Shared on behalf of the Northwestern Ontario Regional Science Fair (NWORSF)
The NWORSF Committee is delighted to invite you to our Trivia Night on Wednesday, January 28 at The Outpost (Lakehead University campus). Join us for a fun and relaxed evening of general knowledge trivia. No expert skills required — just come ready to enjoy a great night while supporting education and youth in Northwestern Ontario.
Feel free to bring family, friends, or colleagues and register together as a team. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at nwofundraising@gmail.com.
Scan the QR code below for event details and registration.
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Time: Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Venue: The Outpost (Lakehead University campus) Cost: $30 per team Team Requirements: 2-5 members per team
Low Pressure, High Yield: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Assessment of Hypotension
Presented by: Dr. Sean Cuninghame
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 Time: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Location: Auditorium A, Level 3
Learning Objectives:
Identify the four core cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) views
Apply a systematic approach to undifferentiated hypotension with bedside ultrasound
Understand the principles of cardiac output measurement using POCUS
Be familiar with opportunities for further hands-on ultrasound training
“The Department of Internal Medicine Monthly Rounds is a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.”
Now that all TBRHSC and TBRHRI employees are using Microsoft Outlook, this is a great opportunity to ensure your email signature aligns with our corporate branding standards.
Please apply the appropriate signature template (by copying and pasting) to all tbh.net email accounts and customize it with your individual information.
Using a standardized signature helps ensure our communications to other staff, partners in health, and the community are professional, consistent, and reflective of our shared organizational identity.
The approved signature templates are also available in the Quick Links area of the main page of the corporate intranet under Tools/Training.
At this time, the corporate email signature template does not support the inclusion of additional elements (e.g., other logos, advertisements for events or initiatives). For more information or questions, please contact the Communications and Engagement team.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping maintain a polished and professional appearance in our email communications.
This month’s Town Hall took place on Wednesday, January 21 via Microsoft Teams. See below for a video recording of the session and a copy of the presentation slides.
If you have questions you would like answered, please send them to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net and we will do our best to address them at a future Town Hall.
If you’d like to access a recording or presentation from a previous Town Hall, visit the archive.
Thank you for your commitment to staying informed and engaged.
Reflections From the Front Lines provides our health care professionals with an opportunity to share stories and experiences about their role in providing exceptional care for every patient, every time.
We feature these each month during our Town Hall — a virtual venue designed to keep staff, professional staff, volunteers and leaners informed about what’s happening at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.
Check out our previous episodes below (or on the Hospital’s YouTube channel), and be sure to tune in to future Town Halls for more stories.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to connect with Judy Martinsen, a Patient Flow Operation Coordinator at our Hospital. Judy shares a pair of compelling patient stories from behind the scenes of Admitting and patient flow.
In this episode, we hear from James Stevenson, a member of the Security team here at our Hospital. James shares a touching story about how he helped contribute to a positive outcome for a patient in Adult Mental Health.
In this episode, we hear from Savanna Boucher, Indigenous Care Coordinator and Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator who will share a story about the positive outcome they saw when they incorporated Traditional Medicine into a patient’s care plan.
Desiree Towedeo, Indigenous Care Coordinator, shares a story about how she provided culturally safe care to a patient that led to improved health outcomes during their stay, and how meaningful her role as an Indigenous Care Coordinator is to her.
In this episode, we hear from Megan Valente, Coordinator of Volunteer Services. Megan shares a patient story that highlights a new initiative and showcases how volunteers play a crucial role in the patient experience.
In this episode, we will hear from Michelle Opaski, a Mammographer who works on the Screen for Life Coach. Michelle shares a patient story that highlights how bringing cancer screening services closer to home allows individuals to prioritize their health and detect cancer early.
In this episode, we hear from Nikki Cooper, and Kelti Matson – both Registered Nurses from the Peritoneal Dialysis Renal team. Nikki and Kelti have a patient story that highlights how providing education, compassion, and respect, along with cross-department collaboration, allowed for exceptional patient care.
In this episode, Lyllian Stavropoulos, Co-ordinator of Specimen Collection and Dispatch in Laboratory Services at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
In this episode, Ashley Hill, a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department, speaks about her experience with the cultural safety training called, Repairing the Sacred Circle. Repairing the Sacred Circle was designed, developed and launched by N’doo’owe Binesi at St. Joseph’s Care Group in 2022 with the support and guidance of the Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin – Elders Council.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Laura Power, an ObGyn at our Hospital. Dr. Power provides us with a look into the interprofessional and comprehensive care available at the Maternity Centre for patients in Thunder Bay and across the region.
In this episode, Mike Heerema, the Critical Care Staffing and Wellness Coordinator in our Intensive Care Unit, tells us about the Tokens of Love initiative for patients and families.
In this episode, we hear from Jessica and Jolene from the Regional Cancer Program at our Hospital.
In this episode, Danielle McLean, a Registered Nurse from the Intensive Care Unit at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
Help Us Celebrate Staff Who Go Above and Beyond for Patients and Families
Do you know someone in our organization who consistently demonstrates exceptional Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC)? Someone who takes the time to truly listen, who includes patients and families in care decisions, and who ensures everyone feels respected, safe, and valued?
We want to hear about them!
Each month, the PFCC team is accepting “PFCC Shout Outs”—recognizing staff across all departments who go the extra mile to make the patient and family experience better. Whether it’s a small gesture of kindness, a meaningful conversation, or an example of true collaboration and compassion, we want to celebrate those moments.
What does a PFCC Shout Out look like?
