Latest news with #ManitobaHealth
CBC
19-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Manitoba's new plastic health cards lacking features found in other provinces
Manitoba is spending almost $6 million to roll out new plastic health cards that replace often frayed pieces of paper, but they lack features found in health cards from other provinces.
CBC
19-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Manitoba spending $6M this year on new plastic health cards that lack features other provinces have
Health minister says people 'overwhelmingly thrilled' by new plastic cards that cost $1.18 per person Manitoba is spending almost $6 million and hiring the equivalent of 20 full-time workers this year to roll out new plastic health cards that replace often frayed pieces of paper, but they lack features found in health cards from other provinces. The new plastic cards have no expiry date and no photo, like the paper cards they're replacing. The new QR code on them isn't currently being used in most health-care facilities — but even if it is, it doesn't provide more information than is printed on the card. Progressive Conservative health critic Kathleen Cook appreciates the plastic cards, but she questions the province's execution. "Government should be looking at all of the different factors that need to be worked in, the different improvements they could make," Cook said. "What concerns me is this just seems like another announcement from the NDP that is long on show and not a lot on substance." $1.18 per card After inviting Manitobans to choose the design of the new health cards, the NDP government began accepting online applications in January to replace the paper IDs, which were prone to ripped corners and faded ink. Since late April, the province has mailed out 208,000 of the more than 394,000 cards has received applications for. It costs $1.18 to produce each physical card — a figure the government only disclosed after CBC News told provincial officials it would report on the government's refusal to disclose the amount of public money being spent. In February, the province responded to a freedom of information request by saying records couldn't be released because it would "reveal the substance of deliberations of cabinet." Then in May, the province said it couldn't reveal the cost for "proprietary reasons," explaining it would violate Manitoba's contract with the company. The new cards maintain some features from the previous paper format, such as the absence of an expiry date. Manitoba and Alberta are the only provinces in Canada in which people don't need to renew their health cards. In a 2015 report, Alberta's auditor general said the lack of an expiry date on health cards leaves them open to abuse, meaning the province could be paying for health care for ineligible recipients. Not requiring people to renew the cards also means Alberta — now the only province still using paper health cards — may not be properly tracking people who leave the province, the report said. Cook said the Manitoba government should have heeded this warning. "I think there was an opportunity here to make an improvement on our health cards." Katie Szilagyi, an assistant law professor at the University of Manitoba, said it is already against the law for patients to misrepresent where they live. "The other question is: how often is this really happening?" she asked. "Are there a huge number of people defrauding Manitoba Health? I'm not aware of that as a huge issue." A new addition to the health card is the QR code, but so far it doesn't do much. QR code repeats info on card Most health-care facilities don't have the code readers yet. Locations with the equipment can use it to scan in the information already printed on the card, such as a patient's name, registration number and personal health identification number, but nothing else. Medical personnel will appreciate not having to jot down that information anymore, Doctors Manitoba president Nichelle Desilets said, but she worries the public will misinterpret what the card can do. "There are going to be people who assume that they can scan that and see access to all of their medical records and their lab results," Desilets said, explaining that technology that exists in other jurisdictions. "Manitoba is not one of those places." Desilets, a family physician in Neepawa, said some patients in the emergency department are surprised she doesn't have immediate access to their charts. The province has vowed to do away with paper medical records in favour of digital documentation, but it hasn't given a timeline. The new health cards are also missing the photos seen on cards in Quebec, Ontario and B.C. The province isn't ruling out that addition in the future. A government website says the new plastic cards are part of a "multi-phased initiative," with options like adding a photo and creating an all-in-one personal identification card — the latter an idea scrapped by the former PC government in 2017 — being reviewed in "future phases." Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara downplayed any suggestions the new health cards will have a short lifespan. "These cards are going to be more and more comprehensive," Asagwara said. Plans include giving every health-care facility a QR code reader and releasing a digital version of the new card, the minister said. An archived version of a government website said the digital card would be available at the same time as the plastic version, but the website now says the digital option is "expected to be completed later in 2025." As of March, the province spent $1.8 million on the transition from paper to plastic cards, which includes the price of the new plastic cards but also mailing and labour costs. An additional $5.7 million is budgeted for this fiscal year. The Health Department has budgeted for the equivalent of 20 full-time staff "due to the addition of temporary positions associated with the implementation of the new Manitoba health cards," budget estimates say. The $1.18 for a plastic health card is less than the $1.67 cost for a plastic COVID-19 vaccination card but higher than the $0.09 cost for a single family paper health card. Asagwara said the government was intentional with the features in the revamped health cards. The QR code is a "safe and secure" method of letting health-care sites digitally scan your personal details, the minister said. The government hasn't heard concerns around misuse of the cards, and removing the address, which was included in the paper cards, saves people from reapplying every time they move, Asagwara said. Manitobans are "overwhelmingly thrilled" by the shift to plastic cards, Asagwara said. "The whole point of going from paper to plastic was to make sure it was durable, it had a long life and that Manitobans can keep that on them, on their person, and use it for health care moving forward."
