The Manitoba government has announced the addition of 68 transitional care beds across the province. Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara made the announcement today, highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing wait times and easing access block within hospitals.

“These beds are about improving care for you and reducing wait times for everyone in Manitoba,” said Asagwara. “The previous government actually cut beds and capacity from the system. When we were elected, it was clear something needed to be done to address access block in emergency departments, which happens when admitted patients wait to be placed in appropriate care and it backs up in the emergency waiting room. A bed can’t open without the staff in place, so we’re moving forward methodically to ensure patients get safe care. We’ve made good progress – with almost half of these beds already open and the rest coming by the end of the year.”

Transitional care beds are designed to help move patients out of acute care beds and into spaces where they can await long-term health-care services while receiving the appropriate care they need. This initiative aims to reduce wait times in emergency departments by ensuring that patients who no longer require acute care services can transition smoothly to other care settings. These beds will primarily serve high-needs seniors waiting for admission to personal care homes, patients requiring physiotherapy before discharge, and those without housing in place.

The province is investing $1.7 million in capital and $3.7 million annually to add the following transitional care beds:

• 15 beds in Selkirk to support seniors and patients receiving additional care.
• 8 beds at Misericordia Health Centre to support seniors and patients receiving additional care.
• 25 beds at Holy Family Personal Care Home for seniors waiting to be admitted into a personal care home of their choice.
• 20 beds at St. Boniface Street Links’ 24-7 safe space program for patients discharged from hospital without housing in place.

“Having worked for over 40 years in the Selkirk emergency room, I see the need to improve patient flow to reduce waits and improve care,” said Yvonne Oxer, a nurse in Selkirk who works in the transitional care unit. “Our goal in this unit is to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for patients who no longer require acute care services but still need support as they transition out of hospital.”

So far, 35 of the announced beds are staffed and operational, with plans to have all 68 beds open by the end of the year, according to Minister Asagwara.

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