The Manitoba government has announced that it will form a new working group to study the potential impacts of designating Ste. Anne Hospital as a regional health facility.
“Ste. Anne Hospital serves a growing and diverse population, yet its services were reduced under the previous government and the facility struggles to maintain staffing levels,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Exploring the change to a regional designation needs to be informed by evidence, community input, and a sustainable plan to build up Ste. Anne’s capacity over the long term in a phased and methodical way.”
The working group will bring together representatives from Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, local municipal leaders, health-care professionals and community stakeholders to assess how a regional designation could enhance health-care delivery in southeastern Manitoba. The group will examine factors such as service capacity, infrastructure needs, staffing and long-term sustainability.
“Designating Ste. Anne Hospital as a regional facility is not just about expanding services – it’s about recognizing the vital role our hospital already plays in serving communities across southeastern Manitoba,” said Mayor Yvan St. Vincent, Town of Ste. Anne. “We’re proud of the care provided here and believe this working group is a key step toward building a stronger, more collaborative health system that meets the needs of our residents today and into the future.”
“Hôpital Ste. Anne Hospital has long served as a cornerstone of health care in southeastern Manitoba and its evolution into a regional facility is both a logical and necessary step,” said Ivan Normandeau, president, Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (AMBM). “The AMBM welcomes the formation of this working group and sees it as a meaningful opportunity to build a sustainable, bilingual and regionally responsive health system. We are committed to working collaboratively with the province and our municipal partners to ensure that Hôpital Ste. Anne Hospital receives the recognition and resources it needs to meet the growing demands of our bilingual communities.”
The group will hold public consultations and provide opportunities for residents and health-care providers to share their perspectives, the minister noted.
