New critical care centre in Brandon to open this spring
April 1, 2026
(stock photo used)
The Manitoba government is opening a new critical care centre at Brandon Regional Health Centre (BRHC) this spring, expanding access to intensive care and inpatient medicine services for patients in western Manitoba, increasing critical care capacity and improving patient flow so more Manitobans can receive timely, high-quality care closer to home, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced here today.
“This expansion means people in western Manitoba can get the care they need closer to home, at some of the most critical moments in their lives,” said Asagwara. “It reduces the need for transfers to Winnipeg, eases pressure on families and helps improve patient flow across the system, so care is available sooner for everyone who needs it.”
The Brandon hospital redevelopment project represents an investment of approximately $120 million and includes a major expansion of critical care and inpatient medicine services, along with upgrades to supporting infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Once open, the centre will increase adult intensive care unit (ICU) capacity from 10 to 16 beds, with 12 beds coming online in this phase and the remaining four to follow as staffing and system capacity continue to grow. The project also includes a new 30-bed internal medicine unit, with 15 beds opening now and the remaining 15 to follow as additional staffing is in place.
“The Brandon Regional Health Centre has the only ICU between Winnipeg and Regina along the Trans-Canada Highway and one of four in Manitoba,” said Treena Slate, CEO, Prairie Mountain Health. “The new critical care centre includes a state-of-the-art intensive care unit which is equipped with 16 single rooms and 30 single medical rooms, ensuring patients can receive advanced, life-saving care closer to home. Projects of this scale do not happen without strong partnerships. We sincerely thank the BRHC Foundation for leading their A Foundation for Care fundraising campaign, which greatly contributed toward bringing this vision to life.”
In addition to the expanded clinical space, the redevelopment includes upgrades to core infrastructure, including increased energy capacity to support current operations and future growth at the hospital campus.
“This new critical care unit will make a meaningful difference for patients and families,” said Sheillagh Remillard, manager (former ICU nurse), BRHC ICU. “With private rooms, more space to care for and mobilize patients and a bright environment with natural light, it has been designed with both comfort and care in mind. It will support our team in continuing to provide high-quality care in a space that better meets the needs of those we serve.”
The centre is expected to begin accepting patients in May 2026, the minister noted.