Join us for a Microsoft Teams presentation: Let’s Talk About Mental Health on Bell Let’s Talk Day, January 21, from 12:30–2:00 p.m.
Topics include understanding mental health, reducing stigma, how our nervous system responds to stress, and everyday coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and low mood. Follow the Microsoft Teams link below to join the session. We hope you can join the conversation.
Microsoft Teams – Let’s Talk About Mental Health
The Northern Regional Health Authority (NRHA) Board of Directors has been informed Mr. Raj Sewda will resign his position as CEO of the Authority. The Board thanks Mr. Sewda for his commitment to northern health care.
Since joining the NRHA in 2023, Mr. Sewda led with a focus on strengthening partnerships, advancing organizational priorities, and supporting communities across the Region. This work is acknowledged and appreciated.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Raj for his service and commitment to the NRHA,” said Kelsey Horrocks, Chair of the NRHA Board.
Mr. Sewda shared, “It has been an honour to serve the Northern Health Region. I am grateful to our staff, community partners, and leadership team for their dedication and collaboration.
The Board is committed to ensuring continuity of services and is pleased to announce the appointment of Acting Chief Executive Officer, Cam Ritzer along with Acting Associate Chief Executive Officer, Micheal Ellis effective January 2, 2026.
All scheduled clinical telehealth appointments in The Pas and Flin Flon will now take place at your Primary Health Care Centre.
Important:
Telehealth services in the hospitals are not being removed. Both St. Anthony’s Hospital (The Pas Health Complex) and the Flin Flon General Hospital will continue to have mobile telehealth units that can be used for urgent or emergency situations, such as:
What this means:
This ensures patients receive the right level of care in the right setting, while still keeping emergency telehealth support available at both hospital sites.
The safety of clients and staff is the highest priority of the Northern Health Region. This has led NHR leadership to implement enhanced security measures at Thompson General Hospital (TGH).
Effective December 1 at 7:00 PM, the Thompson General Hospital will begin overnight monitored access, from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The only public access to the facility will be through the main Emergency Department (ED) doors. The purpose of these security changes at TGH is to ensure the well-being of clients, their caregivers, and the staff.
The following changes have been implemented for this overnight monitored access:
1. Stairwell doors will be securely closed, with staff access only
2. Elevators will be securely closed, with staff access only
3. Management and 24/7 security officers will monitor these areas and ensure compliance
Please note: Thompson General Hospital is not identified by the City of Thompson as a cold-weather shelter. The TGH facility is not set up or equipped for this purpose.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we enhance security with the delivery of essential healthcare services. We will continue to provide updates and remain committed to keeping you informed. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Patient Experience by phone: 1-888-340-6742 or email: [email protected]
Message from Raj Sewda, Chief Executive Officer
As we celebrate Allied Health Week, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Allied Health professionals across the Northern Health Region. This week is an opportunity to recognize your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our northern communities.
Allied Health encompasses a diverse and essential group of professionals — including those in diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, rehabilitation and therapy, social work, pharmacy, and Emergency Response Services (ERS). Each of you plays a vital role in the patient journey.
Whether providing critical diagnostics, supporting rehabilitation, coordinating social and community resources, ensuring safe medication management, or responding to emergencies across vast distances, your work strengthens our capacity to deliver safe, integrated, and compassionate care.
You are also key drivers in supporting safe and timely discharges, helping patients return home sooner with the right supports in place. Through coordinated care planning, functional assessments, medication reconciliation, and collaboration with nursing, medicine, and community partners, you ensure that discharges are not only efficient but safe, sustainable, and person-centered. Your efforts enhance recovery, reduce readmissions, and promote wellness where it matters most — at home and in community.
In the North, where geography, weather, and distance create unique challenges, your adaptability, teamwork, and innovation embody the spirit of the Northern Health Region’s vision — healthy people, healthy communities, and sustainable health care through leadership and partnership. You demonstrate daily what it means to live our mission — to provide quality, accessible, and compassionate health services to all.
Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and the meaningful difference you make every day. Your dedication is deeply valued and remains essential to the strength of our Region and the health of those we serve.
Happy Allied Health Professionals Week!
Every year, Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week provides an opportunity for Manitobans from all walks of life to engage in meaningful discussions and explore solutions for addressing the harms caused by substance use and addictions. Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week runs from November 16-22 and the theme for 2025 is Anchoring Hope. Throughout the week several webinars discussing substance use and addiction will be held. Visit https://sharedhealthmb.ca/services/mental-health/mha-education/msuaaw/ for more information on events taking place throughout the week.
As part of Substance Use & Addictions Awareness Week, free community activities are taking place in the Flin Flon area. These events have been organized by the Substance Use & Addictions Awareness Week Committee and are open to everyone. Join in to learn, connect, and support awareness in your community!
How to Talk to Your Kids about Alcohol & Other Drugs
An informal presentation with guest Keely Patterson, Community Addictions Worker with Shared Health. This is your opportunity to gain valuable info and ask questions. Door prize, snacks and refreshments served.
Attend the presentation at one of the following locations:
November is Diabetes Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support the millions of people living with diabetes.
This year’s theme, “Wellbeing in the Workplace,” focuses on creating safe, inclusive, and understanding work environments where people with diabetes can thrive in health, confidence, and community.
Most adults living with diabetes are of working age, which means our workplaces play an important role in supporting health and wellbeing for everyone. Together, we can foster understanding, flexibility, and a culture that helps employees feel supported and valued.
This month, we encourage conversations about:
• Building inclusive and supportive workplaces for employees with diabetes
• Promoting healthy lifestyle choices and stress management
• Reducing stigma through education and empathy
Throughout November, we’ll be sharing RESOURCES and activities that highlight how supportive workplaces make a difference in the lives of people living with diabetes.
Ask a Diabetes Nurse – Wednesday, November 12
Have questions about diabetes? Visit your nearest nursing station, health centre, or hospital to take part in a telehealth event and connect directly with a diabetes nurse.
Your community Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) worker can share more details about how to join.
Together, let’s continue building communities – and workplaces – that support wellbeing for everyone.
To reach the Diabetes team in your area please call your nearest Public Health Office:
Thompson: 204-677-5350
The Pas: 204-623-9650
Flin Flon: 204-687-1350
The Board of Directors invites all clients, communities, and staff to join this year’s Annual General Meeting. This meeting is being held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Registration is not required, join via the link or phone number below. There will be an opportunity to have questions answered at this meeting. Please submit your questions to [email protected] by Tuesday, October 28th at 12:00 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 247 438 166 942 7
Passcode: Wg7Cb7gM
Dial in by phone
Phone conference ID: 540 439 648#
Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults.
Anyone can fall. But as we age, our risk of falling becomes greater. That’s the bad news. The good news is that falls can be prevented. The first step to avoiding falls is to understand what causes them. For example, poor balance, decreased muscle and bone strength, reduced vision or hearing, and unsafe conditions in and around your home can increase your chance of
falling. Staying safe and on your feet is a matter of taking some steps to protect yourself.
You can prevent falls by making the needed adjustments to your home and lifestyle, and by making sure you eat well, stay fit, and use whatever devices will facilitate your daily life while keeping you safe. Your independence and well-being are at stake. Take action!
Are you at risk of falling? To find out, complete the Fall Assessment Tool.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual General Meeting on October 29, 2025.
Those who weren’t able to join can watch the full video below: