Morden’s Rich Healthcare History - Pat Gibson
MORDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY
March 19, 2025
Thank you for the invitation today to review the delivery of health care services to the Morden area and later to the Southern Health RHA. Do you know how hard it is to get 132 years down to an hour. You are supposed to be saying oh no…how boring but you may just find yourself intrigued. During this presentation I will provide 2 examples as to why it is important to reflect and remember our history. Those will be polio and ambulance.
3 DISTINCT AGES FOR HEALTH CARE
Age 1 Freemason Hospital
In the 1890s the Town of Morden knew they had a healthcare problem. Young mothers’ babies and children were dying of typhoid, diphtheria and other diseases. Morden residents knew their water supply came from shallow wells and the doctors of the day believed there was a connection. Our forefathers’ course of action was twofold. 1) dig a deep well to ensure a quality water supply, and 2) to build a hospital to care for the sick. The well was dug and the Morden Freemason’s in 1893, built the first hospital in rural Manitoba in Morden and the 4th hospital in the entire Province. Additional dollars for construction came from the Manitoba Grand Lodge and other Masonic lodges.
This was the start of Morden and District healthcare adventure.
This 22-bed building provided care for only those most seriously injured or who were critically ill as most folks were cared for at home by midwives and dispensers who had immigrated from the old country, bone setter chiropractors and those who have been taught laying on of hands. Even though this hospital had no running water, sewage lines or fire equipment it was considered a hospital of the highest quality.
Doctors and nurses, Bedford, Miller, Everson, McConnell, Par, Penner, Froese, Warkentine, AF Menzies, Colert and C.W.Wiebe there would be no healthcare or hospitals without this group of dedicated nurses and doctors.
1900, the first operating room was built. With the anesthetic of the day being chloroform, explosions and fire were the main risk. Remember there was no running water in the Free mason hospital so 12 pails were placed strategically throughout the two stories to douse any flames.
1900, School of Nursing, Ida Bradshaw was the first nurse to graduate from the Freemason hospital. She learned to sharpen needles, trim the wicks on the lamps, clean literally everything, roll bandages, change dressings and care for mothers and babies as well as post-op patients with fractures or those needing their appendix removed. To get a patient from the first floor to the OR on the second floor they pulled the patient up on a duMB waiter as they did for all equipment, meals and supplies. They worked 12-hour shifts, 6 days a week with time off for church on Sundays and perhaps another 2 hours one afternoon if you were courting. Nurses stood at attention when a Dr entered a room.
You may be familiar with the Respiratory Center at the HSC. Before the renovations it was called the DA Stewart Centre. How does this relate back to our district? Ida married Dr DA Stewart from Morden. He had an avid interest in TB and subsequently built the TB sanatorium in Ninette. There is a statue and recognition plaque there today but that is another story. Because of his dedication to TB patients, they named the new treatment Centre in Winnipeg after him. RN education continued in Morden until 1942 followed by the LPN program from 1945 to 1979.
I, Pat Gibson, had the good fortune to work with a few of the nurses and what stories they told compared to what nurses do now a days. Marie Larke, Hazel Sandercock… As a student, if you worked on a Sunday, you were given time off to go to church. Now THIS IS A GOOD ONE, Men were not allowed into the nursing residence, and you would cut your education short if you were seen walking out with a man. Those are just a few stories they shared with me.
Obstetrics, Late 1800 until mid 1900, midwives delivered most children at home and the nurse would stay with the family for about a month until mother and child were able to look after the family.
Hospital auxiliary, or Friends of the hospital, these volunteers tended gardens, milked cows, collected eggs, canned fruit and vegetables and provided meals for all patients and staff. Yes, the Freemason Hospital had its own gardens and barns in order to survive. All of this was required in order to serve and provide nutritional support to all who were cared for in the Freemason Hospital.
In 1945, the new Health Act caused the formation of the Morden Hospital District # 21. Then in 1947, The Board of Freemason hospital, authorized the transfer of all the assets of that hospital to the new hospital district.
On October 11, 1950, Judge JM George, chairman of the local administrative committee, appointed by the area board, presented to the Board of Freemasons’ hospital, the plans for a new hospital. The Board of Governors played a very important role in the history of healthcare. Initially, no funds came from the government, so the board was responsible for ensuring the provision of care and did so through innovative methods. In later years, governments assumed financial responsibility for hospital budgets. Of course, these dollars were never enough to address our program needs so there was constant interaction between our local healthcare boards and the government of the day.
On January 2, 1951, the said committee, was authorized to take over the operation of the Freemasons Hospital until the new hospital was completed. The new Board first met on February 7, 1951, and authorized the sale of the Freemason Hospital to the Mennonite Brethren Church on August 21, 1951, for use as a senior citizen’s home.
