Flooding Forces Manitoba Air Ambulance Relocation

Manitoba's only emergency air ambulance helicopter, STARS, has been temporarily relocated from Winnipeg to Brandon. This strategic move by Prairie Mountain Health is intended to decrease transport and response times for patients needing urgent, complex care in areas impacted by severe flooding. The Dauphin Regional Health Centre, a critical medical facility for approximately 50,000 people across a 200-kilometre radius, was forced to close three weeks ago due to extensive flooding. The closure has necessitated the rerouting of services and patient care.

Premier Wab Kinew has indicated a push to accelerate the repair timeline for the Dauphin hospital, which suffered significant damage to its electrical and mechanical infrastructure. Initial estimates suggested a closure of nine to twelve months. In the interim, essential services like blood draws and X-rays are being restored at a temporary location within Dauphin. Smaller hospitals in Ste. Rose du Lac and Grandview have extended their operating hours to accommodate displaced patients, with some healthcare professionals redeploying to assist.