New IV-program location aims for accessibility

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This article was published 18/12/2018 (2645 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Arlene Buchberger sits in chair six in the infusion area at the Misericordia Health Centre with a magazine in her lap and a needle in her hand. Buchberger is one of 2,300 clients who use the Community Intravenous Program (CIVP) to receive antibiotics.

On Nov. 28, the CIVP consolidated its services from Lions Manor on Sherbrook Street to the Misericordia Health Centre. The new central location is closer to infectious disease clinics like the St. Boniface Hospital and Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, where most CIVP referrals come from.

Inside the Misericordia Health Centre, clients can find more private exam rooms, 10 stations designated for intravenous therapy, diagnostic imaging and lab services.

“It’s wonderful,” Buchberger said.

“It’s easy to access, it’s very clean, the nurses are very helpful.”

While Buchberger said she travels to the Misericordia Health Centre by taxi, clients can also benefit from the location by increased parking and public transit options.

Gina Trinidad, Winnipeg Regional Health Association’s chief health operations officer for continuing care and community, said there has been a 40 per cent increase in client demand for services over the past four years.

“Like all of the changes we are making, our goal is to improve the quality and timeliness of care for our patients and clients that they expect and they deserve,” Trinidad said.

“Really, that’s what this announcement is all about; it’s about helping our clients have access to the care they need, closer to the communities in which they live and work.”

The move brought together around 100 staff members to form an inter-professional team of infectious disease physicians, nurses, pharmacists and administrative staff to care for clients.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen said the change is partly in response to Manitoba’s “complex health care system.”

“It is not an incremental change, rather it is some very bold change,” Friesen said.

“But it is done for the right reasons and it’s done for the purpose of getting better clinical outcomes, getting a stronger health care system not just today, but long into the future for those who need it.”

The program began more than 30 years ago to help bring intravenous services to the community beyond the hospital.

Friesen said since the program’s inception, it has reduced the number of scheduled visits to Winnipeg emergency departments.

nadya.pankiw@freepress.mb.ca