Submitted by:
Swan Valley Medical Stakeholders Group
Efforts to restore essential health care services for the Swan Valley continue to see positive results, the most recent being the reinstatement of the Respiratory Therapy Program.
The Swan Valley Medical Stakeholders Group brought the feasibility of restoring the Respiratory Therapy Program to the attention of Prairie Mountain Health in the fall of 2012. The program was officially re-established in March, 2013.
“Our group is very encouraged by the reinstatement of the Respiratory Therapy position in Swan River which is part of the Prairie Mountain Health Respiratory Therapy Program.” said Shauna Klekta, spokesperson for the Swan Valley Medical Stakeholders Group. “It will provide Swan Valley residents with access to additional medical services closer to home and is an example of the local and regional commitment to restoring services at the Swan Valley Health Centre.”
The Swan Valley Medical Stakeholders Group has been working closely with Prairie Mountain Health in an effort to revitalize healthcare in the Swan Valley. “Prairie Mountain Health is committed to working with the community to expand the services available in the Swan Valley including a long term surgical and obstetrical (maternity) program at the Swan Valley Health Centre,” states Penny Gilson, Chief Executive Officer, Prairie Mountain Health.
“Continuing to restore and expand services at the Swan Valley Health Centre is an important part of our doctor recruiting efforts as it helps make the Swan Valley a more attractive place for doctors to practice.” added Klekta, who is also the Economic Development Officer at Swan Valley RISE. Swan Valley RISE continues to take a leading role in the group’s initiatives which have included formalizing doctor recruiting incentives, developing recruiting material, launching a recruitment campaign, organizing meetings with potential doctors, pursuing options for a modern collaborative medical clinic and developing a strong working relationship with Prairie Mountain Health.