Health News
Manitoba government seeks public input on health care

“We all have personal experiences within the health-care system. It’s
those experiences we can draw from to help shape and develop strong
regional plans to ensure health-care needs are being met in communities
across this province. Not only right now, but for years to come,” said
Selby. “We want to hear from patients and families about ways to address
community health issues and develop a stronger health care system.”

Effective
Sept. 2, under the Regional Health Authorities Amendment Act,
Manitoba’s five health regions will be responsible for developing health
involvement groups and each region will have at least four groups made
up of a minimum of 10 members.

Group terms can vary in length
from one to three years and members can be re-appointed for one or more
additional terms. Groups will also be required to meet four times per
year and provide reports back to regional board. The findings will be
shared annually with the minister.

“It’s vital that Manitobans
are involved with the health-care system to ensure safe, quality health
care is available where and when it’s needed,” said Jan Currie, board
chair, Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety. “These groups will involve
the public in planning health-care services which will help improve the
patient experience and enhance safety for patients throughout the
health-care system.”

“Patients are the centre of this initiative
and I’m looking forward to discussion that helps individuals provide
strategic advice to enhance services in their communities,” said the
minister.

Manitobans wanting to apply or get more information
about the health involvement groups can visit:
www.manitoba.ca/health/lhig or contact their local regional health
authority office.