Earlier this week, Prairie Mountain Health announced that Emergency Department services will reopen in the existing ED space at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre on Monday, September 7.
The temporary ED will use temporary power, water and other infrastructure. Restoration work continues in other areas of the hospital.
The ED will provide emergency services 24/7.
Darlene Jackson is the president of the Manitoba Nurses Union. She said the facility's reopening is extremely rushed. She's been communicating with nurses from the facility, and they are extremely worried.
"They are worried about a few things. So, the ED will have no running water," said Jackson. "They will have hand wash stations only, which is a concern. Proper handwashing technique is the cornerstone of infection control."
Other health services will continue to be provided in nearby sites while restoration work progresses. Dialysis patients are currently receiving care in Brandon, Russell, Swan River and Ashern. Chemotherapy is being provided in Brandon, and labour and delivery services are available in Neepawa and Brandon.
The DRHC was forced to close on July 1 after significant flooding hit the region. More than 50 patients had to be evacuated.
When it closed, nurses in the facility were transferred to other facilities. Jackson said that brought challenges, but the nurses remained focused on ensuring all patients received the care they needed.
"You know, there have been quite a few snags in reassigning nurses to different sites. It hasn't been all that smooth," added Jackson. "However, the nurses have gotten up in the morning and driven 50 kilometres to work, instead of down the street. I believe the staff has been extremely accommodating."
Jackson told CKDM NewsNow that bathrooms would be established outside the hospital in a trailer. That is another key concern for the nurses.
Jackson was told there are two bathrooms in a trailer, but she was unsure of how many trailers will be on site.
"You know, at least in a facility where the washroom in the ED is within sight, you can check on your patient quite easily," said Jackson. "Now, staff may have to leave the building to assess and ensure their patients are okay while using the washroom. Staff truly don't believe this is going to be successful. They will go and do what is needed to be done to provide care. But they are very apprehensive that this is going to be successful."
The Community Health Services building attached to Dauphin Regional Health Centre will continue to provide outpatient community care, including IV therapy.
Walk-in diagnostic services temporarily being provided at the provincial building in Dauphin will also be moved back to the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.
