ValleyBiz Story |

The provincial government has announced better co-ordinated health-care services will be offered in the Swan River Valley following the purchase and redevelopment of the McKay Building in Swan River, which will become a new primary care centre.

Participating in the announcement were (pictured above) Swan River MLA and Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn, Swan Valley RISE Economic Development Officer Shauna Klekta, Prairie Mountain Health Board of Directors Board Member Gwynn Ketel and Vice-Chair Harry Showdra.

“The Swan Valley Health Centre provides a wide range of health-care services and this new, modern centre will ensure residents continue to have access to quality primary care services delivered by physicians, nurse practitioners and other regional health-care service providers,” said Health Minister Selby. “The centre will also support more team-based services, which is expected to help the region recruit and retain physicians and other health-care providers.”

The new primary care centre will offer a hub for primary health-care services in the community. The facility will be approximately 6,000 square feet and will be designed specifically for primary health care services. The clinic will include 14 exam rooms, treatment rooms, education space, support spaces and waiting areas.

“This is the start of a new primary care foundation aimed at ensuring the right care by the right provider in the right place can occur,” said Penny Gilson, CEO, Prairie Mountain Health. “Working with Manitoba Health and Swan Valley RISE, this first step is a significant one in our journey to establish an integrated primary care team model for Swan River area residents.”

Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn acknowledged that the forward thinking relationship between Swan Valley RISE and Prairie Mountain Health has been instrumental in working with the provincial government on this development. “We know what our mission is and our government is committed to keep increasing the medical services in the Swan Valley and throughout the province of Manitoba.” he said.

Swan Valley RISE Economic Development Officer Shauna Klekta explained that revitalizing health care in the Swan Valley was identified as a priority for RISE because they recognized that access to consistent, comprehensive health care is essential for economic growth to take place. “This Primary Care Centre is much more than bricks and mortar and Swan Valley RISE is very excited to be part of the process that will establish a strong foundation for ongoing primary care in the Swan Valley.” she said.

The new centre will offer physician services, nurse practitioner services and co-ordinated care for people living with chronic diseases. The clinic will also implement procedures to ensure more same-day access to physician and nurse practitioner appointments.

A tender for the renovations to the McKay Building, located at 1000 Main St., is expected to be released in the coming weeks.