Dr. Ashley Bhullar: The Heart of Care at Deer Lodge Centre

Deer Lodge Centre is a cornerstone of compassionate healthcare in Manitoba, providing a wide range of services to those who need it most. At the helm of this operation is Dr. Ashley Bhullar, a dedicated physician who serves as the Medical Lead for Deer Lodge Centre, as well as Middlechurch Home, River Park Gardens, and Golden West Centennial Lodge. Dr. Bhullar’s leadership ensures that every patient receives the best possible care, and her work is a testament to the vital role Deer Lodge Centre plays in our community.

A Visionary Leader in Healthcare

Dr. Bhullar’s responsibilities are vast, yet she approaches each day with unwavering dedication. As the main physician overseeing medical care across several facilities, she ensures that all patients receive the comprehensive care they need. Her role is not just about managing care; it’s about fostering a culture of excellence and compassion.

“Being the Medical Lead means I am responsible for the quality of care delivered across multiple facilities,” Dr. Bhullar explains. “This role requires a deep understanding of each patient’s needs and a commitment to improving their quality of life. But I am not alone in this endeavour—I have an incredible team of physicians who share this commitment and work tirelessly to provide exceptional care.”

Dr. Bhullar’s leadership extends beyond the day-to-day management of medical services. She is deeply involved in strategic planning and the continuous improvement of healthcare delivery at Deer Lodge Centre. Her vision is clear: to ensure that Deer Lodge remains a leader in geriatric care and chronic disease management, not just in Manitoba but across Canada.

Breaking Down Misconceptions: Deer Lodge Centre’s True Mission

One of the biggest challenges Dr. Bhullar faces is overcoming the misconceptions surrounding Deer Lodge Centre. Many people mistakenly believe that Deer Lodge is simply a personal care home, but the reality is much more complex. The Centre offers a broad spectrum of medical services that are essential to the health and well-being of Manitoba’s aging population.

“Deer Lodge Centre has a bit of a mysterious aura around it,” Dr. Bhullar says with a smile. “People often think we only provide personal care home services, which is not the case. While personal care is an important part of what we do, it’s just one component of our work. We offer a wide range of medical services that are unique in Manitoba, and these services are crucial for many individuals in our community.”

One of the most significant services Deer Lodge Centre provides is its general chronic care unit, the only one of its kind in Manitoba. This unit serves individuals who are too medically complex to live in the community but do not require the level of care provided in an acute care hospital. Without Deer Lodge, these individuals would have no choice but to remain in a hospital setting indefinitely.

“Our chronic care unit is a lifeline for these patients,” Dr. Bhullar explains. “We provide them with the medical care they need in an environment that is focused on enhancing their quality of life. It’s a unique service that allows these individuals to live their lives with dignity and comfort.”

Comprehensive Geriatric Care: Rehabilitation and Beyond

Deer Lodge Centre is also home to Manitoba’s largest Geriatric Rehabilitation program, a critical service for older adults recovering from acute medical events. This program is designed to help patients regain their strength and independence so they can return to their homes and communities.

“After an older individual experiences a medical event, such as a stroke or a serious fall, they often need more time and support to recover fully,” Dr. Bhullar says. “Our Geriatric Rehabilitation program provides that support. We work with patients to help them regain their physical health and functional abilities, with the ultimate goal of enabling them to live independently again.”

The success of this program is a testament to the teamwork that defines Deer Lodge Centre. Dr. Bhullar emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to care, where physicians, nurses, therapists, and other specialists work together to create comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

“Interdisciplinary care is at the core of what we do,” Dr. Bhullar explains. “By bringing together professionals from different fields, we can address all aspects of a patient’s health and well-being. This collaborative approach is especially important in geriatric care, where patients often have complex, multifaceted needs.”

Outpatient Services: Extending Care Beyond the Hospital Walls

Deer Lodge Centre’s impact extends far beyond its inpatient services. The Centre offers a variety of outpatient clinics that provide specialized care to patients throughout Manitoba. These clinics address a range of medical needs, from movement disorders to mental health support for Veterans and RCMP members.

“Our Movement Disorders Clinic is one of the most unique services we offer,” Dr. Bhullar says. “This clinic specializes in the treatment of neurological diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease. We have a team of neurologists, nurses, and interdisciplinary specialists who work together to manage patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life.”

Another notable service is the Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic, which provides mental health support to Veterans and RCMP members dealing with conditions such as PTSD and anxiety. This clinic is a critical resource for those who have served our country and now need specialized care to manage the psychological impact of their service.

“We are proud to offer these outpatient services because they allow us to reach more people in the community who need specialized care,” Dr. Bhullar says. “It’s important for people to know that Deer Lodge Centre is not just a place where patients stay—it’s a place where they can receive ongoing support for a wide range of medical conditions.”

A Personal Connection: Dr. Bhullar’s Journey to Deer Lodge

Dr. Bhullar’s connection to Deer Lodge Centre began during her medical training when she had the opportunity to complete rotations at the Centre. This experience left a lasting impression on her and ultimately led to her decision to pursue a career at Deer Lodge.

“During my training, I was fortunate to spend time at Deer Lodge, and it really opened my eyes to the unique care provided here,” Dr. Bhullar recalls. “I saw firsthand the impact that interdisciplinary teams can have on patient outcomes, especially in geriatric care. It sparked my interest in this field and made me want to be a part of it.”

Now, as the Medical Lead, Dr. Bhullar is at the forefront of that care. Her work is both challenging and fulfilling, and she is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her patients.

“Working at Deer Lodge is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Every day, I have the opportunity to help improve the lives of our patients and to support our incredible team of healthcare professionals. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and compassionate community.”

The Importance of Donor Support

The work that Dr. Bhullar and her team do at Deer Lodge Centre is made possible in large part by the generosity of donors. As a non-profit organization, Deer Lodge relies on donations to fund many of its essential services and programs.

“Donations are vital to our ability to provide the care that our patients need,” Dr. Bhullar explains. “Whether it’s funding for new medical equipment, support for our outpatient clinics, or resources for our Geriatric Rehabilitation program, every donation makes a difference. We are incredibly grateful to our donors for their continued support.”

Join Us in Supporting Deer Lodge Centre

Deer Lodge Centre is more than just a healthcare facility—it’s a community dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve. The work of Dr. Bhullar and her team is a testament to the impact that compassionate, high-quality care can have on individuals and families across Manitoba.

But we can’t do it alone. Your support is crucial to ensuring that Deer Lodge Centre can continue to provide the exceptional care that our patients deserve. By donating to Deer Lodge Centre, you are helping to fund vital services and programs that make a real difference in the lives of our patients.

Together, we can ensure that Deer Lodge Centre remains a place of healing, hope, and compassion for generations to come.

Donate Today

Your donation makes a world of difference. Join us in supporting the incredible work of Dr. Ashley Bhullar and her team by donating to Deer Lodge Centre. Together, we can continue to provide the specialized care that our community needs.