The Chief Executive Officer for the Haven Group in Steinbach is taking in stride an announcement by Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen about a new funding model for the development of personal care home beds. Goertzen says the Premier has instructed him to use the 'Niverville model' whereby construction of new PCH beds is paid for with municipal, private and foundation funds. The province then covers the operating costs.

Rest Haven CEO David Driedger is just happy the province has identified new PCH beds as a priority.

"We're pleased that there's communication coming out on that. Studies have shown over and over we have a true need for personal care home beds in Steinbach and area. And, we know that the additional PCH beds continue to be a priority for both the community and Southern Health. We also know that we have solid community partnerships in place so Rest Haven has a very distinct willingness to work with its partners toward a timely and feasible strategy with government so that the additional beds can be realized for Steinbach."

Rest Haven wants to do a 60 bed expansion at its personal care home in Steinbach. Driedger says the next step is to find out more about the government's plans.

"We will see what the parameters are in regards to the new funding model. We're having ongoing conversations with the regional health authority and Manitoba Health and we hope that in the next short period of time we have full clarification on it."

But Driedger reiterates the province's commitment to developing new personal care home beds is very positive.

"If the community has to put a bigger share in on the capital and Manitoba Health funds the operating, obviously we'll have lots of positives; one being taking care of our seniors and others as well as additional job opportunities for the local community."