Nurse practitioner team grows across western Manitoba

Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has added seven new nurse practitioners to its primary health-care team, strengthening access to services in communities across western Manitoba.

The additions come as Manitoba prepares to recognize Nurse Practitioner Day on Nov. 18, celebrating the contributions of nurse practitioners (NPs) to health care throughout the province.

As of October 2026, PMH has 37 nurse practitioners serving communities across the region, providing care in both rural and urban settings.

The seven recent graduates of the University of Manitoba’s Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner program have taken positions at clinics and health facilities throughout the region.

Branden Howe will serve Birdtail Sioux First Nation and Keeseekoowenin Ojibway First Nation through PMH’s mobile clinic. Brianne Frykas and Jarret McKinnon have joined the Minor Injury and Illness Clinic in Brandon, while Dawn Lees will work at the Brandon clinic and Rivers Medical Clinic.

Lindsay Alvis has joined Melita Health Clinic, Lindsay Westersund will serve patients at Spirit Sands Medical Clinic in Glenboro, and Lisa Gingras has joined Wawanesa Clinic.

PMH also recruited Jillian Sawchuk to a new position with Community Mental Health in Brandon.

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed advanced education at the master’s level. They are registered with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba and serve as primary care providers, offering comprehensive, responsive and patient-centred services.

Working independently and being accountable for their own clinical practice, nurse practitioners provide a broad range of services in primary care clinics, emergency departments, community health settings and specialized programs.

Their responsibilities include conducting health assessments and physical examinations, including Pap tests and prenatal care, diagnosing and managing common illnesses and chronic conditions, and prescribing medications and therapies.

They can also order and interpret diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs. Their scope of practice includes minor procedures such as suturing, biopsies, and wart and mole removal, as well as referring patients to specialists and other health-care providers when needed.

“As health-care needs continue to grow across our region, nurse practitioners are an essential part of our care teams,” said Jaime Burgoyne, manager of Health Services for Primary Health Care at PMH. “Their advanced skills, clinical expertise, and commitment to patient-centred care help improve access to services and support better health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities throughout Prairie Mountain Health.”

» Winnipeg Sun

» Winnipeg Sun