The Chief Executive Officer for Southern Health says Health Transformation will be a big part of 2020.

Jane Curtis explains Health Transformation is a five year plan that coordinates a provincial direction for health care services in this province. For example, Curtis says it looks at how regional health authorities can improve access in rural communities, making sure the highest quality services are delivered across the province.

"That's really the main goal around the plan," adds Curtis.

She says Health Transformation involved about 300 clinicians across the province, including approximately 50 from Southern Health.

"I think there is going to be a real focus on shifting services," explains Curtis.

She notes a large percentage of health care services still occur in Winnipeg. Through Health Transformation, they will look at at shifting those services to more rural sites. This could mean rural sites performing more surgeries, instead of having Winnipeg carry the load. Curtis says there may also be a shift away from institutional care.

"So keeping people in their homes, so more community care, so that they don't have to spend as much time in hospital," adds Curtis. "Today we know that we have many people waiting placement in hospital who really don't need to be in a hospital bed, they could be taken care of better in their own home."

Curtis says by shifting services it could mean some of their facilities will be doing more in the future.

As for the timeline for when this will all be unveiled, Curtis says communities will be hearing bits and pieces as the planning moves along. She notes the Health Transformation plan is not yet complete and says when there is information to share, it will be shared.

Meanwhile, Curtis says 2020 will also be a year for construction. Construction will continue on their personal care homes in Steinbach and Carman. She adds there is also a chance they could turn sod on EMS construction projects in Morris and Portage.