Shared on behalf of Quality and Risk Management

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Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has been alerted to issues with CHS MED-RX Paracentesis Tray – Drainage Tube with Connector (Supplier Code 10-1212BNS) in which the Luer lock component is susceptible to degradation when exposed to alcohol or alcohol-based substances, which may result in cracking or structural failure of the component prior to use.

Materials Management has identified affected stock in our inventory; however, we do not currently have an approved replacement. As our hospital does use alcohol-based disinfection products with this inventory, please note the following mitigation actions identified by Cardinal Health:

1. Inspect inventory for the lots of products listed above.
2. If this inventory has been affected, cracking or failure of the structural component may occur.

Subsequently, please take the following actions:

1. Inspect connection ends carefully prior to use.
2. If structural issues are apparent at time of inspection, immediately replace the tubing.
3. Monitor for leaking during use, and replace tubing if leaking is noted.
4. Complete an Incident Learning System report and reference the lot and expiration date of the tubing used.
5. Notify your Manager and provide him/her with the faulty product.

We appreciate your efforts and cooperation in these extra steps to ensure patient safety until replacement inventory can be procured.

The Security team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is pleased to offer escorts to/from the parking lots upon request. A request for an escort can be made by attending the Security window at the west entry, or by calling Security at extension 6509.

A team member will gladly accompany you to/from your vehicle. 

Share on behalf of Patient and Family Centred Care

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We are happy to announce that the Patient Family Centred Care (PFCC) Department has a new Patient Advocate.

Joanita Nakimuli has recently been hired as the 0.5 FTE Patient Advocate. Joanita has a background as a Registered Nurse working in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Emergency Department and on 2B, as a Clinical Scholar on medical units, and has previous working experience with PFCC as the Discharge Transition Lead. She is excited to take part in this new role, where she can directly impact patient experience and help ensure the voice of the patient is heard. Joanita will be working alongside Victoria Marks, who has been a Patient Advocate with PFCC since 2019.

The role of the Patient Advocate is to listen, acknowledge, and address patient and family concerns, helping them to navigate the complex health care system. Patient Advocates take a helping role in improving the quality of the patient’s care and experience at TBRHSC l by ensuring and facilitating safe, timely and quality care.

The Patient Advocates are available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

Anyone requiring the services of the Patient Advocate can reach them by calling the Patient Advocate office directly at 807-684-6211.

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is looking for donations this holiday season to fill some stockings and spread cheer to our elderly patients in need.

Donations can be dropped off in Volunteer Services from Tuesday, December 2, to Friday, December 19.

Requested Items:

Word search books, combs, hair brushes, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste, fuzzy socks, slippers, hats, and mittens.

ACO has extended their TBRHSC Christmas Employee Plan to make shopping even easier this year! Extended to December 15.

Enjoy the convenience of the TBRHSC Christmas Employee Plan where your purchases automatically come off your pay-cheque over a two year period.

Shop until December 15, 2025 at acoservices.ca or view the catalogue on the following link: https://www.flipsnack.com/acoservices/employee-purchase-plan-extended-catalogue-2025

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The Cancer Centre Systemic Therapy Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is proud to support the Children’s Aid Society’s 17th Annual Christmas Wish Campaign this holiday season.

Our team has sponsored five children, ages 3 to 16, who receive services through Dilico and the Children’s Aid Society. Each child will receive a personalized Christmas Wish Bag filled with essential items, clothing, toys, and gift cards selected to meet their unique needs and interests.

For many of these children, this may be the only gift they receive during the holidays.

Our staff are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful tradition and to help bring joy and comfort to children and families in our community.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) invites an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary physician leader to serve as the next Chief of Staff (COS) — a pivotal leadership role at one of Ontario’s most innovative and community-focused academic health sciences centres.

This unique 0.6 FTE leadership position allows the successful candidate to maintain clinical practice while shaping the future of care across Northwestern Ontario.

WHERE WORLD-CLASS CARE MEETS NORTHERN SPIRIT

TBRHSC serves the vast and diverse population of Northwestern Ontario with a mission grounded in research, innovation, education, and exceptional patient care. The organization’s 2026 Strategic Plan prioritizes equity, diversity, inclusion, patient experience, staff experience, research, and sustainability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the Chief of Staff ensures medical excellence, high professional standards, and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Champion safe, high-quality, patient- and family-centred care.
• Lead medical credentialing, discipline, performance, and professional standards.
• Chair the Medical Advisory Committee.
• Participate in key Board committees.
• Influence strategy and organizational priorities.
• Foster collaboration with Department Chiefs and regional partners.

WHY THIS ROLE IS EXCEPTIONAL

REGIONAL IMPACT 

As Northwestern Ontario’s only tertiary referral hospital, serving a population of over 250,000 in a land mass the size of France, TBRHSC relies on its COS to influence care across rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

INNOVATION & GROWTH 

The hospital is investing in digital health, leadership development, academic partnerships, and long-term clinical services planning.

SUPPORTIVE LEADERSHIP CULTURE 

The COS joins a collaborative leadership team that values transparency, accountability, cultural safety, and progressive system change.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• MD with CPSO license 
• RCPSC or CFPC fellowship 
• Minimum 5 years of clinical leadership in a complex health system 
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills 
• Commitment to equity, cultural safety, and quality improvement 

JOIN US

If you are a compassionate, accountable, and visionary leader who believes in exceptional care for every patient, every time, we welcome your interest. You can reach Kevin Kirkpatrick by email kevin@averyprofessionalgroup.com or phone/text 905-447-2151

Avery Professional Group is proud to support Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in this important search.

Link to this career opportunity can be found HERE.