CELEBRATING ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS 2024 | A SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Celebrating Allied Health Professionals 2024
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
A lot of hard work is going to go into making the system better. We want to ensure health care is better for generations to come.
— Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health
The province has hired 873 new health care workers during the past year including 304 nurses, 290 health care aides, 116 physicians and 80 Allied Health professionals, says provincial Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
An exciting calling MINISTER SAYS THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO GET INVOLVED IN HEALTHCARE FIELD
By Todd Lewys I t’s been just over a year since the NDP swept to power in Manitoba. During their campaign in the summer of 2023 – on Aug. 27, to be exact – then leader Wab Kinew said if elected, the NDP would commit $500 million to hiring 300 nurses in two years, and 400 physicians in five years. It was a big promise. Fast forward a little more than a year, and Premier Kinew and his team are backing up their words with action. According to the government, 116 new physicians were hired between April 1 and Aug. 31. Meanwhile, some 304 nurses were also added. Premier Kinew also committed to hiring more paramedics and home care staff. As positive as those actions and commitments were, they overshadowed another sore spot in Man- itoba’s health care system: a province-wide person- nel shortage. To date, there are countless job openings in po- sitions from technicians to diagnostics, to rehabili- tation and nutrition, and more. Those positions and many others provide physicians and nurses with the information and support they require to provide the highest possible level of health care on a daily ba- sis. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara says there’s some good news on that front, too. “Since our time in government, we’ve hired 873 new health care workers,” says the minister, a for- mer psychiatric nurse. “That includes 304 nurses,
290 health care aides, 116 physicians and 80 Allied Health professionals. That includes lab technicians, ultrasound technologists, MRI technologists and more – as well as 61 medical residents.” While those figures are impressive, there’s still a lot of work to be done to bring Manitoba’s health- care system up to full speed. Currently, there are still hundreds of job postings in Winnipeg and outlying communities that need to be filled. That means there are opportunities to find good paying, interesting work in the healthcare field – and a chance to make a difference. “There are so many different jobs and opportuni- ties. Since becoming health minister, I’ve learned a ton about the jobs and roles that exist in our health- care system,” says Asagwara. Turns out, job opportunities can start surprisingly early. “Job opportunities can start as young as high school,” they said. “In just a few months, you can be out working and making a difference. There’s ba- sically an opportunity for anybody. If it’s what you want to be involved, there’s a path for you to join the healthcare system.” To assist people, the government is also making training more accessible throughout the province, adds Asagwara. “There are so many opportunities to get more education. Now, people can train right in their com- munity to get the skills they need to find a job in healthcare.” Not only that, but there’s a wide range of jobs to apply for. “There’s so much variety,” notes Asagwara. “It’s
an exciting calling for people to choose. There’s a great opportunity to make the lives of Manitoba bet- ter each and every day.” That said, it’s going to take time to get Manitoba’s healthcare system running at full capacity again. “Now is the time to get involved. The government is working hard. We didn’t get where we are over- night, but we’re making progress. We’re doing it in a collaborative way, shoulder-to-shoulder with those on the front line.” For the system to become fully revitalized, every- one is going to have to pitch in. “The important thing is we do it together,” Asag- wara says. “A lot of hard work is going to go into making the system better. We want to ensure health care is better for generations to come.” To that end, the government is going to do all it can to guide people down the path to a fulfilling job in healthcare. “We’re meeting people where they’re at,” they said. “As a government, we respect people and listen. We’re focused on creating a culture of listening and inclusivity. We’re working hard to change the culture of the healthcare system.” They add that if you’re considering a career in healthcare, now is the time to get involved. “It’s an exciting time in Manitoba,” says Asagwara. “Of course I’m biased, having worked as a front- line nurse, but working in healthcare gives you the opportunity to make the lives of Manitobans better every day. We’ll welcome you with open arms if you want to get involved. It’s going to take a lot of hard work to make the system better. We’re committed to doing the work, and we’re all going to make it better working together.”
Visit healthcareersmanitoba.ca to check out all the different opportunities in healthcare that are available around the province.