Age 2 Morden District General Hospital
On July 18, 1952, the new 52-bed hospital, thereafter to be known as Morden District General Hospital was officially opened, in conjunction with the 70th anniversary of the Town Of Morden. The opening ceremony was performed by Mrs. W Godfrey and Dr. AF Menzies. Services provided included ER, surgery, obstetrics, medicine and pediatrics.
The Board, The J’s, Jack Steedsman, Jim Wilson, John Buchanan and Jane White were committed to this community with a capital C. Their gavel was made from wood, whittled by John Buchanan from his farm. Mildred Rach represented the Auxillary and ensured WE WOULD DO THE RIGHT THING when making decisions. She was our MORAL COMPASS. Of course, names changed over the years, Marilyn Skubovius, Norman Kreuger, Linda Duncan to name a few more. They tackled MB Health on a regular basis and ALWAYS supported new programs as they came along. Today, we have no local Board to speak for our community.
There were three physicians on the medical staff, Dr. AF Menzies, Dr. WM Colert and Dr. JC Menzies.
In 1962, after 10 years of service to the community, plans for further expansion to the hospital were initiated, which included an increase of 23 beds, bringing the total to 75, of which 27 were designated for an Extended Treatment Unit (ETU). The Southern Health Unit was also part of this plan. This building project commenced in 1968 and was completed in 1970.
In 1970 there were four physicians, Dr. Colert, Dr. JC Menzies, Dr. CJ Unruh, and Dr. Enid McRurer. It was this year that Dr. Chandy Jacobs, a qualified surgeon, joined the staff at Winkler hospital with privileges in Morden. In 1973, the junior Drs or young pups included, Bob Menzie, Scott Houston, Anna Engles, Carol Holmes, Brian Duff and Ernie Pauls.
What was different after 1970?
The new Extended Treatment Unit was opened. There were 23 beds in this unit for rehab assessment, awaiting placement in a Personal Care Home and 2 beds for respite. The day room was designed by Ellie Pauls and was furnished by donations. It featured a hairdressing sink and chair as an example of hospital auxiliary donations. There are two whirlpool tubs to assist patients in the therapeutic bathing of patients. Room 27 is a palliative care room partially furnished by the local nurses union in 1990 through community fundraising and from donations. Florence Lindsay is the head nurse. Mike Thompson, the DON of Morden hospital at this time, had a dream for care of seniors and with the assistance of Dr. Howard Zacharias, Florence Lindsay, Roberta Griffin, Dr Jim Menzie, the ADL team (PT, OT, Social worker Robert Schultz and Carol Hildebrand) and the confident committed staff from the unit, our model for senior care became the model not only for the province but in fact different sites within Canada. Every patient admitted was reviewed and had a care plan attached with optimal discharge being their goal. The Team met weekly, Dr. Zacharias was invited to implement this program in a new build in Dalhousie Nova Scotia.
The Medicine now features 22 beds on the medical ward. In 1980, a three-bed Intermediary Care Unit was opened to better serve the needs of critically ill patients. Here special care is given to patients who have heart problems for example. The heart monitors are used to observe the patient’s heart rhythm. Room 11 and room 22 are private rooms. One was furnished from donation funds for palliative care.
Surgery, On the Surgery Unit, there are two operating rooms, one recovery room, and 15 beds on this unit. Gwen Hosea is the Head Nurse. Dr. Jacobs from Bethel Hospital in Winkler does surgery here on Mondays and has operated here since the expansion in 1970. Dr Pachekera from Bethel and Dr. Hanson from Carmen also supported the surgical program.There are approximately 600 operations done a year, such as orthopedic surgery (total hip replacement, knee and bunion surgery), hysterectomy, gallbladder, hernia repairs and bowel surgery. In the 80’s, how many remember the story of when Dr Jacobs was sick, maybe even dying. Well, he wasn’t. Dr Jacobs left for a year in Europe and returned with credentials in orthopedic surgery. Perimeteritis kicked in and we had to apply for and negotiate the 1st hip and knee replacement in our hospital. The Winnipeg orothopods did NOT want this type of surgery being done outside of the perimeter. Story of the 5 patients selected from Winnipeg. Please note. This level of surgery COULD NOT have occurred without the support of the radiology department, specifically Dr Dyck and Lloyd. X-rays were needed to complete orthopedic surgery. The addition of these new services often involved a lot of negotiations and support from the Board and MB Health.
The Obstetrical Unit features eight maternity beds and bassinets. There are approximately 200 deliveries per year. There is a labour, delivery and recovery room. The mothers here today would remember: before the next contraction begins, “quickly” move onto the delivery table. Dads were not allowed in the delivery room. Later a birthing bed was purchased so the mother could labour and deliver her baby without having to move. The infant warmer keeps the newborn warm until the baby is taken to the nursery. The isolation nursery is used on occasion, for example, when a premature infant has been sent to Winnipeg and then is returned to Morden. Our obstetrical nurses challenged the status quo when they initiated fetal heart monitoring outside the perimeter in the early 1980’s. Another first. Story of panel in Winnipeg re fetal monitoring outside the perimeter.
