Nurses union questions explanation for delayed opening of new Neepawa hospital
BRANDON — The new Neepawa Health Centre — initially expected to welcome its first patients early next year — has had its opening delayed until late summer or early fall. […]
The new Neepawa Health Centre, originally slated to open its doors to patients early next year, has experienced a delay and is now set to open in late summer or early fall. Prairie Mountain Health CEO Trina Slate explained that the postponement allows for "appropriate time to onboard and train staff and familiarize teams with the new facility."
Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, expressed skepticism about the official explanation, questioning whether staff training is truly the reason for the delay. She pointed out that even if the staff cannot initially staff every bed, the facility can still be opened while new personnel are recruited. The new health centre will boast 60 acute-care beds, nearly double the current hospital's capacity, along with an expanded emergency room, a hemodialysis suite, and ample space for additional programs.
Progressive Conservative MLA Jodie Byram, representing the area, voiced concern over the delay, fearing it could exacerbate resource strain. She lamented the closure of Dauphin hospital due to flood damage and expressed disappointment that Neepawa's new facility would not have alleviated patient overflow. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara acknowledged the situation, stating that the hospital is actively recruiting and training staff to ensure they are well-versed in the new environment before patient arrivals.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
