Southern Health is endorsing a new government plan that addresses staff shortages across Manitoba’s many Personal Care Homes.

Health, Seniors, And Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen today announced a program that will fast-track students into the short-handed workforce. To accomplish this, Friesen says his government has partnered with Red River College, including the base here in Steinbach, to offer a one-week, high-intensity program that will train students to work as uncertified health-care aides.

“Ensuring the appropriate care and support is available to residents of Manitoba personal care homes is a top priority as we see the strain that COVID-19 is placing on personal care home workforce,” stated Friesen. “We must do everything possible to ensure we have staff is to support the care needs of residents in our long-term care homes. This requires an immediate increase in the available workforce and this new training program addresses this goal.”

The course itself will consist of five days of theory, offered virtually, and two days of in-person skills education. Classes will begin in Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Winkler on November 30th.

Participating students must be over the age of 18 and possess a minimum of a Grade 10 education and experience in direct care is not a pre-requisite. The course is being offered tuition-free with a commitment to provide service in a personal care home for a period of three months following completion. Interested individuals must apply to the COVID-19 casual pool and select the location where they prefer to complete the training. The application deadline for the first intake of students is Monday, November 23.

Once graduated from the brief course, new workers will be eligible to support members of the resident care team and assist with resident care under the general supervision of a manager or nursing supervisor. These duties may include resident observation, companionship, redirection, stocking of supplies and more. Friesen expects the first group of uncertified health-care aides will be ready to enter the workforce as early as Dec. 8.

Employment in PCHs is also available to first-year and second-year students in health sciences faculty and programs, without the requirement for additional education. These students will be hired directly into the COVID-19 casual pool and assigned to a personal care home.

For more information about the micro-credential and to apply, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/providers/jobs/.