Steinbach's growing list of amenities, housing options and family services are helping make the city an attractive destination for healthcare professionals, according to Southern Health-Santé Sud Chief Executive Officer Dana Human.
Human shared those observations earlier this month during a meeting between Southern Health-Santé Sud and Steinbach's Strategic Priorities Committee, where local healthcare recruitment efforts were discussed.
While Southern Health continues working to recruit doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, Human said communities themselves play a significant role in attracting and retaining workers.
"We can do all that we can to bring them in, but it's communities like yourself with the resources that you have, the daycare, the kids' programs, the shopping opportunities, the housing markets. That's the piece that they're also looking at very intently," Human told committee members.
She noted Southern Health hosted 688 students from various healthcare professions across its facilities over the past year, giving future healthcare workers opportunities to experience communities throughout the region.
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More than just jobs
Human said today's healthcare recruits are evaluating much more than employment opportunities when deciding where to live and work.
She pointed to Steinbach's expanding retail sector, restaurants, housing developments and recreational opportunities as factors that regularly come up in conversations with prospective employees.
"I do have to say there's a lot of desirability within the Steinbach and surrounding area due to the options and how much your community has grown," she said.
Human described Steinbach as one of the friendliest communities she has encountered during her career and said the city continues to leave a positive impression on visitors.
"I started my career driving to Steinbach from Portage three days a week, and Steinbach has always been a very welcoming community," she said. "It's one of the friendliest places I've ever been."
She also highlighted the community's proximity to recreational destinations, golf facilities, museums and cottage country as additional selling points.
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Support services matter
Human suggested that family supports, particularly childcare, are becoming increasingly important recruitment tools.
She said healthcare workers often require childcare outside traditional business hours because of shift work and noted discussions in some communities have included expanded daycare availability.
"Those are the things that really create ease for parents," Human explained.
She also encouraged community organizations to help newcomers become connected through local events, recreation opportunities and welcome programs.
According to Human, helping recruits establish roots in the community increases the likelihood they will stay long-term.
"That's when they buy the house," she said, referring to the point when healthcare workers truly become part of the community.
Partnership on recruitment
Steinbach Mayor Earl Funk said the city wants to continue working alongside Southern Health as a partner in addressing healthcare needs.
The mayor was also pleased Southern Health plans to participate in the city's physician recruitment resident event scheduled for July 27.
"It means a lot to me that they want to be active in doctor recruitment in our area," said Funk.
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