1970 Dietary, Good cooks were hired to provide good nutritious farm meals to both patients and staff. I remember Mary Wiebe checking the local sale flyer to see what meats and vegetables were on sale so she could make up the menu for the following week. Budgets were important and all departments tried to live within their budget.
1973, Polio Patients. For me this was a highlight of my career. When asked by the medical staff if I was familiar with the new portable respirators, I replied yes, as I had used them in the Recovery Room at the Winnipeg General Hospital. I was then advised that there were still polio patients at the King George hospital in Winnipeg who wanted to come home. I was sent to meet with the care teams in the King George, and subsequently returned to Morden, taught the family, hospital staff, and emergency staff about these returning Morden citizens and about the equipment needed to keep them breathing. They all came home and spent the rest of their lives with family and friends at home in Morden. When I shared this story with staff a few years ago, they couldn’t relate as none of them had been born. Did I ever feel old.
1975 Ambulance Services, The Morden Kinsman donated the first ambulance in the region to the Freemason Hospital in 1948. Today we have no idea what happened to that ambulance but what we do know is if you wished to practice medicine in Morden, you had to own a station wagon. That's right. Because, if there was an accident, whatever Dr was available would attend the accident, pick up the patient and return to the Hospital, stretcher swinging in the back or patient sitting in the front seat. In 1975, Dr Unruh asked me, Pat Gibson, to follow him to the parking lot. We followed a trail of blood from a farmer who was injured. He said our community residents didn’t know how to stabilize their injuries before coming to the hospital and this was at risk to their recovery. He said, “I understand you used to teach ambulance in Winnipeg. Let’s start one here.” So, together we started St Johns Ambulance. We received the Serving Brother and Sister recognition medal from St John Ambulance for this but what made us happiest was this allowed us to teach basic first aide within the community and then CPR. We taught the FAST program here in Morden and trained 80 men that day. Once we had a core group of trained individuals, they became volunteer recruits allowing for the ordering of our first Morden Ambulance. (As an FYI, Winkler on the other hand received their first ambulance, a new Pontiac Delivery Wagon in 1958). Back then, training was provided by a Dr. and St John Ambulance in Winnipeg but in 1969/70, the government of the day instituted standardized ambulance education throughout the Provence. The 5 Phases of Care. Along with Karen Ching, I would demonstrate how to put on splints, and they would repeat the demo on each other. Story of back board. One day we were securing a back injury to a back board. I was the patient. Once they had me secured, they decided to go for coffee. We had lots of laughs during training but lots of tears following really bad accidents. These volunteers gave of themselves, supported their business, but more importantly, cared for those they transported. On graduation, these men from Town, Frank Unrau, John, Barry Bell, Lyle Meeks, Ramsay Monagham, Ron Wiebe, Bill Dyck and other names I have forgotten, provided the nucleus for the first ambulance volunteer program. The new ambulance arrived, and the Dr gave up their station wagons.
One reason I take delight in sharing these stories is for you to understand the commitment and culture of Health care in Morden and Winkler in the 70’s & 80’s. I was working 2 days a week, but staff and Dr were always bringing me new and inventive ways of improving patient care. The motto of SERVICES CLOSER TO HOME was started at this time and grew over the years when we started to plan for BTHC. They consistently pushed the envelop when it came to adding or enhancing services. Your Board approached Manitoba Health constantly for new programs for our community.
In 1979, the need for increased Diagnostic Services (Lab & Imaging), brought the Boards from Morden and Winkler hospital together to present a joint request for facilities and services to the Manitoba Health Service Commission (MHSC). This year marks the first date of formal cooperation between the two communities to rationalize healthcare services.
1979 Lab & Imaging Services - These two departments are in fact two very separate entities with Lloyd Baker being responsible for the smooth operation of both the lab & imaging department in Winkler & Morden. X-ray services are provided in Morden, but ultrasound was done at the Winkler regional x-ray service from the Bethel Hospital. Dr Don Dyck was the first radiologist to move to this area and provided on site diagnostic readings. Without Dr Dyck, the orthopedic program under Dr Chandy Jacobs could not have evolved. Dr Dyck came on designated days each week to read x-rays but was always available for emergency reviews. Holter monitoring and EKGs are also done in this room. Dr Rob Lloyd joined him later on. Neil Petkau provided Tech support for Xray.
1979 Laboratory, Morden features the regional lab for this healthcare district. Specimens are analyzed here or sent to Winnipeg or Branden for advanced studies. Bob Billings provided capable supervision for this unit as well as backed up the X-ray department when required.
Medical staff at the end of 1980 were, Dr. JC Menzies, Dr. CJ Unruh, Dr. EJ Pauls, Dr. RJ Menzies and Dr. Karen McRuer.
