Gratitude for those at the Grace

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/06/2021 (727 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its third wave have taken a toll on all Manitobans. As someone who represents an area near the Grace Hospital, I am so grateful to know that Manitoba has such incredible health care heroes doing their best to keep this awful virus under control.

Now is not the time for political opportunism by our opposition.

I know just how hard staff are working at all hospitals in Manitoba, and they know as well as I how hard it is to find staff to work in hospitals when there is a health-care staffing shortage in Manitoba; something that has been an issue for decades in jurisdictions across North America.

To combat this, we have been adding nurses across the province to address COVID-related challenges. At least 60 full-time-equivalent nursing positions are being added to intensive care units across the province, including 12 for Grace Hospital’s ICU. Another 24 nursing students are completing their practicum training at Grace Hospital and will be offered positions there as well.

We have added ICU capacity in facilities including Grace Hospital to create greater capacity during the third wave. Baseline ICU capacity at Grace Hospital has been increased to 16 beds, up from 10. We have also implemented a virtual COVID outpatient Program to reduce strain on acute care hospitals, which was expanded to Grace Hospital in March.

Grace Hospital is an excellent facility with a new modern emergency. We know that, with the due diligence of our community in taking all precautions, we will overcome. We are all in this COVID-19 wave together.

The best thing anyone can do right now to relieve strain on the health care system is get vaccinated and follow the medical restrictions. Manitoba recently opened eligibility to anybody over the age of 12.

Presently we are developing the rollout of second-shot vaccine immunizations. We are working to be at the end of this long tunnel. Our government continues to consider all options that can lead to a conclusion of this pandemic and keep people safe. Let us all do our part to end COVID-19 by getting vaccinated.

My office continues to take all calls and meetings by appointment, providing all COVID protocols are met.

My colleague MLA Scott Fielding and I continue to dialogue with our health minister and will share any issues brought to our attention.

Please stay safe and we will get through this.