The next Accreditation Canada onsite assessment will be May 24 – 29^th 2026 with a focus on acute care.

Get to know common terminology by matching the terms on the left with their correct definitions.

Submitted by: Quality & Accreditation

Protecting Your Mental Health Online

At its core, media—including social media—is simply another tool used to communicate information. Like other tools, it can be used to do harm, but it can also be a great way to engage with issues you care about, find and consume content you enjoy, and keep in touch with colleagues, acquaintances, friends and loved ones far and wide. Here are some things you can keep in mind to protect your mental health and well-being while online.

1. Curate your online spaces

When engaging with media online starts to make you feel anxious, angry, sad or hopeless, it may be time to do some “redecorating” in your online spaces. Choosing to not engage with distressing content, groups or individuals some (or all) of the time can be an effective way to protect yourself from chronic stress exposure. Allow yourself to scroll past, close the page or browsing window, or block accounts, hashtags, messages and other content that makes you feel unhappy, uncomfortable or unsafe. Remember: you can always unblock or revisit them later if you wish. This can also help curate a more peaceful experience over time. Some online media sources use algorithms—sets of computerized rules and calculations whose outcomes determine what content you see—to amplify or prioritize certain content based on who or what you’ve previously engaged with. So, spending less time on certain content now can make it less likely that it will be recommended to you later.

2. Trust your gut!

However, you may not always want to avoid “distressing” content, for many reasons. So before browsing, remind yourself that media outlets rely heavily on ongoing engagement from users to generate revenue and stay relevant to the public consciousness. If a post, headline or thumbnail seems too awful, outlandish or inhumane to be true, it’s possible that it is. Online media sources
often deliberately try to increase the amount of exposure and engagement their content receives using tactics like guilt-tripping and sensationalizing. These techniques are designed to rev up your emotions as a consumer, which in turn encourages you to click on or share content impulsively. However, they can obscure the true nature of the content’s message and contribute to the spread of harmful misinformation. If you encounter something distressing while browsing, check in with yourself: do you feel safe and able to continue consuming content like this? If no, consider going back to step one and “redecorating” your online space, or practice self-care (see below for some self-care tips). But if yes, you want to continue, refer to the next step.

3. Flex your critical thinking

Lastly, practicing media literacy—the ability to critically analyze stories or content presented by mass media outlets to determine their accuracy and/or credibility—can help us consume and digest online media content more calmly and objectively. It can also help prevent us from feeling overwhelmed or inundated by negativity. When engaging with different forms and sources of media, slow down and take the time to ask yourself questions like:

WHO:

• Who made this?
• Who else was involved in the creation of this? Who was excluded?
• Who is the target audience?
• Who paid for this? Who will make money from this?
• Whose perspective does this present? Whose are not presented?

WHAT:

• What does this want me to think (or think about)?
• What could I or someone else learn from this?
• What sources of information or ideas were used to make this? What sources were left out?
• What meanings, values or perspectives are obvious? What meanings, values or perspectives are implied or alluded to?
• What is left out that may be important to know?
• What is my interpretation of this message?
• What does this want me to do?

WHERE:

• Where was this shared first? Where was this shared later on?
• Where is this taking place?
• Where am I seeing/reading/hearing this?

WHEN:

• When did this happen/take place?
• When was this made?
• When was this shared with the public?

HOW:

• How does this make me feel emotionally? Physically? Mentally?
• How are my emotional and/or physical reactions influencing my interpretation of this?
• How might different people understand this message differently?

By consuming media critically, we can stay aware of our physical and emotional reactions, regulate ourselves more effectively, and more deeply understand the messages, viewpoints and agendas being promoted by the media we consume. Slowing down can also help us recognize when we have reached or exceeded our capacity to engage safely with certain topics or types of content, so we can then take time to care for ourselves.

be resilient – A Helping Hand Poster

For more information call the Employee Assistance Centre at 204-786-8880 or toll-free 1-800-590-5553 or visit mb.bluecross.ca. For the Deaf, hard-of-hearing and speech-impaired community, our EA centre can receive VRS calls.

As we approach the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable milestones we’ve achieved together this year. Your dedication, professionalism, and resiliency continue to move our health region forward in meaningful ways.

This has been a landmark year for capital expansion across our three regional centres. Each project has made significant progress, thanks to the hard work and collaboration of countless teams. These expansions represent long-term investments in the health and well-being of our communities, and we are well on our way to delivering more modern, efficient, and patient-centred care environments.