1983 Dialysis, 1 patient started it all in 1983 when he received peritoneal dialysis in a room on the ETU unit. Sharon White was the courageous nurse that left Morden for Winnipeg to complete her training so we could provide Service Closer to Home for this 1 patient. Then we stole a storage room from therapy when we had 2 patients. When we began dialyzing eight patients three times a week Monday Wednesday and Friday, we took over the old ER room and a part of the Board Room. Our patients LOVED having their dialysis here as opposed to driving to Winnipeg 3x week. Mona Livingstone now rules this area and was a strong ADVOCATE for the patients and staff at the Provincial level. Dialysis is needed by patients who do not have kidney function and cleans the waste products from their blood. Only chronic stable dialysis patients are treated in this unit. The nurses who work here have completed the renal education program at the HSC. Dr Bob Menzie also went back to school for renal dialysis as any new program required a medical director and he volunteered.
October 1984 Pat Gibson became the Director of Nursing for the Morden District General Hospital. I call this the Golden age of Health Care for Morden due to the addition of services closer to home.
In 1986, CTS (Central Therapy Services) based out of Winnipeg, originally provided these services to all of Manitoba. As half their day was spent driving to and from Winnipeg, the Board decided it was worth our while to try and establish an on-site services.
When your Board decided to leave CTS and establish this service on site, THIS WAS A HUGE DECISION AS WE ONLY HAD 1 ½ STAFF, Carol Hildebrand and Phillipa Gerbrandt. They believed we could make this work. This would provide additional time for those who need therapy. The Goal: was to entice the best graduates to our area and to develop a service where OT & PT would work together as s team. For the next 4 years, Carol Hildebrand and Pat Gibson served pizza and pop to the therapy students while providing information about Morden, the area and of course the hospital. Our first hire was Jackie Peske for OT. The local car dealership helped with a prime rate on a vehicle and the local real estate helped her find an affordable suite. Jackie still calls Morden home today. It worked because today the Regional Therapy Services provides Physio, Occupational, Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Services to inpatients and outpatients, Home Care and consultation services to PCH, surrounding hospitals, schools and Day Care Centres.
The use of dictaphones, computer programming and program development all occurred in our own backyard. Carol insisted that all therapies be integrated and provide care for every individual as an integrated unit.
Speech pathology – Will we ever forget the day that the original waiting room in Morden Hospital became speech pathology. Sherri Hyra sparkling smile always put everyone from the two-year-old to a 92-year-old at ease. We could now teach youngsters and stroke victims how to speak and swallow without choking.
Audiology – they were the final service added to the therapies. In days gone by, if you were hearing impaired, you used a large horn held to your ear to amplify sound or you were sent to the school for the deaf where you learned hand signals. Then an amplifier was invented that sat in your pocket with a cord running to your ear. Today local residents can have Phil or Matt test your hearing in a soundproof booth while hearing aides are now a computer chip that ignores back ground noise while amplifying those tones you can no longer hear.
1986 Chemotherapy Services, or Cancer Care, Ann Nemeck from MB Health, gave a presentation to the Board asking if we would consider starting the first chemotherapy program in rural Mb. As a very daring and caring government official believed that basic treatments for patients suffering from cancer should be provided closer to home. Absolutely was the Boards response. Radiation treatments and chemotherapy drugs were and still are provided in Winnipeg and Brandon. Today, this unit serves the area from Altona to Crystal City, north to Treherne, and as far east as Morris. Patients are referred by their family physician to Winnipeg where a cancer specialist designs their treatment and refers them back to the Morden Winkler chemotherapy outreach center for treatment. Story Corny Woelk left the district to obtain education regarding cancer care and pain management. As did Linda Stiff and Cheryl Penner who went to Winnipeg for their certification. We were in business and have never looked back.
REMEMBER, ALL THESE SERVICES WERE ADDED DURING THE 1980 AND WE’RE NOT DONE YET
Palliative Care, In the late 1800 and early 1900’s, most folks died of TB, pneumonia, old age and traumatic injuries. Communities and extended families provided care and support during times of illness and death.
In 1987 along came Thelma Alexander who had an idea or a dream and applied for a government grant to support women returning to work. The Hospital Board approved the concept and directed that the DON oversee the program. The Director of Nursing was Pat Gibson. Thelma developed the nucleus for end-of-life care today called Palliative Care. The Palliative Care Program was thus established in the Morden hospital. This time a first for all of Manitoba. Palliative Care in its pure sense means end of life care and comfort. The Palliative Care Coordinators’ role was to provided education to a group of volunteers who would later provide support for these patients and to match a volunteer with a patient who requested this supportive service. Not all patients in their final days have family members available. Dr Jim Menzie, Ingrid Friesen and Barb provided instruction and support for this education. This program is beneficial not only to cancer patients, but to patients who have chronic lung conditions and other terminal diagnosis. This new service served as a model for the rest of the Province and in fact for various locations in Canada. Today the BTHC Foundation provides the budget for this full-service program through donations received throughout the year as the program is not funded outside the perimeter. Tongue in cheek, the program was developed in the MDGH and is still not funded for it today. Care is provided in the hospital and at home. The Southern Health RHA has recognized Dr C Woelk and Dr Bob Menzie for their passion and dedication to ensure the ongoing provision of this program.
