Indigenous Health Patient Services

PWRHA Indigenous Health Patient Services provides support for Indigenous people receiving medical care in the Winnipeg Health Region. Services include:

Language Interpretation & Resource Coordination

• Our professionally trained Interpreter/Resource Workers (IRWs) provide language interpretation in Anishinaabeg (Ojibway), Ininiwak (Cree) and Anishininewak (Oji-cree).
• In addition to language interpreting, IRWs can assist with non-complex discharge planning cases, and general resource support for patients/clients/residents when required.

Discharge Planning & Coordination

• Indigenous Health Regional Discharge Planning Team is available to assist in complex discharges of Indigenous clients regardless of residency. The Discharge Planning Specialist & Coordinator are part of the multi-disciplinary team and assist in coordinating a safe and discharge suitable to the individual’s needs. Indigenous Health Discharge Planning Team assist in navigating the multi-jurisdictional health system (such as federal, provincial and Indigenous governments).

Advocacy

• The Regional Indigenous Patient Advocates assesses, facilitates and collaborates case-by-case concerns/complaints from patients/clients within the WRHA region. The Patient Advocate partners with the WRHA Patient Relations Office to address concerns.

Spiritual/Cultural Care

• Indigenous Health Spiritual/Cultural Care Providers (SCCPs) facilitate access to Indigenous ceremonies (i.e. smudging) and traditional medicines (i.e. tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, cedar) during a patients/clients/residents stay.

If you or someone you know is receiving medical care within the Winnipeg Health Region, access these services by calling toll-free 1-877-940-8880. You can also ask your health-care provider to contact WRHA Indigenous Health for you.

Why call WRHA Indigenous Health for patient services? Call if you or your family member:

• speak an Indigenous language
• is being discharged
• want a patient advocate
• want ceremonies or traditional medicines
• need additional support
• are not sure if you need us – we can do an assessment to assist you

WRHA Indigenous Health – Patient Services has offices at St. Boniface Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, Concordia Hospital, Misericordia Health Centre and Grace Hospital. Indigenous Health also provides services to the Deer Lodge Centre, Riverview Health Centre and Victoria Hospital. Indigenous Health also has a mobile team that travels to other locations.

• Indigenous Health Patient Referral Form (PDF, 207 KB)

Contact Patient Services

Phone: 204-940-8880
Toll Free: 1-877-940-8880
[email protected]

Open Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Weekends & Statutory Holidays