The office of Rural and Northern Health was organized and established as a component of the Manitoba Rural Physician Action Plan, a commitment by Manitoba Health with a clear goal in mind:

Increase the number of graduating physicians and other healthcare professionals who choose rural and northern Manitoba as a place to live and practise their professions.

The office was in the planning stages for several years and began functioning with a half-time medical director in September 2002.  The main office is physically located in Dauphin, and staffed by the Administrative Director & Administrative Assistant.

A secondary office located at the Boundary Trails Health Centre in Winkler is staffed by the project's medical director, Dr. Don Klassen.  He provides medical leadership to the programs that are managed and coordinated by the ORNH in addition to maintaining a half-time medical practice in Winkler and at Boundary Trails Health Centre.  Plans are in the works to develop a northern Manitoba Office as well.  

The Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba Inc. (RHAM) will oversee the operation of the office.

www.ornh.mb.ca