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Elenore Haywood Award recipient, Kaylene Normand. SUPPLIED PHOTO
Elenore Haywood celebrated for her contributions to lung health A PIONEER IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY
E lenore Haywood, affectionately known as Elly, began her journey in respiratory therapy in 1974, during a time of remarkable transformation in the medical field. After graduating from a two-year diploma program at Winnipeg General Hospital, which later became the Health Sciences Centre, she embarked on a career that would shape the landscape of respiratory care in Manitoba. Elenore’s path to respiratory therapy was as much personal as it was professional. Having struggled with asthma since her youth, she knew firsthand the challenges of living with respiratory difficulties. This personal con- nection fueled her desire to help others and sparked a passion for lung health that would define her career. “I was always interested in physics and bi- ology,” Elenore recalls, “and respiratory ther- apy allowed me to blend my fascination with technology and my desire to help people in a meaningful way.” Throughout her career, Elenore worked closely with the Manitoba Lung Association. Whether it was volunteering with students at spirometry testing events or supporting smoking cessation initiatives, Elenore has al- ways felt a deep bond with the association. “The Manitoba Lung Association has been supportive of me from the very beginning,” she shares. “When I graduated in 1974, I re- ceived an award for my academic achieve- ments, and the association featured me in one of their publications. That kind of encourage- ment stays with you throughout your career.”
In 2024, the Manitoba Lung Association honored Elenore by naming an award after her, recognizing her contributions to respira- tory therapy. Receiving the award was a deep- ly meaningful moment for Elenore, who had witnessed firsthand how far the profession had come since the 1970s. “This award means so much because it re- flects not just academic achievements but the practical, hands-on skills that are crucial in our field,” Elenore explains. “It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication that goes into caring for patients.” Elenore hopes the award inspires future re- spiratory therapists to take pride in their pro- fession. She emphasizes that while technolo- gy plays a vital role, the heart of respiratory therapy lies in patient care. “You can do a lot with just a stethoscope and your hands,” she says. “The machines are important, but we can’t forget there’s a per- son on the other end of that machine. I want future therapists to focus on the patient, to al- ways have empathy, and to never stop learn- ing.” As for those considering a career in respira- tory therapy, Elenore offers practical advice. “This isn’t a self-serving profession,” she notes. “You have to want to serve others, to make a difference in their lives. It takes empa- thy, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. The things you learn today may not be relevant in a few years, so you need to be open to change and always willing to improve your skills.” For Elenore, respiratory therapy has been
Elenore Haywood Award recipient, Jimmy Szutu. SUPPLIED PHOTO
more than a career – it has been a way to give back, to help people breathe easier, and to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of her community. Her lega- cy, now immortalized through the Manitoba Lung Association’s Elenore Haywood Award, will continue to inspire and encourage future generations of respiratory therapists for years to come. Help honour Elenore Haywood’s remarkable impact on respiratory therapy by contrib- uting to the Elenore Haywood Award. Your donation will empower aspiring respiratory therapists to pursue their passion for helping others breathe easier.
Visit mb.lung.ca today to make your donation!
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
The field of occupational therapy can look different depending on the setting but the primary goal is to help clients optimize their level of independence, says MSOT president Charlene Mathison.
Occupational therapists celebrate major milestone
MSOT MARK 60 YEARS OF HELPING MANITOBANS ACHIEVE THEIR PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GOALS
By Wendy King I t’s a milestone year for the Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists as 2024 marks the orga- nization’s 60th anniversary of providing profes- sional care towards improving the quality of life for thousands of Manitobans. MSOT represents the profession of occupational therapy and all occupational therapists in the province of Manitoba. For those interested in pursuing the profession, there’s good news: the need is greater than ever and employment prospects are very good. “The field of occupational therapy is really diverse and the role can look different depending on the set- ting, but the primary goal of occupational therapy is to help the client optimize their level of independence, meaning, and satisfaction in all aspects of their life,” says MSOT president Charlene Mathison, O.T.Reg. (MB). Mathison points out that the term occupation doesn’t necessarily refer to employment or paid work. “It refers to all of the activities that a person does throughout the day, and we use those occupations to help determine our intervention in supporting health and well-being. Occupational therapy takes the needs of the whole person into account: physical, emotional, cultural, so- cial, and spiritual,” she says. “It’s a client-centred health profession. We work
with clients to find out what is most important to them and work with them to achieve those goals.” Occupational therapists can provide therapy for those who are experiencing a wide range of challeng- es including physical or mental illness, injury or any other disabilities. Currently, more than 800 occupational therapists are registered to work in Manitoba, but the demand is high and the need is growing as new programs are developed and the value of occupational therapy is recognized in different areas of practice. “Jobs and opportunities are always emerging in practice areas. For example, there is an increased need for OTs to work with homeless people, more are needed in mental health programs, as well as helping people to navigate health services and social ser- vices,” she says. To pursue training as an occupational therapist, candidates are required to first complete an under- graduate degree which must include some specific courses. “The undergraduate degree could be a science de- gree or an arts degree which would include several required and recommended courses,” she says. “Then there is an application process which includes an interview. Once accepted, students enter the pro- gram to complete a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy at University of Manitoba.” Once the degree is completed, an occupational ther- apist can work in any area, but they can also choose to specialize.
