June 22, 2015
Province Announces Tender Awarded for Construction of Powerview-Pine Falls Health Complex Redevelopment
– – –New Facility to Support Quality Health Care in Region by Adding New Primary Care, Traditional Healing Centres at Facility: Minister Blady
PINE FALLS—Construction is now underway on a redevelopment at the Powerview-Pine Falls Health Centre complex that will include a new primary care and a traditional healing centre at the facility, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced here today.
“This redeveloped health facility, which sits on the traditional territory of Sagkeeng First Nation, will bring better, more culturally appropriate health-care services to families in Powerview-Pine Falls as well as surrounding First Nations and Métis communities.” said Minister Blady. “I am humbled by the many partners who have come together to help drive the changes being made to this important, innovative new facility.”
The existing Powerview-Pine Falls Health Complex provides a range of health services including emergency care, diagnostics, in-patient services (23 beds), primary care and a 20-bed personal care home. The new, 17,000-sq.-ft. primary health-care and traditional healing centre building will be connected to the existing health complex for easy access to and integration with the existing health-care team and the services delivered, the minister said.
The redevelopment will provide space for traditional healers and elders, an additional nurse practitioner, a First Nation and Métis outreach liaison, a medical lab assistant and spaces for maintenance, food services and housekeeping.
“Support for this project has been significant and steadfast right from our first planning discussions with community partners,” said Ron Van Denakker, chief executive officer, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority. “The traditional healing centre element with its education component is a true mark of innovation and reflects the partnerships among the RHA and the people this facility serves. We are very pleased that construction is underway.”
Minister Blady said that after consultations with the public, community partners, First Nation, Métis and community partners, the traditional healing centre at the facility has been designed to reflect First Nation and Métis culture and heritage as determined by the local communities, and will include:
- space where traditional First Nations approaches to palliative care can be offered;
- space for traditional ceremonies and smudging, which includes an outdoor place for a sweat lodge and a sacred fire;
- kitchen facilities where families and healers can prepare traditional foods and medicines for their loved ones in hospital; and
- space for education on First Nation and Métis traditionsand teachings around healing and wellness.
The minister said local elders are contributing their guidance and knowledge to the progress of this initiative and, with the support of their communities, they are committed to sharing that knowledge with all area residents in the traditional healing centre.
“This healing centre will be open to everyone, allowing people of different cultures to learn from each other and grow as a community,” said Minister Blady. “It will also help bring traditional First Nations and Métis values and practices to the forefront of care and help strengthen policies, programs and services across the health system.”
Parkwest Projects Inc. will be leading the construction of the $10-million redevelopment, the minister noted.
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