STARS, Keewatinohk sign health deal

STARS and Keewatinohk Inniniw Minoayawin have signed an agreement for the not-for-profit organization to enhance health care in two remote First Nations.

The initiative will begin with a six-month trial period that will give health-care teams in Tataskweyak Cree Nation and Manto Sipi Cree Nation 24-7 virtual access to a STARS doctor. The doctor will offer virtual consultations and help with decision-making. STARS will work with the province to arrange patient transport if necessary.

The physician support will be funded by Keewatinohk and is separate from the air ambulance services STARS provides under contract with the Manitoba government.

“This partnership addresses long-standing gaps in access to emergency care for First Nations in northern Manitoba,” Dr. Barry Lavallee, Keewatinohk’s chief executive officer, said in a news release.

Keewatinohk supports health and wellness services for 23 First Nations communities in northern Manitoba.