Charlene Mathison, O.T.Reg. (MB), president at MSOT. SUPPLIED PHOTO
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Occupational therapists work at various locations in the community providing a variety of supports and education to people of all ages.
I chose this career to help people.
— Charlene Mathison, O.T.Reg. (MB), president at MSOT
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
To further explore a career as an occupational therapist, visit: • Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists (MSOT) msot.mb.ca. • College of Occupational Therapists of MB (COTM) www.cotm.ca • University of Manitoba, College of Rehabilitation Sciences umanitoba.ca/rehabilitation-sciences Y “We specialize more once we’re in the field,” Mathison says. “For all OTs, training is ongoing after graduation with continuing education and additional courses and mentorships as needed.” In order to practice in Manitoba, registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba (COTM) is also a require- ment. Occupational therapists work with clients at all stages of life, from infants in neonatal intensive care units all the way to seniors in personal care homes. “We see clients throughout their entire life span,” Mathison says. Settings and locations can vary and occupational therapy can be offered through the hospital system or other government-fund- ed health agencies. Additionally, occupational therapists are at work in the community providing education and training to indi- viduals and organizations. “We find OTs in hospitals, personal care homes, home care, out in the community, in mental health programs and facilities, schools, and work places,” she says. “We can also be found in health promotion, and in helping peo- ple navigate health and social services.” Mathison is currently in private practice in rural Manitoba, see- ing clients through Manitoba Public Insurance, Veterans Affairs, and other agencies. “I started my career in the rural hospitals, personal care homes, and home care programs visiting several different communities,” she says. “I think there’s a big shortage in rural and northern Manitoba and it would be easy to find employment in those regions.” Mathison says seeing clients achieve their goals has been a huge inspiration for her. “I chose this career to help people,” Mathison says. “I’ve been an occupational therapist for 24 years and there’s still so much more to learn and many different things to do. It’s been a great lifelong career choice.”
Allied Health Professionals Week
Recreation Coordinator Speech Language Pathologist Social Worker X-Ray Technician Physiotherapist
Walk Help Emotion Adapt
Breath
Occupational Therapist Medical Laboratory Assistant Spiritual Care Practitioner
Respiratory Therapist
Health Assist
Ambulation Adapt Safety
Kinesiologist Registered Dietitians
Walk
Thank you for all that you do!
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
Social workers play a key role in shaping policies that improve communities and help to ensure everyone has fair access to health and social services.