DER Diabetic Education Resource, Before the discovery of insulin there was little care to provide those individuals diagnosed with diabetes and they died far to young.
Karen Dyck (medical nurse) believed that all diabetic patients would have an improved quality of life with a consistent teaching plan plus regular follow up, so she developed the first diabetic teaching model and patient education guide. Shortly thereafter, the Provence decided this was a great idea and borrowed her material to initiate what is now the basic teaching guide for all diabetics. Once again, this Morden initiative lead the way. When Karen was transferred to another service, Sharon White (medical nurse) and Grace Proven (dietitian) then took over. The program now serves as a resource for healthcare professionals, teachers and the general public. DER was initiated because The Hospital Board approved the time for the development and initiation of this program.
Social work – Robert Schultz worked for 2 bosses as this was a shared program with Eden Mental Health. He provided, in many instances, behind the scenes support for ETU (ADL), dialysis, Medical and really any unit that needed his expertise especially covering emergent situations. After years of lobbying with Manitoba Health, the Social Work program eventually became full time.
By now we have used every cubbyhole and closet in the hospital. Barry Bell carried a tape measure in his pocket at all times as we fit all these new services into our existing space. So, it was no surprise that:
In 1989 the MDGH was further renovated and new facilities for the ER, Outpatient and Therapy services were added.
Emergency Department, In the late 1800 and mid 1900 many injuries caused the patients death, as antibiotics were not discovered until WW2. Fractures were set, often without anesthetic and sent home with a nurse to provide to provide care in the home. After the war, MASH Centres on the front lines became ER centers back home. The Provence approved the addition for the MDGH and this was an excellent dry run when approval was given later on to build BTHC. The new ER for the MDGH opened in February 1989. It featured a cast room, two exam rooms and a trauma room. The cast room is used to examine patients who either need a cast or having one removed. An x-ray view box is located in the room so x-rays can be visualized as soon as they were developed. Two types of casts are provided, plaster which is chalk like or fiberglass which is light and waterproof. If you wanted lightweight and waterproof, you had to pay for it. The exam rooms are identical except one room has oxygen and suction while the other room has a slit lamp that is used to check eyes after an injury or to look for foreign bodies in the eye. The trauma room is used for patients who come in by ambulance, who are critically ill, or have been in an accident. This room may also be used if the doctor has to put in stitches. As you can see, the trauma room is set up for all emergencies. The electronic blood pressure machine was purchased with funds from private donations. The red emergency card has drugs and oxygen tubes required for resuscitation for critically ill patients. The slit lamp was donated by the Lions, and the CT was supported by the Legion. Community help always came through.
Infection Control and Staff Health- Boring, boring, boring, some may say, UNTIL there would be an outbreak of this or that. This could be a death of unknown ideology or a run of postoperative infections. Janet Dyck was always called when there was a hint of a problem. She was an investigator extraordinaire and therefore could always be counted on. E.g., post-op gallbladder patients were developing infections. Why, Janet traced it back to a new suture needle purchased. Apparently, the way the suture was attached to the needle was the cause of these infections. Change the needle and no more infections. Plus, she looked after the immunization of all staff.
Pharmacy, drug care consisted of various herbal remedies chicken soup broth, and various poultices such as mustard or goose grease. Antibiotics were the great discovery of the 1930s. Today drugs are given through large bore IV lines controlled by pumps that allow very small amounts of drugs per hour or push in large amounts of fluid following severe drama. Nutritional supplements are given based on blood work, chemotherapy agents are mixed according to blood work while pain medications are given when palliative care is required.
Respiratory Therapy Services are provided by a full-time respiratory therapist who offers treatment and education to patients with lung conditions or other breathing disorders. Karen Ching was our one-person department. She worked many hours developing the respiratory department and instructing ambulance Lynn Mako, one of the first asthma instructors in Canada, introduced asthma education and family support as we were developing the Morden hospital programs. In southern Manitoba, it quickly became known that once you’ve been to Lynn’s asthma program, your opportunity for asthma management exceeded anyone’s expectation. Unfortunately, the program became such a success, that one person was unable to keep up. The referrals plus the day today hospital respiratory work was simply too much and eventually the asthma program folded.
