NationTalk: The Manitoba government is expanding the My Health Team service into northern Manitoba, which will make it easier for people to access the health-care services and supports they need, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.

“Trying to navigate the health-care system can be overwhelming for families, especially for those with more than one health condition,” said Asagwara. “My Health Team helps patients navigate and co-ordinate care and providers. It makes sense to expand this service into northern Manitoba, in partnership with the Beatrice Wilson Health Centre, because patients often have to travel far distances to get care. Putting a focus on mental health and addictions will give northerners access to a full range of wraparound care.”

The Manitoba government is providing $525,000 to launch My Health Team based in The Pas. Initially, the team will have a nurse and a social worker specializing in mental health and addictions medicine, with a satellite location in The Pas, to support an expansion of the mental health and addictions services currently offered at the Beatrice Wilson Health Centre. It will be the first My Health Team in the Northern Health Region and the fifteenth team operating in the province.

“The Northern Health Region is both honoured and excited to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Opaskwayak Health Authority with the establishment of a brand new My Health Team in The Pas and area,” said Raj Sewda, chief executive officer, Northern Health Region. “This partnership will leverage the skills and resources from both organizations to provide accessible, high quality and sustainable primary care services for the local communities, with a particular focus on mental health and addictions services.”

The minister noted this My Health Team provides a unique opportunity to build new partnerships and bridge the divide between health services in the north, to provide more co-ordinated care for people living in the region.

My Health Teams are networks of health professionals working together to provide patient care.

For more information about My Health Teams, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/primary-care/my-health-team/.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.