Considering social factors in a holistic approach to health
By Kristin Marand I n Manitoba, social workers play a vital role in providing support to individuals, families, and communities. The almost 3,000 social workers in the province provide a wide array of services, reflecting the profession’s evolution from its roots in poverty reduction to an academic discipline and reg- ulated profession. Today, social work covers areas like physical and mental health, substance abuse, corrections, child and family services, gerontology, employment and income assistance, education, and policy — all aimed at improving well-being for every- one. “Manitoba faces distinct challenges,” explains Barbara Temmerman, executive director of the Man- itoba College of Social Workers. “Given the diversity of Manitoba’s population, social work services must reflect the specific needs of urban, rural and remote communities, including Indigenous, immigrant and multicultural communities, as well as high rates of poverty, homelessness, and substance use.” Social workers in Manitoba provide case man- agement and direct clinical practice through a trau- ma-informed perspective, acknowledging how fac- tors like housing, food security, economic stability and systemic racism can dramatically impact health and wellbeing. They strive to promote health equity and social justice, seeking community-driven and collaborative solutions that that resonate with the unique perspectives of the communities they serve. “A social worker may become involved in some- one’s life through various pathways, such as during a crisis, through referrals from healthcare providers, or by an individual’s own request for support,” says Temmerman. “They support a diverse range of par- ticipants across various life stages and healthcare contexts. Their interventions are essential at criti-
cal points in the healthcare journey — whether it’s during acute crises, transitions in care, or ongoing support for chronic issues.” “In each instance, social workers bring an array of services designed to address a wide range of needs. They offer counseling, promote health, provide pa- tient education, and guide people through the maze of available resources. Working closely with health and social systems, they aim to deliver holistic care that meets individuals and families where they are.” The support that social workers offer can be a lifeline in turbulent times, providing intervention and guidance. As advocates for their clients, they ensure that individuals’ voices are heard in larger systems. Beyond these initial involvements, social workers also create coordinated care plans that ensure on- going support and continuity of care, helping clients connect with resources to sustain their progress, fostering resilience, and empowering participants to move forward. “Social workers play a crucial role on healthcare teams, bringing a holistic, patient-centred approach that extends beyond just medical treatment to ad- dress the full range of psychosocial needs,” Tem- merman says. “By focusing on social determinants of health, mental health support, patient advocacy, and care coordination, social workers help create an environment where patients experience better health outcomes and where healthcare systems are more equipped to manage complex cases effective- ly.” When professionals from various disciplines come together, they can provide comprehensive and coordinated care. This collaboration not only makes services more thorough but also more adaptable to each patient’s specific circumstances, addressing complex needs with greater depth and flexibility. “Social workers help bridge critical gaps in health- care, especially for underserved populations, en-
hancing access to services and advocating for health equity within communities,” Temmerman adds. “Their work ensures that care is continuous and considers the social, emotional, and economic dimensions of patients’ lives. This holistic, coordi- nated approach is essential to providing Manitobans with timely, high-quality healthcare that truly meets the needs of diverse populations.” Despite their crucial contributions, some miscon- ceptions linger about the role of social workers. Some view social workers merely as emotional sup- port providers who lack clinical training. This per- spective overlooks the comprehensive and integrat- ed role they play in personalized care. “Social work is a highly skilled and distinct pro- fession requiring extensive education, training, and ongoing professional development,” Temmerman says. “Social workers are uniquely qualified, core members of interprofessional healthcare teams, providing essential expertise and services that im- prove care coordination, patient engagement, and health outcomes. Social workers bring unique skills that complement those of other healthcare pro- fessionals. They play an integral role in promoting holistic, patient-centred care, addressing health from all angles, and enhancing the effectiveness of healthcare teams.” Social workers play an essential role in shaping policies and developing programs that improve our communities. They are dedicated advocates for so- cial justice and human rights, ensuring everyone has fair access to health and social services. Through a holistic approach that addresses the social factors that affect health, social workers improve patient outcomes, enhance care coordination, and reduce hospital readmissions. Their efforts not only benefit individuals but also lead to improved access to care, cost savings for healthcare systems and contribute to healthier communities overall.
Working closely with health and social systems, social workers aim to deliver holistic care that meets individuals and families where they are.
— Barbara Temmerman, executive director of the Manitoba College of Social Workers
Social works support a diverse range of participants across various life stages and healthcare contexts.
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SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association’s Manitoba chapter hosts support group that help people to deal with hearing loss.
Hearing loss needs to be identified and addressed as early as possible through hearing aids or other assistive devices.
— Jo-anne Jones, president of the Manitoba chapter
One of the aims of the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association is to address the needs of people with hearing loss and make sure their concerns are heard.
Hearing experts say it’s important for individuals to get their hearing tested and to get a hearing aid if one is required.
Hard of Hearing Association continues advocacy efforts
MANITOBA CHAPTER WORKING TO ENSURE PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS HAVE A VOICE
By Jennifer McFee T he local chapter of a national registered charity advocates for the hard of hear- ing to ensure their voices are heard and needs are met. The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association’s Manitoba chapter speaks out through education, outreach and advocacy efforts. At the same time, the organization aims to address the needs of peo- ple with hearing loss. Its volunteer advocates are well equipped for the work since they’re hard of hearing themselves. “Being hard of hearing is non-visible. A lot of people are getting more used to accepting hearing aids now, but for a long time there was a stigma,” said Jo-anne Jones, president of the Manitoba chapter. “It’s important to get your ears tested and get a hearing aid if you need one. If you don’t, the audi- tory cortex is not getting stimulation.” In some situations, being hard of hearing can lead to social isolation and lack of stimulation. People who are hard of hearing can also face an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzhei- mer’s, she noted. “One of the sad facts is people with hearing loss tend to be re-hospitalized more than somebody without because you don’t always hear correctly the instructions given by the doctor,” she added. “We try to educate people about that too.” Through presentations at post-secondary insti- tutions and booths at health fairs, representatives from the Manitoba chapter share knowledge and information with others.
