Article re-cap
- Southern Health-Santé Sud representatives presented an update on physician recruitment efforts to Steinbach’s Strategic Priority Committee on June 15th, 2026.
- The biggest healthcare gaps are in staffing acute care, specifically emergency medicine departments and physicians working in inpatient care.
- Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Boundary Trails Health Centre in the Morden/Winkler area face significant staffing pressures; however, Bethesda’s emergency physician staffing is currently better than Boundary Trails.
Southern Health-Santé Sud representatives, CEO Dana Human and Dr. Aly Dhala, VP of Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer, presented an update on physician recruitment efforts to Steinbach’s Strategic Priority Committee on June 15th, 2026; the health authority is addressing staffing gaps across Southern Manitoba.
Southern Health-Santé Sud representatives, CEO Dana Human with Dr. Aly Dhala, VP of Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer, presented an update to Steinbach’s Strategic Priority Committee. According to Dr. Dhala, the biggest healthcare gaps are in staffing acute care, specifically emergency medicine departments and physicians working in inpatient care.
Dr. Aly Dhala stated that Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Boundary Trails Health Centre in the Morden/Winkler area face significant staffing pressures; however, Bethesda’s emergency physician staffing is currently better than Boundary Trails. Southern Health has introduced physician assistants to help alleviate pressure in Steinbach’s emergency department.
The health authority is exploring adding a nurse practitioner position to either the Bethesda emergency department or the Steinbach QuickCare Clinic. Funding was secured for this initiative, with representatives visiting classes to recruit graduates. According to Dana Human, demand for these training programs remains extremely high and some students are travelling long distances to secure a place.
Southern Health has approved funding to stabilize physician coverage for patients admitted to Bethesda Hospital; Dr. Dhala believes this will improve patient flow and stability in the hospital’s inpatient services. Nursing recruitment efforts are showing positive results, with Assiniboine College operating practical nursing training cohorts at Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach and Otterburne.
Frequently asked questions
What areas within Southern Manitoba are experiencing significant staffing shortages?
Southern Health-Santé Sud representatives are addressing staffing gaps across Southern Manitoba; specifically, Bethesda Regional Health Centre and Boundary Trails Health Centre in the Morden/Winkler area face considerable pressures. The health authority is focused on improving physician coverage in these locations to ensure adequate patient care.
What steps is Southern Health taking to address emergency department pressure?
Southern Health has introduced physician assistants to help alleviate pressure in Steinbach’s emergency department. Furthermore, the health authority is exploring adding a nurse practitioner position to either the Bethesda emergency department or the Steinbach QuickCare Clinic; funding was secured for this initiative.
How are nursing recruitment efforts progressing?
Nursing recruitment efforts are showing positive results with Assiniboine College operating practical nursing training cohorts at Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach and Otterburne. This demonstrates a commitment to expanding the nursing workforce within Southern Manitoba; supporting healthcare delivery across the region.
Source: steinbachonline.com