AGE 3 PLANNING FOR THE NEW MORDEN/ WINKLER HOSPITAL
1990, Discussions between the 8 member Towns and municipalities began in 1990. The Boards of the Morden and Bethel Hospital realized that unless we combined forces, neither hospital would expand to the degree required to provide the new services being offered elsewhere. The solution was to interact with MB Health and get approval for building a hospital that would provide care to a larger area while still supporting existing hospitals. Pat Gibson was hired to complete the Role Statement, Functional Plan, Design Development, Inventory required to open, Tender, Construction, Ribbon Cutting, and finally Post Occupancy Evaluation (never occurred as by then MB Health was changed under the formations of the RHA). All required documents by MB Health. Ray Racette was hired by the MDGH based on his experience in coordinating the construction of a new facility in Yellowknife. For the next 10 years we negotiated everything as MB Health drove a hard bargain on every Service. MB Health George Barkwell and Linda Balken WOULD NOT believe our statistics on which to build. I.e. MB Health never believed we would deliver over 500 newborns per year. Last year we delivered over 1,000. Forecast for Same Day Surgery was shut down right away as we were told we would never meet our forecast figures. Today, the majority of our surgery is Same Day as it now is in other Hospitals. Today, our forecast has doubled for same day knee replacements. However, we persevered on a daily basis. The PROCESS WE USED FOR DESIGN AND BUILD meant each department head accepted responsibility for researching and describing what their future space should look like. Was the patient kept central to all care? Was it Functional? I believe they did a magnificent job.
CEO - Ray Racette, expertise certainly provided a strong core to the development of the new Morden/Winkler Hospital while Barney Wolfe, Renee Compte, Otto Hamm, Peter Elias and Dale were all willing to share their time and experience. The majority of these men were either retired or let go due to the reorganization structure within the RHA. The loss of the building committee had a profound impact on the construction. Note: Barney still the most worthy for the four-carnation award.
DON’s - had developed and provided a support network second to none. Betty Park, Ardith Rothwell, Roberta Lynette, Gill Thompson, Marilee, Verla Driedger and Bev Williment could always be counted on when you need it to review a contractual issue or check if this facility or that has this or that procedure or piece of equipment. I was fortunate to be able to continue this liaison for at least the first couple years of the build for BTHC until Ray Koop disallowed the association.
Who built the new Health Centre? 1995/96 After interviewing all contractors, construction companies and architectural groups, LM architectural group, SMS (Scouten Mitchel Sigurdson), Crosier, Kilgour, Derksen, Alcan and Bird Construction rounded off our build. They were hired to build a new healthcare facility. The name was yet to be determined. The new facility would be called a Health Centre. A solid friendship was developed with Jim Oracle as the lead architect Darryl, Mia, and Lloyd. Their vision would be part of our community for a lifetime. All firms were confident, competent, and knowledge. They wanted to build the best facility possible. They learned quickly the facility had to be FUNCTIONAL!!! NOT JUST PRETTY. In turn, they pointed out areas I should double check. MB Health required all equipment/ supply orders must have 3 bids. Story When the window bid came in, I was advised the company MB Health had approved had done shoddy work in the past. This is how I could hold them to account. Wind tunnel test. I learned lots for sure. MB Health reviewed every item we approved. I.e. telephone lines. Why would there be a telephone jack in a clean service room on obstetrics? He (George Barkwell) could see no use for it and removed it. That jack was there so that every month when the portable X-ray equipment needed testing, that's where they plugged it in rather than having to take it down to first floor all the time.
1995, All Hospital construction is frozen. The contract for construction had gone out in the Free Press the same day the government froze construction.
1996, LM Architectural Group was rehired to redesign a new facility. A new design was required as the government cut 40 beds from the original drawing plus the MRI unit. No justification… just do it. This meant a total redesign. We began again and in 2001 we cut the ribbon on the new BTHC. Jim Orliko vision would be part of our community for a lifetime.
We had to select a name & logo. Prairie Rose, Agassiz and finally, Boundary Trails Hospital was changed to Health Center to designate a more comprehensive facility.
The logo was designed to reflect a human body. Not man or female, not young or old but all humans within our community, Eye was our connection to our soul, Hands reaching upward designates in supplication to our God, our creator, 5 rays around the body describe the 5 senses we use to treat everyone and finally the Circle indicates the wholeness of our community in that all are welcome and treated the same. The Logo welcomes you as it is by the main door as you walk through.
MAY 10, 2001, BTHC COST 37 MILLION TO BUILD 94 BEDS.
THE RIBBON IS CUT, HOW WAS BTHC DIFFERENT
Cancer Care/ Chemotherapy, in 2007, 4778 visits occurred. There is a direct link to Cancer Care Manitoba and in fact we share an electronic charting system with them. Telehealth drops are in patient exam rooms allowing for direct consultations with the oncologists in Winnipeg from home base. This is particularly noteworthy for these patients as many are suffering the side effects of medications they are receiving, leaving them weak and vulnerable to infection. The hardships these families have endured have been lessened considerably knowing they have competent staff to care for them during this very trying time in their lives. Treatment and pain management is aligned with the same regimes in Winnipeg.
