Steinbach MLA and Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that a new, palliative care program specialist will lead the development, co-ordination and delivery of palliative-care education to health-care providers and volunteers across the province.

“Health-care workers providing palliative care need to have the best possible training and education to help people nearing the end of their lives,” Goertzen said. “Enhancing educational resources and professional supports will improve palliative-care services, particularly in rural and northern Manitoba.”

The specialist’s work will include:

  • assessing the need for educational materials including reviewing current materials and resources, determining current gaps and challenges, looking closely at needs in northern and rural Manitoba;
  • creating templates and/or appropriate learning materials and coursework;
  • working with regional health authorities to share information about available resources and co-ordinate training sessions for health-care providers across the province; and
  • co-ordinating virtual educational workshops across the province.

The specialist will be based in the Southern Health–Santé Sud Health region, but provide services across Manitoba, the minister noted.

“Southern Health–Santé Sud is pleased to be working with the provincial Palliative Care Program,” said Kathy McPhail, chief executive officer, Southern Health–Santé Sud health region. “Recognizing that there are many facets of a patient’s care journey, the delivery of palliative-care education to health-care providers and volunteers is of such vital importance to help lessen the inevitable stresses that occur during life’s final journey.”

The minister noted the creation of the position will provide a strong foundation toward the integration of palliative-care education and best practices across the continuum of care.

“Palliative-care providers and volunteers help support patients and families during a very difficult time,” said Goertzen. “By providing additional educational tools and resources, we can support their work and improve services for Manitobans who need end-of-life care.”