Minnedosa Tribune
CLOSE CALL
DARRELL NESBITT/MINNEDOSA TRIBUNE
Minnedosa Bisons’ third baseman Liam Cleaver anticipated the throw from catcher Linden Luhowy on this play at the 11U Baseball Manitoba Tier 3 Provincials in Hamiota, Friday, July 4. Up against the Brandon Red Sox, the Bisons lost the game by a single run, 9-8, in Pool B, where they were joined by Dauphin, Rock Lake and Blumenort. Posting a record of 1-3, the team’s win came 7-5 over Dauphin. Altona downed Blumenort in the finals to take home gold.
RACHEAL FLINTOFT
Minnedosa Tribune
Emergency room (ER) services across the region are facing significant reductions this summer, as announced by Doctors Manitoba last week. With the summer season in full swing, residents and visitors must be aware of these changes to ensure they can access medical care when needed.
The Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region, like many others, is
seeing its emergency rooms operate under limited hours or face temporary closures due to ongoing physician and nurse shortages.
Out of the 33 hospitals in the region, only seven, including Neepawa, Russell, and Virden, are currently offering consistent 24/7 ER service. Other areas such as Brandon, Dauphin, Killarney, and Swan River also maintain round-theclock operations.
Doctors Manitoba advised that individuals plan ahead by check-
ing the PMH website for the latest emergency department schedules. This is particularly crucial for those travelling or camping in unfamiliar areas.
For those living in the affected areas, here’s a snapshot of the schedule for July 14 to July 20:
•Minnedosa – Open 24 hours on July 14, 15, and 16, as well as July 19 and 20. No ER services past 8:00 a.m. on July 17, resuming at 8:00 a.m. on July 18.
•Hamiota – Open 24 hours on
July 14 and 15, limited hours after 8:00 a.m. on July 16, and fully closed from July 17 to 20.
•Russell, Virden, Neepawa – All three locations will remain consistently open 24/7.
Several ER departments, including Shoal Lake-Strathclair Health Centre, remain indefinitely suspended.
Doctors Manitoba emphasized the importance of personal emergency preparedness. While regional resources are on standby
during emergencies, individuals should be proactive in ensuring their own safety and that of their families. This includes knowing the nearest open ER and having a plan in place.
For real-time health advice, residents can turn to Health Links, which provides 24/7 telephone support. Stay informed and prepared this summer by checking local resources, the PMH website, and being aware of the ER availability in your area.
