On September 9, 2021 Palliative Manitoba presented a prestigious award for a local project that promotes access to palliative care.

The Sharon Carstairs Caring Communities Award is the first-ever award of its kind to recognize community-based efforts in palliative and end-of-life care with a monetary component.

The Interlake Eastern Health Foundation (IEHF) earned the award and a $1,500 donation to enhance the palliative care room at Stonewall and District Health Centre by installing a patio door to an outdoor oasis.

Pamela McCallum, executive director of Interlake Eastern Health Foundation, Tammie-Lee Rogowski, clinical team manager of home care and allied health, and Patrice Lee, clinical team manager at Stonewall and District Health Centre accepted the award from former senator Sharon Carstairs on behalf of Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority and IEHF during Palliative Manitoba’s virtual annual general meeting last week.

“Lots of work will soon be underway on this project, which includes installing a large sliding glass door big enough for a hospital bed to fit through. The door opens onto an outdoor space surrounded by shrubs and flowers. There will also be new furniture placed in the room, all of which will ensure a comforting space for clients receiving a supportive type of care and their loved ones. This space is so incredibly beneficial to clients staying in this particular room. Open space to the outdoors brings a more home-like environment and will allow clients to visit with their pets outdoors,” Rogowski said.

The award is also consistent with Palliative Manitoba’s mandate of supporting palliative care throughout the Manitoba.

Jennifer Gurke, executive director of Palliative Manitoba says the project in Stonewall will help improve quality of life for patients.

“There were other high-quality projects that were considered, but the committee recognized how important it is for individuals who are receiving palliative care and their families to have easy access to a private outdoor space that would help improve quality of life,” said Gurke.

Former Senator Sharon Carstairs loves gardens and says they represent peace.

“Gardens are such an important part of end of life care. Gardens bring peace and memories of good times. They bring comfort to the patient and to their family in this difficult time,” said Carstairs.

Pamela McCallum, executive director of the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation, says that winning this award will help launch the fundraising efforts for this project.

“This is a wonderful project that will connect our patients and their families to the outdoors by allowing them the opportunity to experience fresh air and sunshine. Winning this amazing award and receiving the grant will help us raise awareness to this project and kickstart the remainder of the fundraising campaign needed to complete it,” said McCallum.

For more information on IEHF and how it benefits the region’s patients and residents or to make a donation, please visit www.iehf.ca or contact Pamela McCallum directly at pmccallum@ierha.ca.

Photo Top Row: Pamela McCallum, executive director of Interlake Eastern Health Foundation; Jennifer Gurke, executive director of Palliative Manitoba; the Honourable Sharon Carstairs; Bottom row: Brenda Hearson, chair of the Sharon Carstairs Caring Community Award Committee. Patrice Lee, clinical team manager at Stonewall and District Health Centre; and Tammie-Lee Rogowski, clinical team manager of home care and allied health.