Health-care workers worry Dauphin ER opening rushed

WINNIPEG — The province says it is on track to reopen the flood-damaged Dauphin hospital emergency department on Labour Day, but some health-care workers worry the reopening is being rushed.

The temporary emergency department will operate on the main floor of Dauphin Regional Health Centre, using temporary power and water while restoration work continues in other areas of the hospital. The facility was forced to close on July 1 after significant flooding hit the region. More than 50 patients had to be evacuated.

When it opens Sept. 7, the temporary emergency department will provide services 24-7, a Manitoba government news release said.

Darlene Jackson, president of the Manitoba Nurses Union, said it’s her understanding crews are “rapidly cleaning” an area of the flooded hospital, but said critical necessities, like running water and flushing toilets, will be missing.

“I fail to see how we are possibly going to run a health-care facility or unit without running water,” she said. “Hand washing and having running water is a cornerstone of infection control.”

Jackson said she was told bathrooms would be established outside the hospital in a trailer, raising further questions about patient safety.

“We’re putting staff and patients at risk if it’s not set up properly,” she said.

She said the province would be best to err on the side of caution as opposed to rushing to fulfil a promise made weeks ago by Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.

“It’s got to be less about announcements and more about safe, quality health care,” Jackson said.

A mobile CT unit will be up and running within several weeks, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said.

“A tremendous amount of work has happened in a short period of time to make this possible,” Asagwara said in the release.

Physicians, nurses and other health-care workers have been directly involved in planning the move. Staff orientation and walkthroughs will take place before the department opens, the province said.

Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak was not available for comment Monday, but said previously his community is pleased to have the services return.

Other health services will continue to be provided in nearby sites while repairs progress. Dialysis patients are currently receiving care in Brandon, Russell, Swan River and Ashern, chemotherapy is being provided in Brandon, and labour and delivery services are available in Neepawa and Brandon. Transportation supports remain available for patients who need to travel for dialysis and chemotherapy.

In July, Prairie Mountain Health released 22 photos depicting the muddy mess inside the Dauphin hospital left by floodwater.

Jason Linklater, president of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals, said some workers are worried about the expedited emergency room.

“The concern is, sometimes when these things get rushed without thinking through the whole thing first, and really considering workplace health and safety, decisions can be made quickly that end up putting people at risk. And that’s what we don’t want to see happen,” said Linklater.

He expects workplace health and safety officials will be part of the walkthrough the province is conducting before the temporary emergency department opens.

The Community Health Services building attached to Dauphin Regional Health Centre will continue to provide outpatient community care, including IV therapy. Walk-in diagnostic services will also be available at the health centre.

Restoration work is continuing throughout the hospital as teams work to safely return additional services to Dauphin, including surgery and endoscopy.

Further updates will be provided as additional services are restored, the province said.

» Winnipeg Free Press, with files from Carol Sanders