4 days ago
Health officials prepared to ‘expand' services with thousands of evacuees arriving
Like all evacuees from Flin Flon, Susan Gunn doesn't know how long she'll be in Winnipeg, so she's starting to think about her family's medical needs.
'Both my kids take medication that will have to be filled at some point,' said Gunn. 'It's going to be getting access to their prescriptions, their medications, and getting that filled. That's definitely a concern.'
She said they know people from their community who have serious health issues and could require care in Winnipeg.
'People who have heart conditions and catheters, like, you just name it,' said Gunn. 'There are people coming from Flin Flon who are hooked up to oxygen.'
Health officials have already had to pivot because of the wildfires. Over the last two days, patients and care home residents in Flin Flon were moved to other facilities across the province.
In a statement to CTV News, Shared Health said all regional health authorities are planning to make medical services available, including nurses and family doctors, to help evacuees, if necessary.
'Health Sciences Centre is managing all patients within existing capacity but is prepared to expand to support growing demand if needed, including evacuees in congregate shelters in Winnipeg who require health services.'
Premier Wab Kinew said they're managing within the existing framework, but that could change.
'Because of the state of emergency, we've started those conversations if we need to ramp up efforts,' said Kinew.
Shared Health also said staff will help direct patients to walk-ins or virtual care to avoid using emergency departments.
In situations where people have been moved from hospitals or care homes, family members can call one of two phone numbers to find out more information.
In Winnipeg: 204 788 8200
Province-Wide: 1 888 315 9257
