Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew has committed to build a new Mature Women’s Centre to replace the one closed by the PCs, this in a media release today (Sept 14).
“Women deserve the best health care as they age,” said Kinew. “We used to have excellent, innovative care here at the Victoria hospital in the Mature Women’s Centre, but Heather Stefanson’s government shut it down leaving women without the care they need. We won’t let women’s health care be ignored – we’ll make it a priority.”
The Manitoba NDP also committed to expanding pharmaceutical coverage for menopause hormone therapy replacement drugs that are known to help prevent osteoporosis, prolong life and improve cognitive health.
The PCs closed the Mature Women’s Centre in 2017, after more than a decade of serving patients at the Victoria Hospital. At the time, the action was condemned by doctors and women who were patients at the centre. The Centre provided care such as menopause transition, hysterectomy alternatives, and other gynecological services in a team-based setting.
“The Mature Women’s Centre was ahead of its time in approach, delivery and outcomes. It was solely focused in working in partnership with the woman to address her needs and concerns,” said Beth Brunsdon-Clark, a nurse at the former Mature Women’s Centre. “The patients who experienced the Centre’s authentic services and caring knowledgeable professionals would say they had the best care during a transitional time in their lives.”
In addition to building a new ER, the Manitoba NDP Government will reopen the Mature Women’s Centre at the Victoria Hospital. The Centre will provide health care for women and gender-diverse people who need care for gynecological issues such as menopause.
“Before it was closed, the Mature Women’s Centre changed my life, and I know my experience would have been much worse without it,” said Amanda Le Rougetel, a patient of the former Mature Women’s Centre. “If the NDP build the Centre, I will have somewhere to go to seek help, knowing that I will be met with expertise and empathy.”
