New EMS stations do not address Manitoba’s paramedic staffing crisis: health-care association

The launch of two new emergency medical stations in Manitoba is only a band-aid solution and does not solve long-term issues, according to an association representing health-care workers in the province.

The province has announced two new emergency medical service stations that will serve the southern health region: one in Portage La Prairie and another in Crystal City.

But it’s not the fix some were looking for.

“What we continue to be disturbed by is the lack of reference to the staffing crisis among paramedics in Manitoba at this point,” said Bob Moroz, the president of the Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals (MAHCP).

Moroz says it’s great to have modernized stations with new equipment, but he believes the province’s lack of action on recruiting and retaining paramedics could render them useless.

“That’s what continues to be lacking from the province at this point, and it continues to absolutely demoralize our paramedics.”

A December 2021 report from Shared Health showed the staffing crisis reached more than 19,000 hours, with ambulances out of service. That represented an estimated 10 per cent increase from a report two months prior.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon acknowledged more can be done.

“A lot of work to do, we recognize that,” she said. “We’re working with our partners to start paramedic programs and ensure we do active outreach to encourage individuals to join the profession.”

WATCH: Rural Manitoba sees dangerous paramedic staffing shortage (Aug. 28, 2021)

Gordon nevertheless touted the new EMS stations.

“This announcement, I’m sure will improve quality of care for all Manitobans not only now but well into the future,” said Gordon.

“These buildings are a part of Manitoba’s commitment to building a stronger service that meets the needs of those in the Santé Sud region.

The government says the aim of the two new stations is to increase the ability for paramedics to respond to calls in the Southern Health-Santé Sud region.

“Everyone deserves the right care, at the right place and time, regardless of city or remote,” said Jane Curtis, the CEO of Southern Health-Santé Sud. “Emergency services ensure health is always on the way. This is now an operation base for paramedics to reach broader areas using a globally recognized flexible deployment model.”