Lab and imaging - The dedication of Dr. Don Dyck and Rob Lloyd and Brian Doski will never be forgotten as they researched, developed and then researched again and again the equipment needs for Boundary trail Health Centre. The first digital rural department and they were the masterminds. Their commitment to this community and their support of programs within the hospital have always been foremost in their minds. CT, MRI, ultrasound and on and on. We did our best to put in digital mammography but because there wasn’t one in MB, BTHC couldn’t have the first one. Digital Mammography did come a few years later. MRI was also dropped by the province, but the area was so designed that it could be added later on. Bob Billing’s led the charge for the redevelopment of the laboratory. Whether it be microbiology, hematology or biochemistry, he made sure that Boundary Trails provided accurate blood results for all order tests within the facility. They also insured that the courier van between Brandon and Boundary trails was maintained for those tests done only in specific areas of the province.
Obstetrics, the new unit features 7 LDRP beds. The patient laboured, delivered and recovered in the same bed and room after the delivery. The unit is classified as level 2 care which means twin deliveries cane now occur rurally, as opposed to being sent to Winnipeg as high risk. When BTHC open, Manitoba Health forecast we would deliver around 500 babies a year. The first year after opening, 2021, BTHC delivered 750 newborns. In 2024 the unit delivered over 1000 newborns. A telehealth link was completed to directly link the nursery to HSC Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for distressed newborns. Midwifery, ongoing education linked with public health, families first program and vaccination programs have become a very important part of Women's Health. Today local obstetricians and gynecologists support women's health to the highest degree.
OR (operating rooms), there are 3. The eye surgery program was cut at the last hour and went to Portage.
ER, in 2007, What Morden and Bethel saw in the their ER in 24 hours, is now seen in BTHC in 4 hours. BTHC was seeing 20,080 pts/year with an additional 9308 patients being seen in the Outpatients Department. Patients are treated immediately with life saving drugs for heart attacks and stroke attacks and are stabilized for further care in the OR or for transfer to s tertiary care facility in Winnipeg. Specific rooms are designed for eye care, fracture care, intensive care for serious injuries, accidents, and for minor surgery.
Home Care and Public are now a part of BTHC.
Ambulatory Care Clinic is a very busy unit with visitations from the majority of post op patients.
Cancer Care and Dialysis doubled their space.
Medical Unit features 4 palliative Care rooms and 1 isolation room
ETU no longer provides senior service assessments and extended care as it is now the Rehabilitation Unit due to increased number of joint replacements. This is a win in some ways but a loss for the original Rehab and Respite program established by Dr Jim Menzies and Dr Howard Zacharias.
2007, Diagnostic imaging, our future is now campaign wraps up and the new John and Bonnie Buhler MRI centre is opened. $6,600,000.00. The program was made possible through the initial major donation of John and Bonnie Buhler, the support of the Towns, cities and municipalities, the funding base from the federal and provincial governments, the support of our Central RHA, the Morden Thrift Store and through financial support from many of you in this community. This project is a tribute to you as well as to our forefathers who started this healthcare adventure back in the 1890’s. Story re Dr McGregor and the BTHCF Board. Dr. Rob Lloyd was instrumental and providing the most up-to-date MRI along with the cardiology attachments that will be used by our on-site cardiologist Dr. McGregor.
Support Services, no Health Centre can run without support Services. Housekeeping, dietary, maintenance, medical records, finance, education, pharmacy, purchasing, infection control and administration. I used to say to these staff members, never forget, the patient is the hub of the wheel and every soke a service. If one spoke fails, care is lost. Now you can understand the importance of their work.
Housekeeping - Susan and the Hoeppner sisters cleaned Morden hospital as if it was their own home. Immaculate all the time. Abe was hired to integrate housekeeping services between Morden and Winkler. What a job he did it. Later on, Kim Harder and her staff had the job of preparing the new Boundary trails facility for move-in day. Can you imagine having to wash all the walls, clean the windows, wash out every single cupboard and drawer, and finally strip and wax the new floors. They did it.
Maintenance – John Fehr, Barry Bell and Dave Fehr kept both Morden and Winkler hospitals running. That meant water, sewer, hydro including back up generators and ensuring that all pieces of equipment that had an electrical cord and a plug-in met federal standards of safety. What did I know about redoing boilers, oxygen contracts or roofers. These gentlemen never made me feel out of place or dumb. The quality of care provided to the Morden and Winkler hospitals was second to none. And then when Boundary Trails was being designed, they researched numerous facilities to ensure we were current. Imagine, this meant ensuring we always had two supply points for water, back up energy for any Hydro emergency and garbage and recycling pick up for a facility of our size. Ensuring water flow form 2 different sources for fire control was another huge issue that was solved when water could be received from both the east and the west.
Spiritual care, religious support has been provided from the day the free mason hospital opened it doors. The concept of a loving and support of God had been included in the logo decided for a Boundary Trails Health Centre. Today your foundation is proud to say that through church and community contribution they provide the budget that supports spiritual care for all patients no matter what church they attend or faith they recognize. The full-time hospital chaplain, in 2007, Ron Falk works daily with patient family and staff. He provides support during time of crisis and a time of death.