CBC
15-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Measles cases rise as health officials urge people to get vaccinated
2 doses of the vaccine are almost 100 per cent effective ⭐️HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️ Measles cases have been reported in communities across Canada. Ontario has the most reported cases this year, with Alberta in second. Public health officials have been reminding people to get vaccinated. Two doses of the vaccine provide almost 100 per cent protection. Children are encouraged to get the measles vaccine as part of routine immunization. Read on to learn more about who needs to be vaccinated. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Depending on where you live, you may have seen ads reminding people to get vaccinated for measles. That's because in some parts of Canada cases of the highly contagious disease have been climbing. Ontario and Alberta have been hit hardest, but British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Nova Scotia and the Northwest Territories have all reported cases in 2025. Measles can spread quickly and can make people very sick. It typically causes a rash, fever and cough, but in more severe cases, it can sometimes lead to pneumonia and even death. That's why public health officials are asking Canadians to make sure they and their families are fully vaccinated. "You can help protect yourself, your family and your community by [getting vaccinated]," Dr. Davinder Singh, medical co-lead for Manitoba Health's immunization program, said in an interview with CBC News. Low vaccination rates can mean more cases In recent years, measles cases have been relatively low, but in 2024 there was a sharp rise compared to 2023. The trend continued, with more cases reported in the first two months of 2025 than all of 2024, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Ontario has reported the most measles cases of any province in 2025, but Alberta has the most cases relative to its population size, according to health officials. Last week, Alberta reported 116 new measles cases, and Ontario — which has three times more people — reported 182 cases since May 6. Outbreaks are more likely to happen in areas where large groups of people are not fully vaccinated against the disease. Alberta Public Health has shared information about vaccinations on its social media accounts, including advertising its measles hotline phone number. (Image credit: Alberta Health Services/X) Alberta's provincial data, for example, shows 71.6 per cent of seven-year-olds were up to date with both doses of the measles vaccine in 2024. Experts say that at least 95 per cent of people need to be vaccinated to best protect the community and prevent outbreaks. Health officials say that getting both doses of the two-dose vaccine gives you almost 100 per cent protection against measles. To encourage more people to get vaccinated, public health agencies have rolled out awareness campaigns in several languages across social media, radio and television. Despite the overall rise, the spread has stopped in some parts of the country. In April, Quebec declared an end to its four-month-long outbreak after no new cases were reported for 32 days. World's 1st routine malaria vaccine program could save lives How to spot measles Measles comes with a variety of symptoms, including a fever, cough and runny nose. One of the most obvious symptoms is a red, splotchy rash that normally starts on the ears and face and spreads down the body. The rash usually starts a few days after the fever. It can be harder to spot on darker skin tones and may appear purple. Measles can cause a red, splotchy rash that usually starts behind the ears and spreads to the rest of the body. (Image credit: Getty Images/Canva) Measles spreads very easily through the air. If you think you have measles or have been exposed to someone with measles, you should call your health-care provider and stay home to prevent spreading it. When to get vaccinated It is usually recommended that children get their first dose of the measles vaccine at age 12 to 15 months and get their second dose at 18 months or later. In some cases, like during an outbreak, babies as young as six months can get their first dose. For kids who didn't get their routine immunizations (the full series of vaccines) earlier in life, it is recommended they get two doses of the measles vaccine, four weeks apart. What advice would you give other kids who are afraid of needles? The measles vaccine normally comes with vaccinations for two other illnesses — mumps and rubella — and is known as the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is free across Canada as part of the routine immunizations for children. The vaccine becomes effective up to seven to 10 days after getting a dose. Most kids get vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella viruses at the same time during routine immunizations. (Image credit:) In Ontario and New Brunswick, kids are required to prove they are fully immunized (immune to the disease, usually by vaccination) before they can attend school, with some exceptions for medical or ideological reasons. For people who don't know if they are fully immunized, local public health authorities may keep records. If you're still unsure, your primary care doctor can help you figure out if you need to get vaccinated. Reactions to the measles vaccine are usually mild, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Winnipeg Free Press
14-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Regular eye exams key to healthy vision