We also saw tremendous success in recruitment and onboarding. Across the region, we welcomed an impressive number of new physicians and frontline staff. These efforts are helping us meet today’s needs while preparing for the growth that our capital projects will support. Recruitment and onboarding will remain a major focus as we continue building the workforce required for the expanded services ahead.

Our Staff Development team has been exceptionally busy this year, ensuring employees have the training and education needed to support new systems associated with our major capital projects. Their work ensures we are not only building new spaces, but also strengthening the skills and capacity of our people to make the most of them.

I also want to extend heartfelt appreciation to all staff who went above and beyond during this summer’s unprecedented wildfire season. When residents and long-term care patients from the northern region were displaced, you stepped up without hesitation—working additional shifts, providing weekend coverage, supporting outside your assigned roles, and creating new processes in real time to respond to a crisis that touched every corner of our health care system. Your actions embodied compassion, teamwork, and true service to Manitobans. Thank you for rising to the moment when it mattered most.

To each of you—whether you work in clinical care, support services, administration, or any of the many roles that make our organization function—thank you. Your contributions are seen and deeply appreciated. The progress we’ve made this year would not be possible without your commitment to the patients, residents, and families we serve every day.

As we move into the holiday season, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy moments with loved ones. You have earned it.
Wishing you a safe, peaceful, and restorative holiday season.

Dana Human, Interim Chief Executive Officer

As year-end approaches, please ensure you have been setup with access to QSS in order to view/download/print your T4’s. Bi-weekly pay statements are also uploaded and housed in QSS. Both the pay statements and T4’s are available to access anytime, from any device connected to the internet.

Note: the 2025 T4s will be issued before the end of February 2026 through QSS. Set up you account today to ensure you receive your T4 through this delivery method.

QSS Employee Guide

Submitted by: Payroll Leadership
For more information, contact:

Francophone Health – Shared Health-Soins communs is excited to announce a new French conversation course coming to Sainte-Anne! This is a great opportunity to practice your spoken French in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Dates: January 13 to March 17, 2026
Schedule: Tuesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: École Pointe-des-Chênes, Sainte-Anne, MB
Instructor: Ronda Lachance
Number of sessions: 10
Spots available: 10 (first come, first served)
Suggested level: Intermediate – some comfort speaking French is helpful, but the course is open to all motivated learners.

This course is perfect for anyone looking to improve their spoken French in a supportive and interactive setting.

For more information or to register, please contact Zakia Belatik [email protected] with Francophone Health – Shared Health-Soins communs.

Submitted by: FLS Unit

The Provincial Wellbeing team is pleased to announce the next series of virtual drop-in wellbeing practice sessions for staff and leaders. These short, informal, 15-minute drop-in sessions provide a supportive safe space to practice mindfulness techniques, stress management tools, and self-care strategies in a peer-supported environment. Whether you only have a few minutes or can stay for the full session, you’re welcome to come as you are and stay for as long as your schedule allows.

These sessions will mark the start of Winter offerings:

• December 10 at 10 a.m. – Coping with the Holiday Season
• December 17 at 10 a.m. – Winter Wellness
• December 31 at 10 a.m. – Year-End Pause & Reset

Access previously recorded wellbeing practices

Submitted by: Shared Health

Tickets only $20!

Come celebrate Francophone culture and cheer on the Moose at Francophone Night (Soirée des francophones) —an evening where great hockey meets French-Canadian spirit during the Manitoba Moose vs. Iowa Wild game. Enjoy a lively atmosphere with:

• A live performance by Les Barn Boys before the game and during intermissions
• Dedicated seating sections to help groups sit together
• A bilingual announcer throughout the game
• A showcase of local Francophone organizations and businesses along the concourse
• Plus, many more surprises!

This special discounted price is generously offered by the Manitoba Moose, and everyone is welcome—no need to speak French to join in the fun.

Date: December 12
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Canada Life Centre
Special Price: $20 tickets for Francophone Night
Purchase tickets

Submitted by: FLS Unit

Throughout this holiday season, and over the coming year, it is our hope that we can all find time for activities that bring us together with our loved ones and fill us with both joy for the moment and hope for the future.

