News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

January 29, 2020

Manitoba Launches New Idea Fund for Health to Continue Investing in Care Closer to Home

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$40 Million Available Over Four Years to Support Innovation and Quality Improvement Projects Across Manitoba's Health System: Friesen

The Manitoba government will invest up to $40 million to support innovative ideas brought forward by health-care workers that support improved delivery of services and better patient care, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

“Nearly 300 clinical and health system leaders from across Manitoba have identified key areas where investment is needed to build up the services available to patients closer to home,” said Friesen.  “Over the next four years, the new Idea Fund for Health will support the implementation of Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan with investments in the innovative ideas proposed by health system leaders, clinical providers and front-line staff.”

The Idea Fund for Health will invest up to $40 million in three phases over the next four years.  The first phase, which launched today, will support projects that align with one or more of the key priorities of Manitoba’s Clinical and Preventive Services Plan including:
•    reducing variation in clinical practice;
•    building local capacity to manage chronic conditions and post-acute needs of patients, such as access to rehabilitation and remote monitoring programs; and
•    focusing on preventive measures to improve health outcomes and reduce the need for acute services.

Capital improvements, staff training, new or replacement equipment, and clinical practice changes are all eligible for consideration in the first wave, which will be managed by Shared Health.

“As we construct a more reliable provincial health system, investments in tools, equipment and providers will be necessary to build capacity for care closer to home across the province,” said Lanette Siragusa, provincial lead, health system integration and quality, Shared Health.  “Upgrading skills and knowledge, standardizing clinical practices and improving access to care at home and in the community, will improve outcomes across the health system.”

Projects will be evaluated based on expected outcomes, with successful initiatives to be launched over the coming months, the minister noted.

“This fund is an investment in the exceptional care provided by staff across our health system each and every day,” said Friesen.  “I have every confidence the quality improvement and innovation proposals made by health system leaders, clinical experts and front-line staff will have significant positive impacts on health access and outcomes for Manitobans.”

The new Idea Fund for Health builds on the 2018 launch of the government-wide Idea Fund, which supports a whole-of-government approach to modernizing the civil service and finding better ways to do things including shopping smarter and spending taxpayer dollars more effectively and efficiently.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2020/01/BG-Idea_Fund_for_Health-HL.pdf