Pinaymootang Health Centre helps fill health-care gaps for First Nation, surrounding communities
A Manitoba First Nation is playing a crucial role in providing healthcare services not just for its own members, but also for numerous surrounding Interlake communities. The Pinaymootang Health Centre serves thousands of Manitobans every year, with nearly half of its patients coming from outside the First Nation.
According to health director Gwen Traverse, 47% of the clients at the health centre come from various areas, including neighboring First Nations and non-Indigenous communities. Located more than 200 km northwest of Winnipeg in the Interlake region, the centre has become a lifeline for many individuals who lack access to adequate healthcare services.
The facility expanded in 2018 to offer a wider range of services, but it is already facing challenges due to its growing clientele. The health centre now provides services such as doctor visits twice a week, a satellite pharmacy, women’s clinics, home and community care, immunization clinics, dental services, and foot care.
Nurse in charge Roxanne Rawluk emphasized that the centre plays a crucial role in equalizing access to healthcare services for all individuals, regardless of their background. The goal is to reduce barriers by bringing essential services closer to the community.
The Pinaymootang Health Centre has become a model for other communities through innovative projects like the My Child, My Heart program, which focuses on providing care for children with complex medical needs within their own community. This program, along with others, has been instrumental in showcasing the centre’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Indigenous populations.
Additionally, the health centre has partnered with the University of Manitoba for tele-rehab services and is collaborating with the Heart and Stroke Foundation on cardiovascular health initiatives. These initiatives aim to address key health issues within the community and promote overall well-being.
Program director Chantell Neff and her team are currently piloting a groundbreaking program that offers services to adults with intellectual disabilities who have aged out of care. This initiative, the first of its kind in Canada, aims to provide much-needed support and resources to a vulnerable population.
Despite facing challenges such as staffing shortages and closures in nearby hospitals, the Pinaymootang Health Centre remains committed to providing high-quality care to all individuals who walk through its doors. The centre’s open-door policy ensures that no one is turned away, filling a crucial gap in healthcare services for the region.
In addition to physical health services, the health centre also offers mental health support to address the lingering effects of the 2011 flood that devastated the region. With a focus on rebuilding and providing holistic care, the centre is dedicated to ensuring that individuals can age in place and receive the care they deserve.
Looking ahead, Traverse envisions the construction of an Indigenous care home on the First Nation to provide elderly Indigenous individuals with the best possible care. This initiative reflects the centre’s commitment to serving the needs of its community and promoting health and well-being for all.