Finance – John Enns our man who looked after the books for Morden hospital. He always asked for help and preferably a blonde. One Christmas he got his wish as when he returned from holidays, he had a blonde sitting in his chair. Yes, it was Annie out of the trunk that we used for CPR. John was a sportsman and kept stats for all the local hockey games all games etc., we KNEW he had to be the best accountant ever due to his management of this account. Bill Loader took over this role when John retired. This was the first formal integration of services between Morden and Winkler hospitals. Did we ever learn a lot with this integration. in retrospect, we realized Bill did the work of two men and to this day have no idea how he managed. The lessons we learned was that all future integrations would always need more time and support. Today, this Services is now integrated with human resources and Sheldon Hildebrand, Janet Humes and Wendy Lowen run a tight ship.
Staffing rotations – To think that I used to spend two weeks in the back storage room of the Morden hospital planning vacations for the month of June to the end of September. Now these staff do it in half the time. Computerization definitely saves time but I sometimes wonder if you are able to create the same interpersonal interactions.
Dietary – Grace Proven initiated the concept of menu planning for post op patients, diabetic patients, patients with cystic fibrosis, heart disease and the list goes on and on. Food no longer came from gardens but from huge wholesalers as 2100 meals /week were provided. Today, the old ranges, cutting boards and dishwashers have been replaced with state-of-the-art ovens, steam kettles, bake centres, convection ovens, proofing ovens and Hobart mixers. Michelle Turnbull and her staff are working wonders.
Age 3A
2016, 15 years later, & I knew BTHC was out of space.
So, what did we do? Called reps from the various Towns and municipalities, Hospital Auxillary, Medical staff, RHA and Cameron Friesen office to discuss an expansion options for BTHC. Everyone responded and came. 6 years later, the government approved the expansion which is no now due to open later this year.
What will be new in this expansion?
1. Echocardiography – this will be a brand-new service offered through the Diagnostic Imaging Department. No more going to Winnipeg. You need this test before you can have heart surgery.
2. Pharmacy - will be expanded to provide state of the art servile with new hoods for chemotherapy with a second hood to produce other mixtures. Plus, an onsite retail service which will be much appreciated by patients who need a prescription filled quickly.
3. U of Manitoba Association – in enhanced with centralized education space to provide optimum learning opportunities for interns and residents doing practicums in BTHC.
4. New OR for obstetrics and gynecology
5. Nursery specific for high care newborns
6. Additional Palliative Care beds in the new wing.
7. Once all currents services that DO NOT provide direct hands-on care to the patient are moved into the new Community Service building, vacated space will allow for the expansion of Cancer Care, Dialysis, Ambulatory Care, and pediatric physiotherapy.
8. Learn & Return Health Care Bursary – 2 years ago Marilyn Skubovius and I realized a larger hospital with new service would need additional staff, so this bursary was born. Our goal is to raise 1 million dollars so that 40-50 bursaries can be given out per year. A student can apply for the number of years they are in training. Ie, 2 years for an LPN, 6 years for a Dr, 6 months for medical records, 4 years for a RT, OT, PT etc. In 2024 we gave out23 bursaries of which 17 grads are now employed in the BTHC.
Myra Pearson the DON who hired me said, Pat you will never finish everything. You have to leave something for other to do. That's what happening today with the BTHC expansion. However, I would like to add my message as well. Many of you here today have seen a need and acted on it. That's how our community has grown. If it wasn’t for that individual, nurse, Dr, Board member willing to ask about a new project...and everyone here knows a new project requires time and energy… none of this would have happened.
We started this expansion journey with 2 quotes…. From the Book of Proverbs: Where there is no vision, the people will perish. Where there is vision, the people will flourish and
And we plant a tree not for today but for the future when others can enjoy the shade from there branches. I feel we as a community have flourished and have planted those trees and I thank you for that.
So, in conclusion, what lessons have we learned from the past century?
1. Infrastructure of water and sewage is still number one when it comes to a baseline for providing healthcare.
2. As a community we build what is important to us. Our home, church, school and hospital.
3. Reviewing past construction projects, expansions occur in hospitals almost every 10 years. The MRI edition occurred in six years and now the BTHC, expansion is occurring as of 2024.
4. New healthcare programs came to our area because we had knowledgeable leaders who are not afraid to plan for the future and challenge the status cool by pushing the envelope.
This has not changed as our current leaders share the same philosophy. Kathy McPhail and Jane Curtis are the past CEO of the Southern Health RHA. They were visionaries and hard workers and easily carried the spirit of our forefathers.
February 2025 Statistics
Surgeries – 1670 and 650 were joint replacement surgeries
Deliveries – 960
ER – 24,000 visits
Chemo tx - 2,400
Dialysis run 36 seats 3x day M/W/F 36 seats 2x day T/F/S
Pat Gibson Feb 2024
