Brandon Hospital Launches Major Critical Care Expansion Hiring

The Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC), the largest hospital in Brandon, Manitoba, is set to enhance its critical care services with a significant expansion scheduled to open in early 2026. Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has announced the launch of hiring initiatives, training programs, and public tours related to the new Critical Care Centre and Internal Medicine Unit. This state-of-the-art facility will feature a 30-bed Internal Medicine Unit and a 16-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which will be the only ICU located between Winnipeg and Regina.

As construction proceeds through 2024 and 2025, the focus is now shifting towards staffing, training, and engaging with the community ahead of the opening.

Expanding Healthcare Workforce

According to PMH CEO Treena Slate, recruitment is the current priority, especially for the Internal Medicine Unit, which will collaborate with the existing ICU staff. “Approximately 14 new healthcare aides, 25 nurses, along with two specialists are required to fully staff the units,” Slate stated. She emphasized that hiring efforts are part of a broader provincial initiative, which has seen Manitoba add 3,397 new healthcare workers since July 2025.

Slate expressed confidence that the ongoing recruitment processes will sufficiently support the expansion. “We remain optimistic that the current pace of hiring healthcare workers across the province will adequately support the expansion,” she added.

Impact on Patient Care

The new ICU is expected to reduce the need for patient transfers to Winnipeg and Regina. PMH anticipates that the additional capacity will allow more patients to receive care closer to home. “We do anticipate that there will be a reduction of patient transfers to Winnipeg and possibly Regina,” Slate noted. The added beds are also expected to alleviate pressure on the emergency department.

To promote the expansion, PMH has released a recruitment video featuring ICU nurse Morgan, who shared how a single student practicum influenced her career trajectory. “As soon as I finished my practicum in the ICU, I knew I fell in love with it,” she said. Morgan highlighted that critical care nursing is both rewarding and challenging, necessitating a commitment to lifelong learning.

Nurses interested in this field can gain experience in acute care and then job shadow in the ICU before applying to the four-month Critical Care Nursing Orientation Program (CCNOP), offered by PMH as a paid opportunity. “If you’re unsure whether critical care nursing is right for you, you can always do an eight-hour paid shadow day,” she encouraged.

Public engagement is also a key aspect of the expansion. BRHC will host public tours of the new Critical Care Centre later this month. Nurses exploring opportunities in acute or critical care roles are invited to attend both tours and information sessions. These will showcase the new work environment, training supports, and advanced clinical technology.

Tours are scheduled at BRHC, located at 150 McTavish Ave. E, on November 25 and November 27, with sessions offered from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Registration can be completed online or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

As part of the recruitment drive, PMH is seeking full-time, part-time, and casual Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses. Available positions include roles on float teams, mentorship opportunities, paid training, clinical education support, relocation incentives, and critical care wage premiums.

The design and staffing model of the new facility reflect a strong commitment to both advanced medical care and enhancing patient and family experiences. “Where complexity meets compassionate care, you’ll see collaboration among physicians, nurses, and specialists working together for our patients,” Slate stated. The new unit will feature natural light, private rooms, and a dedicated family-centered design for each patient space.

The Internal Medicine Unit is also set to act as a learning hub, providing practicum opportunities, clinical rotations, and professional development in partnership with the University of Manitoba and specialized ICUs in Winnipeg. Applications for nursing positions can be submitted at careers.pmh-mb.ca.