Manitoba’s premier announced that the government will be investing $812 million into new, expanded and renovated health-care facilities across the province.
38 projects will receive funding that will form the foundation of a new Provincial Clinical Network that is designed to improve access and enhance the quality and reliability of care while reducing wait times.
“Better health care for all Manitobans, with reduced wait times and improved access with more services closer to home, requires a bold vision and action plan for a stronger, more prosperous province,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “Together, we are planning for that future – for our children and our grandchildren – by listening to our public health-care leaders and the ideas of our doctors, nurses and other health professionals, and investing in solutions that are made-in-Manitoba for Manitobans.”
Almost $70 million has been earmarked to enhance health services in Brandon with the expansion and renovation of clinical spaces at Brandon Regional Health Centre and for a 7,000 square foot expansion and enhanced cancer services at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre.
“This is an investment in the equipment, buildings, technology and health-care professionals that will improve outcomes and better support the needs of all Manitobans,” said Lanette Siragusa, Manitoba’s chief nursing officer, and Shared Health’s provincial lead of health system integration and quality.
Both Projects in Brandon are expected to be complete by 2025.
The premier also announced a new $283 million two-storey hospital in Portage la Prairie will be built that will increase the number of inpatient beds, expand medical and surgical capacity and improve the emergency department. The facility will also get enhanced space for programs including diagnostics, dialysis, palliative care and various outpatient services which include lab and rehabilitation.
“The new Portage District General Hospital will be bigger and better, providing the community and the region with a modern facility and access to many services that previously may have required multiple trips to Winnipeg or Brandon,” said Dale Lyle, board chair, Portage Hospital Foundation. “Today’s announcement will support the delivery of health-care services closer to home for patients in a rapidly growing area of our province.”
The construction of the new hospital in Portage la Prairie is expected to be completed by 2025.
© News4.ca 2021
