Swan Valley RISE Media Release |

Swan Valley RISE (RISE) is issuing this statement in recognition of the ongoing efforts by Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to improve healthcare in the Swan Valley. In the course of working with PMH, we have appreciated their responsiveness to the healthcare needs of our community and commend their transparent and collaborative approach.

PMH became responsible for our region 2.5 years ago and has completed a number of projects started before that time as well as many new initiatives. Some of the recent healthcare enhancements in the Swan Valley include:

– Cataract Surgery implementation and enhancement
   (with funding from Swan Valley Lions Club)
– Respiratory Therapy Program reinstatement
– Full Time Ultrasound
– Endoscopy Services
– IN SIXTY cancer initiative
– Cancer Cancer Care Hub enhancement
– Teen Health Clinics at SVRSS
– Southern Air Ambulance Program
– Paramedic Training Program at the University College of the North campus

The ongoing commitment by the PMH team to recruitment and training has ensured the following services have remained available for Swan Valley residents amid province wide shortages:
– Emergency Room Services
– Hemodialysis
– Chemotherapy
– Maxillofacial Surgery

PMH has been an instrumental partner with RISE in advocating for the establishment of a Swan Valley Primary Care Centre. This newly renovated facility will improve access to primary care with a Quick Care Clinic staffed by Nurse Practitioners. To assist in filling these positions, PMH and the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation have also provided additional funding to assist a local healthcare professional in acquiring Nurse Practitioner training.

Also located in the facility will be modern, collaborative clinic space for physicians which, along with cash incentives funded by PMH and the Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation, enabled RISE to develop an attractive recruiting package that resulted in the successful recruitment of 2 new future doctors to the Swan Valley. PMH and RISE are also in current discussions with several additional physicians.

We recognize that the lack of maternity services continues to be a significant concern for the residents of the Swan Valley and it remains a top priority for RISE. PMH has stated that their goal is to establish a sustainable surgical and obstetrical (maternity) program. While the necessary work is being done, PMH has implemented additional training and safeguards to manage obstetrical emergencies.

One of the largest obstacles in reinstating maternity services is the successful recruitment of anesthetists. These specialists cannot be conscripted to work in a specific location, therefore it is not possible to provide a specific timeline for reinstating maternity services.

The Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation is offering significant cash incentives for the recruitment of family physicians with anesthetic or surgical credentials. In addition to providing access to services close to home, programs such as Cataract Surgery, Endoscopy and Maxillofacial Surgery help build practice opportunities that will assist in recruiting the necessary specialists.

RISE looks forward to a continued partnership with Prairie Mountain Health as we work together to revitalize healthcare in the Swan Valley.