Manitoba Municipalities Push for Enhanced Training in Rural Healthcare

This week, a resolution designed to enhance education for rural laboratory and X-ray technicians received overwhelming backing at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) convention, garnering a remarkable 97 percent support. The initiative aims to address staffing shortages in rural healthcare facilities by calling on the provincial government to expand training opportunities.

Support from Local Authorities

The resolution, sponsored by eight municipalities from the Westman region, urges the province to increase the number of available seats in existing training programs. It also advocates for partnerships with institutions outside the province to provide immediate training access for rural students. Additionally, the proposal seeks to develop a rural-focused training and retention strategy and expedite the launch of Assiniboine College’s combined laboratory and X-ray technology program, aiming for a start date prior to 2027.

According to Sandra Clark, reeve of the Municipality of Two Borders, the need for trained personnel is pressing. “We are looking for lab and X-ray to be available to us after those late clinical hours, so that if you present with a broken leg, you can come back the next morning and get an X-ray,” Clark explained. The Melita Health Centre’s emergency department has faced challenges, including a closure in September 2023 due to a nurse shortage, which has yet to be resolved.

Clark emphasized the importance of local initiatives, noting that many healthcare workers in rural areas are those who grew up in the community. “We know we’re not going to bring lab and X-ray students out from Winnipeg, and so the more rural initiatives we can foster, the better off rural is,” she stated.

Urgency for Immediate Solutions

Other local leaders echo Clark’s sentiments regarding the urgency of the situation. Kelly McMachon, reeve of Deloraine-Winchester, highlighted that the timeline for the Assiniboine College program does not address the current staffing crisis. “The need is now; we have vacant positions now,” McMachon said. He pointed out that taxpayers are funding healthcare services, and the absence of technicians means that citizens are not receiving the full value of their contributions.

Renée Cable, the province’s Minister of Advanced Training and Education, acknowledged the challenges but stated that construction timelines dictate the current schedule for the program’s launch. “Unfortunately, I don’t have a time machine. But it’s moving,” Cable remarked, adding that discussions are underway with Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett and Assiniboine College President Mark Frison regarding the program’s timeline.

The province is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance training opportunities closer to home, including programs in rural and northern regions. “We want to be able to offer training closer to home for students,” Cable noted. Collaboration with institutions like Assiniboine College and Red River College Polytechnic has been crucial in advancing local training options.

In response to the resolution, Nick Krawetz, AMM’s deputy executive director, stated that a formal response from the province is expected around February 2024. This response will inform further research and advocacy efforts to address the pressing issue of healthcare technician shortages in rural areas.

The resolution received support from several municipalities, including Brenda-Waskada, Carberry, Elton, Melita, Souris-Glenwood, and Wallace-Woodworth. As discussions continue, local leaders remain hopeful that effective strategies will emerge to improve healthcare accessibility and workforce sustainability in rural Manitoba.