Wab Kinew knows everyone in Dauphin wants Emergency Department services back.
He's set to meet the needs of people by getting a temporary Emergency Department set up.
"Really appreciate how everyone is working together to make this happen," said Kinew. "We've heard from the physicians and nurses about what the services need to be. We've got the restoration people and engineers telling us what's possible on the ground. We have people from the health system coordinating and bringing it all together."
Over the next few weeks, you can expect a lot of activity around the hospital getting the temporary facility set up.
Kinew walked through the Dauphin Regional Health Centre last Friday. He had hoped to get the building back in working order by Labour Day. However, that isn't possible. There is extensive damage in the basement and cleaning needs to be completed. Not to mention replacing all the electrical and mechanical.
Kinew has been planning for a temporary hospital. Now, he's making it happen. A temporary Emergency Department is expected to open by Labour Day.
"We know how important healthcare is and how good the staff has been about working at other facilities," added Kinew. "Nurses travelling. We're going to work on the needs for the nurses so they get travel compensation. Make sure the surgeons are busy, so we don't lose anyone during this process."
Temporary generators and breaker boxes are already on site. You will notice trailers and other equipment moving in over the coming days.
Manitoba's premier knows how important healthcare is for people in the Parkland.
"It's just a huge amount of work getting the electrical, the diagnostics, the treatment spaces," said Kinew. "So that if you show up, god forbid you have an emergency, and you need that healthcare, you'll be able to get your vitals taken by a nurse. You're going to get assessed by a physician, and they will do what is needed to take care of you."
A diagnostic patient service Centre is also open in the Dauphin Provincial Building.
It's on Level 1, in Room 111, at 27 Second Avenue Southwest. It's open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call 622-3582. The Centre offers walk-in X-ray, urine collection, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) & Holter monitoring services.
Kinew says the Centre will continue to operate.
"It'll take a bit of the pressure off standing everything up on the hospital site," offered Kinew.
Wab appreciates everyone in the region for pushing for this. He said it's all going to come together and will meet the healthcare needs of those who need it.
