has been a dedicated nursing leader at Beausejour Hospital for many years. Nominator Tanya Cheetham said Hertz consistently contributes to nursing practice and policy committees and constantly strives to enhance health-care quality. She spearheaded Interlake-Eastern RHA’s first internationally educated nursing onboarding pilot project and has mentored three internationally education nurses to transition to permanent roles at Pine Falls Hospital. She has now taken on the role of clinical mentor in Beausejour, where her experience and approach will help to recruit and retain nurses in the region.
Receptionist Susan Gunderson is the first smiling face people see when they walk into Interlake-Eastern RHA corporate office in Selkirk. Nominator Averill Stephenson, executive director of Interlake Eastern Health Foundation, said Gunderson is a fantastic representative of IERHA’s values who treats every individual with genuine care and respect. She has a great depth of knowledge, is calm under pressure and leads by example. She takes time to learn about her colleagues’ lives and provides service with professionalism, kindness and compassion.
Physiotherapist Brett Mason has worked at Interlake-Eastern RHA since 2000. Nominator Karen Wood, health services manager at Gimli Community Health, said Mason drew on his 25 years of experience to help out during a time of transition for the allied health team at Selkirk Regional Hospital. In 2024 and 2025, staff numbers increased from eight to 26 employees, therapy services increased from five to seven days a week, and the orthopedic unit was set up to provide 800 surgeries per year. During this time, Mason picked up extra shifts to cover vacancies in Gimli and Pine Falls, while also collaborating with Concordia staff to develop the therapy portion of orthopedic surgeries. At the same time, he supervised and mentored two newly graduated physiotherapists and provided guidance to newly graduated occupational therapists.
A recording of IERHA’s AGM and the IERHA 2024-25 Annual Report document can be accessed at www.ierha.ca under “About us” and “Annual General Meeting.”
