Primary Care/Public Health

Community Health Educators

Community Health Educators are local workers who assist other health care providers deliver services and programs, and assist individuals and families to access the services and programs they require. Community Health Educators are located in La Ronge, Pinehouse and Sandy Bay.

Dental Services

The Children's Dental Program delivers dental health education and prevention, diagnostic and limited restorative dental services for all preschoolers and children attending provincial schools up to age 16 years. The main focus of the Dental Program is on prevention activities such as the school fluoride mouth rinse programs, preschool screening and fluoride varnish programs, as well as sealants for permanent molars. Individual dental care is performed by registered Dental Therapists and Certified Dental Assistants or Dental Aides and a licensed Dentist in Health Region school-based dental clinics. Dental Clinics are located at the La Ronge Health Centre, Pre Cam Community School in La Ronge, Gordon Denny Community School in Air Ronge, Minahik Waskahigan Elementary School in Pinehouse, Creighton Community School, Hector Thiboutot Community School in Sandy Bay, and the Weyakwin Health Centre.

Visiting dentist services for adults and children are available at the La Ronge Health Centre, through a contract with a private dentist, Dr. Vincent Chan.  This arrangement complements dentist services already provided in the community.  Services provided to clients through this contract are paid for through their individual or group insurance plans, or through direct billing of the clients themselves. 

Diabetes Educator

Services are available to individuals and families living with diabetes from a multidisciplinary team that may include a physician, diabetes nurse educator, dietitian, community health educator, and other health care workers. The team provides education (both individual and group) for knowledge and skills needed to manage diabetes and prevent complications, and offers ongoing follow-up as needed.

Dietitian

The community dietitian provides a variety of services to the communities of La Ronge, Air Ronge, Pinehouse, Stanley Mission, Sandy Bay and Southend. Examples of these services include: diabetes education, nutrition and lifestyle counselling, support for nutrition and healthy living programs and initiatives, consultations to food service providers, as well as education and partnerships with various community groups and schools.

Gambling Education

Information about problem gambling prevention is available from the region.  There is also a provincial Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-800-306-6789.

Health Centres/Clinics

Primary Care is available at the Health Centres in Pinehouse and Sandy Bay. These are staffed by qualified nurse practitioners, with doctors visiting on a regular basis. In La Ronge, a nurse practitioner works in cooperation with the physicians at the La Ronge Medical Clinic. Residents in the Creighton area can receive primary care through the NOR-MAN Health Region in Flin Flon, Manitoba.

Health Promotion

Health Educators offer information and activities that will assist Northerners to make choices that will help them to achieve a healthier lifestyle. This includes education that will help in prevention of substance abuse, achievement of mental well being, healthy eating, smoking cessation, healthy pregnancies and active lifestyles.

Immunizations

Public Health Nurses offer a variety of immunization services including:

• Child Health Clinics
• School Health Immunizations
• Influenza Vaccination Clinics
• International Travel Immunizations
• Staff Immunizations
• Adult immunizations

Needle Exchange Program

Public Health Nurses in La Ronge offer a needle exchange program for clients who require discreet and confidential provision of clean intravenous supplies as well as information, education and services to enhance personal safety.

Pre and Post Natal Care

Public Health Nurses offer one-on-one prenatal counselling and referrals as appropriate. In La Ronge, group prenatal classes are offered, as well, and a Breastfeeding Support Group meets once a month.

All postpartum clients are followed up upon discharge from hospital. Visits include weighing the baby, education, support, and referral where necessary.

Sexual Wellness

A Health Educator works in partnership with Northern Lights School Division teachers to offer education, information and skills training to students about all aspects of human sexuality.

Tobacco Reduction

The Tobacco Reduction Coordinator focuses on the development of a tobacco reduction workplan and implementation of associated health education and health promotion activities.  For free, confidential, bilingual access to a trained quit specialist, call the Smokers' Helpline: 1-877-513-5333.