“We did a presentation explaining what it’s like when you have hearing loss — basically it’s a gar- bled message that goes to the brain, which then needs to translate it,” Jones said. “We explained that hearing aids are a great help but, unlike eyeglasses, they don’t make your hear- ing perfect.” CHHA Manitoba representatives also speak about how to help people who are hard of hear- ing, such as facing the person you’re speaking to in case they’d like to lip read. For those who wear facemasks, they might consider wearing one with a clear front that shows the mouth for lip-readers. “One of the biggest problems for the hard of hearing, especially during COVID, is that many things are done by the telephone, which is very dif- ficult because we cannot see the faces or lip read,” said Jones, whose phone acts as an assistive de- vice that shows spoken words as text while also streaming the conversation directly to her hearing aid. At the same time, the Manitoba group works with government departments to better support people with hearing loss. “Hearing loss needs to be identified and ad- dressed as early as possible through hearing aids or other assistive devices,” Jones said. “Once hearing aids no longer provide sufficient amplification, cochlear implants may then become an option.” The local chapter lobbied the provincial gov- ernment to expand health coverage to adults for replacements of cochlear implant external sound processors. There’s now coverage up to 80 per cent every five years. The province already covers
the initial surgery; however, the cost to replace ex- ternal processors can be costly, so this coverage makes a big difference. The group also continues to lobby the provincial government to consider hearing aids a medical necessity and have them covered under Manitoba Health. “That did not happen but the government did come to the party, and now for seniors 65 and above on a limited income, there’s a grant of $2,000 towards the cost of a hearing aid,” Jones said. “That is being accessed by a lot of people. That’s part of the advocacy. We’re a very small group that is working very hard.” In addition, CHHA Manitoba seeks grants to in- stall looping systems at some service desks. A looping system is an assistive listening device that allows people to receive sound directly into their hearing aid or cochlear implant processor equipped with a telecoil. They also encourage entertainment venues to ensure assistive listening devices are available to their patrons, including closed captioning in movie theatres. Currently, the Manitoba chapter is hosting four support groups in an effort to teach people how to deal with hearing loss. “They can learn coping skills, how to lip read and about other devices they can use with their hearing aids,” Jones said. Another support group meets monthly for those with tinnitus, which is abnormal noise perceived in one or both ears or in the head. There are two Zoom groups as well as two in-person groups run- ning in Winnipeg.
Learn more about the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association’s Manitoba chapter at chha-mb.ca.
8 Celebrating Allied Health Professionals
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024
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Celebrating Allied Health Professionals
JAMIE MOSES MLA for St. Vital 204-219-5407
MALAYA MARCELINO MLA for Notre Dame 204-788-0800
NELLIE KENNEDY MLA for Assiniboia 204-888-3188
WAB KINEW MLA for Fort Rouge 204-615-1922
UZOMA ASAGWARA MLA for Union Station 204-306-8581
MATT WIEBE MLA for Concordia 204-654-1857
DILJEET BRAR MLA for Burrows 204-415-7621
JIM MALOWAY MLA for Elmwood 204-415-1122
MIKE MOROZ MLA for River Heights 204-774-3669
TRACY SCHMIDT MLA for Rossmere 204- 661-1377
BILLIE CROSS MLA for Seine River 431-323-6026
RENÉE CABLE MLA for Southdale 204-222-9038
ROBERT LOISELLE MLA for St. Boniface 204-505-2800
ADRIEN SALA MLA for St. James 204-792-8779
NELLO ALTOMARE MLA for Transcona 204-594-2025
CARLA COMPTON MLA for Tuxedo 204-945-3710
DAVID PANKRATZ MLA for Waverley 204- 804-2875
LISA NAYLOR MLA for Wolseley 204-792-2773
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