A nurse who takes time to explain care options in a way the patient understands
A porter who makes a patient feel comfortable and less anxious during a transfer
A unit clerk who warmly greets families and helps them navigate the hospital
A physician who ensures the family is included in rounds and decisions
Any team member who prioritizes dignity, respect, and collaboration
How to nominate someone:
Anyone—staff, patients, families, or volunteers—can nominate a staff member by sending a quick email to TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net.Just include the staff member’s name, department, and a brief description of what they did that deserves recognition.
Monthly winners will receive a small prize, have their photo featured on the PFCC intranet page, and be highlighted in The Informed newsletter.
Let’s celebrate the people who make this a truly patient and family-centred organization. Start shouting out today!
After an incredibly successful inaugural year, Thunder Bay’s favourite game-show-style fundraiser is returning to the Valhalla Hotel on April 16, 2026, and this year promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more exciting.
Bullseye Chase the Case presented by Doane Grant Thornton is a high-energy, interactive evening where fundraising and fun collide. Guests will take part in a fast-paced bidding game inspired by classic television game shows, all while supporting the fight against breast cancer through the Northern Cancer Fund.
How the game works:
20 silver cases hold 20 fabulous prize packages
The evening unfolds over 4 rounds of bidding, with 5 prize cases per round
Guests know which prizes are available in each round but not which case holds which prize
Bid against other guests to earn the first chance to choose a case
Want an edge? Purchase a “Phone the Banker” option to:
Eliminate two cases, or
Donate more to find out exactly which case holds the prize you want
Choose your case and win the prize hidden inside!
Tickets are officially on sale!
$100 General Admission — Your seat in the room with full access to all the excitement
$125 VIP Experience — Premium seating near the stage, prime bidding access, a private bar, and your own personal table usher
We’re also proud to introduce this year 10 passionate event ambassadors who are helping us work toward our $55,000 fundraising goal. Their support is helping spread the word and bring this exciting event to life.
Every ticket purchased directly supports the Northern Cancer Fund for breast cancer, ensuring that every dollar raised stays right here at home. Your participation helps women in our community access the care and support they need, close to home, when it matters most.
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) is proud to launch its new Cancer Survivorship Campaign, an awareness initiative focused on the importance of regular screening, early detection, and celebrating resilience, and life after cancer.
The campaign, launched in partnership with the North West Regional Cancer Program and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, shines a light on the types of cancers that impact the 33 First Nations SLFNHA serves across Kiiwetinoong and encourages conversations about cancer, healing, and hope. In many of the communities SLFNHA serves, cancer is too often detected at later stages, when treatment options can be more limited. This campaign aims to change that by empowering people with information, encouraging regular screening, and reminding families that early detection improves outcomes.
“This campaign is about saving lives through awareness and early detection. We are committed to strengthening cancer awareness and survivorship supports across Kiiwetinoong.” Says Sonia Isaac-Mann, SLFNHA President & CEO.” We are incredibly grateful to Connie, Pauline, and Norine for sharing their stories so others can find courage and hope.”
At the heart of the campaign are three powerful voices from the region who have lived through cancer and are now sharing their stories to inspire others:
Connie Gray-McKay, breast cancer survivor from Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation
Pauline Lac Seul, endometrial cancer survivor from Lac Seul First Nation
Norine Van Breda, colon cancer survivor from Hudson, Ontario
Each survivor brings a unique experience and perspective, reflecting the many paths through diagnosis, treatment, and healing. SLFNHA is deeply grateful and honoured that Connie, Pauline, and Norine have chosen to share their journeys so openly.
The theme of the campaign is “Let’s Talk About Cancer, Healing, and Hope.” It is a message that encourages people to speak up, ask questions, get checked, and support each other on a community level. Lives can be saved and those on their cancer journey are not alone.
“We know from the data that far too many people in the communities SLFNHA serves are not getting screened regularly. In some cases, fewer than one in three people are participating in screening,” says David McConnell, Director of the North West Regional Cancer Program. “Survivorship reminds us why this matters: earlier screening can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes. By sharing the real stories of survivors in these communities, we aim to empower others to get screened so they can be there for their families and live longer, healthier lives.”
The Cancer Survivorship Campaign is a partnership between Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, the North West Regional Cancer Program, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). The campaign videos were directed and filmed by Upriver Media.
As Black History Month approaches, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee would like to highlight the significant contributions of the Black community to health care.
We are currently seeking staff members or learners who identify as Black (for example, African, Caribbean, African Canadian, Afro-Caribbean, and Black Canadian) who are interested in sharing about their learning and/or work experiences in healthcare, and what Black History Month means to them.
Submissions will be featured on the Daily Informed Newsletter and TBRHSC social media pages.
If you would like to participate, or have any questions, we invite you to email the EDI Steering Committee by January 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. at: TBRHSC.EDISteeringCommittee@tbh.net.
Hosting the BIG GAME on February 8 just got a whole lot easier!
Local catering company Gusterra is serving up ready-to-heat game day appetizer platters, with proceeds supporting life-saving cardiac care right here at home through our Northern Cardiac Fund.
To owners Theo Sundell and Beckham Thompson, Gusterra’s launch fundraiser is deeply personal. Cardiac care has touched their own family, and now they’re giving back! Platters come ready to serve 6-10 people, depending on how big your game day party will be! Platter for 6 is $110, platter for 10 is $160.
$25–$35 from every platter supports local cardiac care right here in Thunder Bay.
Pre-orders are open NOW until February 4, then you just pick up, heat, serve & enjoy. Pickup will be available at the RFDA at 570 Syndicate Ave S on February 7 and 8 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the kitchen entrance.