Winnipeg Optometrists advise that regular exams from an early age are a good practice and can help catch a host of conditions that are otherwise undetectable to the naked eye. Those annual visits should commence when children are one year old. Dr. Nadine Shelton sees all ages at her Corydon Avenue practice, NV Eye Care and Eye Wear. She said many eye problems are undetectable in their early stages, so regular exams are important. This is doubly so for children, where the first five years are crucial for proper eye development. 'Kids don't tell you when they can't see; they'll adapt their life to the vision they have,' Shelton said. 'Even if there is a vision change, they don't know it; they've adapted to it. So if you wait to get your kids' eyes tested till they're 10 or 12, you've missed years of treatment time.' Supplied photo Dr. Carmen Recksiedler practices out of Visual Eyes Optometry in the Manitoba Clinic. Dr. Carmen Recksiedler, who practices out of Visual Eyes Optometry in the Manitoba Clinic, said we learn from watching, so visual impairments can have wide-ranging effects. 'What's also interesting about vision is, unlike our heart or internal organs, our vision requires stimulation to develop,' she explained. 'If that eye isn't getting a clear picture, that part of our vision, of our brain, won't develop. So we need a clear image coming into the retina to simulate normal vision development. 'If there's a difference between the child's eyes, and we get them in glasses so that both eyes are receiving that clear picture, then we can aim for normal vision development.' Many people don't realize that Manitoba Health covers the cost of annual eye exams until people turn 19, and for some people with diabetes. Those interested can find a nearby optometrist at It is recommended to use the same practitioner regularly so that they can observe any subtle changes over time. Exams are easily adaptable for all ages. Instead of letters, young children can be shown pictures, numbers or symbols from different distances. 'We try to make it fun,' Recksiedler said. 'The child's looking at lights, and we're trying to stimulate them to look at us. Often, we'll use little puppets or little toys to get their attention.' Shelton said optometrists check for symmetry between the eyes and muscles, if the eyes move together, the condition of the eyelids, and overall eye health from front to back. Mondays A weekly look at news and events that matter in your communities. 'Often, seeing 20/20 doesn't tell you the whole story,' Shelton said. 'You can look into the eye and see some swelling here or a burst blood vessel here.' Diabetes and eye health are intimately connected. High blood sugar can weaken blood vessels. This can be detected through eye exams. Some cancers and autoimmune diseases, along with retinal degradation and glaucoma, can also be discovered. 'With glaucoma, you don't know you have it until it's kind of too late, because your vision stays pretty good,' Shelton said. 'It's a very slow thinning of the retinal tissue, from the outside in. If nothing's affecting the middle, your vision stays pretty good, but your side vision can start to decline, but you won't notice until it's fairly significant.' Healthy adults up to 64 should have an eye exam every two years. Because risk increases at 65, annual exams should be scheduled. People with diabetes should schedule annual exams. The optometrist reports the findings back to the physician. 'That's one of the most important reasons to come in for a regular eye exam,' Recksiedler said. 'Sometimes we can see these things starting before they affect your vision. The statistic is that 70 per cent of eye disease is treatable. We can prevent vision loss if it is caught early.' Tony ZeruchaEast Kildonan community correspondent Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@ Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials encouraging Manitoba parents to vaccinate children as province hits 20 confirmed cases
Manitoba public health officials are encouraging parents to immunize their children against measles as the province's total climbed to 20 confirmed cases and four probable cases of the disease on Wednesday. Health officials say low immunization rates in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region have contributed to the recent spike in cases and possible exposures around Winkler in southern Manitoba. Dr. Davinder Singh, medical co-lead for Manitoba Health's immunization program, told CBC News that vaccination is the best way to guard against infection. "It's within people's control to do something about this and the most effective thing by far to get immunized. So if, for whatever reason, you didn't get immunized up to now, now is the perfect time to get your first immunization," Singh said. "You can help protect yourself, your family, and your community by doing so," he said. The measles vaccine, often given as part of the combined MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, is a two-dose series. The Manitoba government's website says children 12 months and older are currently eligible for two doses, but kids between six and 12 months can have one dose if they have travel plans for a "measles endemic country." The recent outbreak has public health officials "actively evaluating" whether to allow children under a year old to get their first dose, Singh said. "It could be changing in the near future," Singh said, adding there's no specific timeline for eligibility changes yet. In response to a province-wide measles outbreak in neighbouring Ontario, some health units in that province expanded their vaccination programs to include infants between six and 11 months earlier this year. Nearly a year ago, an unvaccinated child died in Hamilton, Ont. — the first measles death in the province since 1989. Dr. Peter Hotez, U.S.-based pediatrician and virologist, told CBC News that measles is "one of the most highly contagious viruses we know about" and is more likely to spread anywhere childhood immunization rates dip below 90 per cent. Earlier this year, two unvaccinated children died in Hotez's home state of Texas after they contracted measles. Most at risk are those who have not received the MMR vaccine — one of the "safest" and "most effective" vaccines we have, Hotez said — or are too young to be eligible. Ruth Grimes, a pediatrician and assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, says she is "definitely fielding more questions" about the vaccine, especially from parents concerned about keeping their kids' immunizations up to date. A few years ago, she said she treated a child who had contracted measles and later developed pneumonia as a result. "Happily, that child did have a positive outcome. The difficulty is that you cannot predict who is going to have a good outcome and overcome it, and who who isn't," Grimes said. She said it's important for physicians to answer vaccine questions openly and honestly with patients and parents, while ensuring they understand the risks of not vaccinating. "Measles is a devastating infection," she said, adding that "ensuring that your immunizations are up to date" is the best way to prevent sickness and further spread. "It's all about trying to prevent the devastating complications and the risk of death from measles."
