Steinbach MLA and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that the Manitoba government is prioritizing the redevelopment and relocation of the pediatric cardiology clinic at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg (HSC).
“The relocation of this clinic will centralize and streamline what is currently a fragmented system, resulting in improved accessibility and quality care for children in need of cardiology services,” said Goertzen. “This investment continues our efforts to modernize health-care infrastructure and allow the clinic to provide quality, family-centred care for Manitoba families. In particular, I want to thank the Children’s Hospital Foundation for their important work in moving the project forward.”
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority’s child health program has identified the need to consolidate and relocate pediatric cardiology services, which is currently located at 685 William Ave., to the new HSC Diagnostic Centre of Excellence building next to Children’s Hospital. A request for proposals (RFP) is being issued for the work, which will be funded by the Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Manitoba government.
“The pediatric cardiology clinic is the only one of its kind in Manitoba, and does incredible work to save the lives of critically ill children,” said Réal Cloutier, interim president and chief executive officer, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. “In this redeveloped space, health-care workers will be able to enhance the care of patients in a larger, better-equipped space, closer to related services and support a better patient and family experience with the care provided.”
This relocation allows for improvements including two additional examination rooms, four cardiologist offices and dedicated spaces for services such as ultrasound, EKG testing and counselling, which currently occupy shared areas.
By relocating to a new, larger and better-designed facility physically connected to the rest of HSC, the clinic will be able to handle its current volume of patients safely and more efficiently, the minister noted. He added the move will also improve care by allowing easier access to MRI services, critical emergency services, the pediatric intensive care unit and the neonatal intensive care unit.
“We’ve recognized an opportunity to expand and improve a facility that helps thousands of Manitoba families every year,” said Ronan Segrave, interim chief operating officer, HSC. “Centralizing the pediatric cardiology clinic is a necessary step to improve care and reduce the burden on patients who must travel between buildings for care.”
The current clinic, built in the mid-1980s, was designed for roughly one-third of the present clinic volume and significantly less complicated patient requirements. This meant proximity to other hospital services was less of a concern at the time.
“We are thrilled our donors have a chance to create and shape the future of pediatric cardiac care in Manitoba,” said Gary Rozak, president and chief executive officer, Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba. “With caseloads tripling from 1,500 to 6,000 since the clinic opened, now is the time to make the change and help the kids.”
Construction on the space is expected to begin later this year, Goertzen said. For more information about HSC Winnipeg, visit www.hsc.mb.ca.
