Shared on behalf of Craig Kozlowski, Director, Corporate Patient Flow (Executive Sponsor)
The Hospital’s Code Green (EMER-90) policy has been revised.
Actions required:
Read this memo and review the updated Code Green – Evacuation Plan (EMER-90) policy and sub plan template to familiarize yourself with important process changes.
Managers to ensure that the updated policy is added to their area’s emergency binder and that all workers review the attached policy.
Areas are to update their sub plans (see template attached) by June 20, 2025 (ensure you recycle previous versions of the policy/sub plan). Please submit a copy to yolanda.karpowich@tbh.net.
Policy changes:
Additional focus on Code Green – STAT: formatted to stress that an impacted unit is empowered to activate and clear a STAT; does not require Senior Leader on Call approval.
“Appendix 5 – Important Phone Numbers” has been removed as these numbers may change and/or should be captured in applicable departmental sub plans.
“Appendix 8 – Code Green Patient Tracking Form” has been removed from the policy and converted into an official form CS-1118.
Expanded definitions section.
Revised response algorithm in the appendices.
Sub Plan changes:
“Staff Meeting Area” definition updated to Muster Point and Headcount method added; matching Code Red – Fire (EMER-30).
Streamlined instructions, particularly for non-patient care areas, to remove redundancies and non-applicable actions.
Additional instructions and examples provided in the comments to aid in timely updating.
Code Green sub plans provide important department specific instructions to supplement the policy that must be reviewed annually by the department manager.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net).
It’s hard to believe May is already behind us. The pace across our Hospital and Health Research Institute has been brisk — and filled with meaningful progress.
I’d like to begin with an update on the Ontario budget as it impacts the way we do business here. This past month, we saw the budget released as many in the health care sector across the province waited to see what was in it for hospitals. The budget announced a $1.1 billion increase to hospital funding, but most hospitals — including ours — this will be a reset year with the focus being on the creation of a hospital sector stabilization plan. While we are expected to receive up to a 3% base funding adjustment – with the potential to receive an additional 1%, without the clarity of our actual funding allocation, we remain unclear as to the impact of any adjustment. As such, we anticipate that hospitals will remain short of the estimated $2.2 billion needed across the province just to keep pace with inflation, rising service volumes, and labor costs. Like many hospitals, we’re facing serious financial pressures, yet we continue to move forward with major initiatives like the Cardiovascular Surgery Program, our Electronic Health Record upgrade, and ongoing infrastructure improvements. This is a testament to your resilience and your commitment to providing exceptional care — despite the headwinds. Thank you for continuing to deliver excellence, every day. I can assure you that I will continue to make our case to decision-makers as I did last week in Toronto. The communities and region we serve have unique and distinct challenges that other parts of the province don’t face — a message I continue to put in front of the Ministry and our elected representatives at every opportunity.
Shifting gears, I would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Spring Up to Clean Up. Your efforts make a real difference, not just in how our grounds look, but in how they feel. A tidy, welcoming environment reflects the pride we take in the care we provide. Let’s all continue to do our part in keeping our shared spaces clean and safe.
Please mark your calendars — the Staff Appreciation BBQ is coming! On Wednesday, June 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., we’ll gather in the courtyard to celebrate you. This is a moment to recognize how your work supports Strategic Plan 2026 and brings our vision — Exceptional care, every patient, every time — to life. This is the third year of the four-year plan, and I am tremendously pleased with all the progress that you have all contributed to. I hope to see many of you there to celebrate.
Meanwhile, facility upgrades are well underway. There is lots to report on as we move forward with various construction and upgrades throughout our Hospital. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on patient room finishes and design. These upgrades are more than cosmetic —they’re about creating a brighter, more healing space for patients, families, and staff. Your patience during this work is deeply appreciated.
Starting June 9, we’ll be inviting you to take part in the Health Standards Organization (HSO) Global Workforce Survey. This anonymous survey is a vital part of our accreditation process and gives us valuable insights into workplace safety and culture. Please keep an eye on your inbox — it’s your chance to tell us what’s working and where we can do better. Your voice matters.
TBRHSC is looking ahead to National Indigenous History Month. June offers us an important opportunity to celebrate and learn from the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. I encourage you to take part in events and conversations throughout the month and to reflect on how we can each support culturally safe, inclusive care.
The Staff Advisory Committee continues to strengthen our organization. Thanks to this group’s thoughtful input, we’ve made tangible improvements that benefit both staff and patients. If you have ideas or concerns to share, I encourage you to reach out to the committee anytime at TBRHSC.StaffAdvisoryCommittee@tbh.net.
Finally, a few signs of spring are finally all around us. I hope you’re finding time to recharge — whether that’s with family, friends, or a four-legged companion.
As always, I welcome your thoughts on this blog or anything else on your mind. Reach me anytime at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net.
Effective Monday, June 2, City Transit bus stops #1225 and #1292, currently located at the front of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), will be relocated.
The new bus stop locations will be on the north side of the property, along the perimeter road adjacent to the Cancer Centre entrance and the Medical Centre building. Please refer to the posted map for details. This relocation is necessary to accommodate the expanded construction zone for the Cardiovascular Surgery Program.