During this busy time of year, we wish you moments of rejuvenation and rest. Thank you for the compassion and commitment you bring to every care interaction. Whether you are working through the holidays, or are planning to enjoy time spent with family and friends, we wish you a safe, joyful time.

We encourage health-care staff from across the province to participate in holiday activities that will allow you to celebrate as teams, share moments of seasonal spirit, and share some of your favourite holiday traditions. Submit your photo entries here!

Dec 8 – Merry Monday Ugly Sweater Day

Dec 9 – ‘Tis the Season to Twin on Tuesday

Dec 10 – Winter Wonderland Whiteout Wednesday

Dec 11 – Tinsel and Treats Thursday

Dec 12 – Flannel Friday Cozy Day

Submitted by: Shared Health

With Winter here, it’s important to be properly prepared for bad weather. Good footwear will help you avoid slipping and falling when you’re walking on ice and snow as well as on wet surfaces. Be aware of the condition of your own Winter footwear.

WINTER FOOTWEAR SHOULD

• Have a soft, pliable rubber tread for increased traction.
• Have a high top that supports and covers your ankle.
• Fit snugly around your ankle and grip your heel firmly but not too tightly.
• Be roomy enough to let you move your toes.
• Fasten, or have laces that can be tightened across the instep to stop your foot from slipping when you walk.
• Have a low, wide-based heel and flatter soles.
• Have firm material behind your heel to help stabilize your foot when you walk.
• Bend only in the front near your toes so you step forward on the balls of your feet.
• Provide good support and not be flexible in the arch area.
• Be made of water repellent and/or waterproof material so your feet stay dry.
• Have soles and heels that are made of a material that minimizes slipping under all conditions of normal use.
• Be insulated and keep your feet warm during cold weather.

Try to find winter footwear that:

• Is roomy enough for polypropylene socks that draw moisture away from your feet.
• Has deeper, rough treads that will bite through snow and ice, and channel out liquids.

REMEMBER TO

• Keep an extra pair of socks with you in case the pair you’re wearing gets wet.
• Dry your boots thoroughly after each days use. Remove insoles to facilitate drying, as necessary.

Tell us a bit about your career background?
I began my health care career in 2008 as a home care attendant, which helped support my nursing education. After earning my Baccalaureate degree in Nursing from the University of Manitoba in 2012, I worked briefly at Bethesda Regional Health Centre before transitioning to long term care (LTC) in Vita, where I found my passion. With the support of strong mentors and a deep interest in leadership, I advanced through roles including CRN, Client Services Manager, Director of LTC, and currently serve as interim VP – Community and Continuing Care.

What do you do for fun?
When I’m not working, you can usually find me reading. The amount of time I spend on the road has also introduced me to audiobooks – I love exploring all kinds of genres and topics. I also enjoy getting creative through sculpting and painting, which is a great way to relax. And when the weather’s nice, I try to spend a lot of time outdoors – ATVing, soaking up nature, or just enjoying the fresh air, to me that is a huge stress reliver and reset.

What is something about your program you think others might find interesting?
This portfolio is incredibly diverse, supporting individuals across the entire lifespan – from newborns in midwifery and public health to seniors in long-term care. That range brings a lot of complexity, and learning about the day-to-day work our teams do has been incredibly interesting. It’s given me a deep appreciation for the dedication and expertise across all areas of care that our staff provide on a daily basis.

What is the biggest challenge your program has faced since you stepped into the VP role?
The biggest challenge since I have come into this role would be hands down the unprecedented 2025 Manitoba Wildfire Season. We were called upon to be part of the provincial response to help support evacuees that were forced to leave their homes. This also included 26 Long-Term Care (LTC) residents that we accommodated within the LTC program in Southern Health-Santé Sud as well as hundreds of individuals in the Portage la Prairie area with very little notice. This required massive coordination across all levels of the health care system and the province as a whole. Staff at all levels of the organization and in all departments went over and above to support this work and ensure that the evacuees needs were met in a caring and compassionate way – despite the many challenges that presented along the way. I could not be more appreciative or proud of the work that the staff did during that incredibly difficult time.

What is a piece of advice you would give someone considering a leadership role?
One of the best pieces of advice I received when I was considering moving into leadership was to never say no to opportunities, even the ones that feel outside your comfort zone. Every new challenge is an opportunity to try something new, learn, and build confidence. Health care is so diverse that if you try something and realize it isn’t a good fit there are always other opportunities out there to explore.