Spirit Sands Medical Committee hosts informative community meeting

A huge crowd turned out for the informative Spirit Sands Medical Clinic (Clinic) meeting held September 4 at the Glenboro Hall.

This Clinic project is something that has been embraced by not only people living in Glenboro, but also surrounding areas.

The Clinic Committee members have worked tirelessly to bring this idea forward, moving it from a vision just a few years ago to where it is today (it is planned to start building spring of 2025).

There is a long way to go but with ongoing community support, they will get there!

The Clinic Committee is comprised of the following individuals:
Ronald Jefferies – Chairman – representative from Glenboro Area Foundation
Brenda Tosh – Secretary – representative from Glenboro Health Auxiliary
Alexis Einarson – Vice-Chair – representative from Glenboro Health Auxiliary
Dale Fisher – Representative from Municipality of Glenboro-South Cypress
Alan Skardal – representative from Municipality of Argyle
Andrew Gillingham – representative from Municipality of Prairie Lakes
Armand Vallotton – representative from Municipality of Prairie Lakes
James Cassels – representative from Municipality of Victoria
Roland Grenier – Baldur Community Member
Terry Dubyts – Glenboro Health Action Committee
Loren Nelson – Glenboro & District Elderly Persons Housing Inc.
Wanda Dickie – Glenboro Elderly & District Persons Housing Inc.
Clinic Committee Chair, Ron Jefferies started the meeting with a history of healthcare in Glenboro.

Sharing that Dr. Robert E. Helgason, the community doctor before the new hospital was built in the mid 1950’s, was adamant that a new hospital was needed to serve the growing patient base and came close to threatening to quit if it wasn’t made a priority.

To meet the obvious, and overwhelming need, as well as to retain a much needed doctor, in 1955 a new hospital was built.

The current Glenboro Medical Clinic has been running into issues with overcrowding and lacking proper ventilation and air conditioning. Because there is no room for expansion, a drastic move would be needed.

The following historical information was shared with the audience in attendance at the meeting.

“In 2016, a generous donation by the Verna Notman Estate was made to the Glenboro Health Auxiliary to manage the money to benefit health care in the community. A committee was established to deliberate on the allocation of the funds. Initially, the donation was invested, and the generated interest was utilized to acquire equipment for the Glenboro Health Facility.

“In 2022, the committee reconvened with community members, Glenboro Health Facility staff, and Prairie Mountain Health members to brainstorm ideas for the funds. Subsequently, a Medical Clinic Committee was established, composed of representatives from the Glenboro Health Auxiliary, the Glenboro Elderly Persons Housing Corporation, the Glenboro Health Action Committee, the Glenboro Area Foundation Inc. and the Municipality of Glenboro South Cypress.

“In April 2022, the committee resolved to focus on preserving healthcare services in the community and allocating funds for a significant project. Therefore, the committee’s top priority was to increase clinic space to not only assist in recruiting new physicians but also make services easily accessible by patients, community and staff.

“In 2022 – 2023, the committee engaged in numerous communications and meetings with Prairie Mountain Health’s senior management. Due to the fact that the current space is overcrowded, some staff share work spaces and work in rooms that lack proper ventilation and air conditioning. With no viable expansion opportunities available on or within the current property, it was decided a new clinic would be constructed.

“In November of 2023, Medical Clinic committee members attended municipal council meetings in Argyle, Prairie Lakes, Victoria and Oakland Wawanesa to inform each council of the project and to request their support. These councils were in favour of the project and have either appointed a representative and/or provided a letter of support.

Debbie Poole, Prairie Mountain Health Regional Lead of Clinical Planning, took to the stage to share a letter sent from Brenda Tosh to Brian Schoonbaert that put this all in motion. Debbie is pleased to be working closely with the Committee and expressed pride at their dedication.

The Committee shared that input was requested and received from doctors and the Nurse Practitioner (NP).

They also toured other like Clinics.

The input received and ideas gleaned from other Clinics helped to create an initial plan.

The Clinic will have more than ample parking, and space available for expansion.

Each doctor and NP will have two examination rooms.

A request for natural light was received and that too is part of the plan.

The issue of overcrowding will be addressed with ample office spaces, as well as dedicated break areas and an outdoor area that can be used in the summer.

Treena Slate, Chief Executive Officer for Prairie Mountain Health, recently taking over from now retired, Brian Schoonbaert, gave the Committee heartfelt kudos for all the work they had done to this point and all the work that was upcoming, being amazed at how far they have moved in such a short time.

Grant Jackson, MLA for Spruce Woods expressed that this is a much needed, modern facility that is considered a pinnacle project. He shared that he will advocate for funding to help move this project forward.

The floor was opened for questions:

Question 1: Do you have an idea yet what the project will cost?
Response: Not yet

Question 2: What is the target date for the new clinic to open?
Response: Our target date to start is next spring. It is anticipated that it will take approximately one year to complete.
Until then, the Committee is actively fundraising.

“Every donation brings us another step closer to our goal of building a new, state-of-the-art medical clinic in Glenboro. Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Sponsors will be acknowledged in the waiting area of the clinic. All donors will be acknowledged on our website.”

There are a variety of levels for donations:
Diamond – $100,000 and over; Platinum – $50,000 – $99,999; Gold – $25,000 – $49,999; Silver – $10,000 – $24,999; Bronze – $1,000 – $9,999; Friends of the Clinic – amounts up to and including $999. All donors of $20 or over will receive a charitable donation receipt.

In summary, Spirit Sands Medical Clinic Committee Chair, Ron Jefferies said it best; “This is a doable project if we all work together – that is the key.”