As a reminder, the electronic bus schedule is located adjacent to the TBRHSC West Entrance.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this transition.
We’re excited to welcome TELUS to the Affinity List! TELUS is now offering our staff exclusive corporate rates, with great deals available! Getting started is easy—employees can access these savings by:
To improve patient care for the region, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been working with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at the University Health Network (UHN) to co-develop a cardiovascular surgery (CVS) program at TBRHSC.
We want to hear from you!
We are in an exciting stage of the project, where 76,000 square feet of space will be renovated and expanded to accommodate a new comprehensive Cardiovascular Surgery Program that will allow our Hospital to complete vital cardiac procedures, reduce wait times for urgent and elective procedures and ensure timely access to essential services in the region. We are asking patients, families, staff and the public: What does care closer to home mean to you?
The Communications and Engagement team will have a table where you can write your response to the question “What does care closer to home mean to you?”.
The team will be collecting responses in person:
Monday, May 26 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the bottom of the Grand Staircase
Wednesday, May 28 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the bottom of the Grand Staircase
Alternatively, email tbrhsc.groupnews@tbh.netand let us know what this incredible addition to our Hospital means to you.
Send in your response by Friday, June 6 at 12:00 p.m. to have it written on a heart and displayed in the Hospital.
Share your thoughts as we bring care closer to home for the people of Northwestern Ontario, and work towards our vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time.
May 27th is recognized as Emergency Medicine Day. On this day, we celebrate the dedication and expertise of Emergency Medicine professionals who provide life-saving care.
We want to thank all the amazing people that work in our Emergency Department, and those across the world.
To the dedicated health care professionals who are always there to provide emergency care for us no matter the circumstances, thank you for your commitment to caring for patients, their families, and the community.
Congratulations to Taylor Dewal, Emily Bernie and Alison Lester – our winners of the quarterly ‘Good Catch’ Awards!
Good Catch Awards highlight individuals, groups or departments who demonstrate their commitment to keeping patients safe by reporting a near miss. A ‘good catch’ (or near miss) is an event or situation that co Good Catch Awards highlight individuals, groups or departments who demonstrate their commitment to keeping patients safe by reporting a near miss. A ‘good catch’ (or near miss) is an event or situation that could have resulted in harm, but did not reach the patient because of chance or timely intervention. Reporting these events can help to identify gaps in order to prevent future adverse events from happening.
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Taylor was working in Critical Care when a student Respiratory Therapist notified her of a patient who had his non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) removed. Taylor reviewed the chart and did not see an order for removal of the NIMV. She confirmed with the physician that the code status had not changed and there was no order to remove it. Taylor advocated for the patient to remain on the NIMV as the patient was displaying signs of respiratory distress with each assessment and agreed he was more comfortable on the machine. The physician then wrote orders for the patient to remain on the NIMV overnight. Excellent patient advocacy!
Taylor Dewal
While working on 2B, Emily notified Nutrition & Food Services that the patient had not received extra sauce with her meal, which was required with the minced and moist diet due to choke and aspiration risk. Good catch!
Emily Bernie
Alison was working as the pharmacist on 2C and while checking order sheets, noticed that the wrong patient label was attached to an order for a different patient. Both patients had admission orders for the same unit and were assessed by the same physician around the same time. The error was caught and corrected before any medications were administered to either patient. Great catch!
Alison Lester
Thank you to all for your diligence and dedication to safety! Each recipient has been awarded a certificate and gift cards to local businesses to enjoy this summer.
New winners will be selected every quarter. Continue submitting your near misses for a chance to win! Near miss reports are submitted through the Incident Learning System (patient safety incidents). Click on the ‘safety reporting’ icon from your Novell home page, or go to the iNtranet and choose ‘Safety Reporting’ under ‘Informational’.
For more information, contact Terry Fodë, Patient Safety Improvement Specialist (terry.fode@tbh.net).
In May, we recognize and celebrate the essential role Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) play in Ontario’s health care system.
In Ontario, SLPs hold a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology and are regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. As of April 1, 2021 individuals must also pass a National Canadian Entry-To-Practice Exam prior to receiving their practice license.
SLPs are highly trained professionals who screen, assess, and treat a wide range of adult disorders, including:
Swallowing disorders
Communication and cognitive impairments
Voice and fluency disorders
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, our SLPs are essential members of our interdisciplinary teams. They provide expert care and consultation across a broad spectrum of hospital services, including medical, surgical (orthopedic, neurosurgical, and cardiac), acute stroke, Emergency, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), oncology, renal, acute mental health, and outpatient oncology.
As we celebrate this month, and throughout the entire year—we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible SLPs. Your expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication empower patients on their journey toward recovery, independence, and improved well-being. Whether within our hospital walls or out in the community, your impact is deeply felt.
Thank you for all that you do!
TBRHSC Speech-Language Pathologists Allyson McDonald, Laurie Broadfoot and Emily Bernie
It’s time to register for the Active Commute Challenge! Anyone who registers before June 1 and logs an active commute during the first week of the challenge will be entered into a draw to win one of five early bird prizes, including a bike tune-up or a $100 gift card to a local bike shop. Check out TBayOnTheMove’s FAQs page for more info on prizes.
Register now and start planning your sustainable commutes!
