We connected with Abbey Hunter, PFA, to learn more about her role and how she supports PFCC at our Hospital.

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Please tell us how you became a Patient Family Advisor (PFA) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and what you do in your role as a PFA.

My name is Abbey Hunter, I am a Master of Public Health student at Lakehead University and I have been a Patient Family Advisor (PFA) for over five years.

At 17 years old, I was sent by air ambulance to southern Ontario, and subsequently diagnosed with lupus. After this, I wrote a letter to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) about my health care experience and how I felt young people are often negatively perceived when seeking care for chronic disease in Northwestern Ontario. Following this, I volunteered as a PFA, joining multiple committees and bringing a younger voice to areas such as Paediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Telemedicine and Centre for Complex Diabetes Care (CCDC).

I have since become involved regionally and provincially as a PFA. In 2023, I became a part of the Patient Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) of the Noojmawing Sookatagaing (Healing Working Together) Ontario Health Team for Thunder Bay. I also was the co-coordinator for the first ever Walk for Lupus Thunder Bay. We raised over $21,000 to train another professional to support those living with rheumatic diseases in the North. Most recently, I was one of 13 people from Ontario appointed to the Ministry of Health’s PFAC. These opportunities have all stemmed from my beginnings as a PFA at TBRHSC.

There are a variety of opportunities available to me in my role as a PFA. The Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) team enables PFAs to choose projects that are important to them and suit their backgrounds and experiences.

A typical week as a PFA varies. As a PFA, I have participated in steering committees, Accreditation, I share my story with health care professionals, and collaborate with other PFAs. Most recently I have worked on the Insulin Pen Steering Committee with amazing individuals from the CCDC. Their work and passion for diabetes care in Northwestern Ontario is motivating and infectious. On this committee, I brought forward my perspective and supported with reviewing patient materials to this project.

The role of PFAs is important in keeping patients at the center of everything we do. Under Strategic Plan 2026, TBRHSC’s values are Diversity, Compassion, Excellence, Innovation, and Accountability. Through collaboration, all of these values can be upheld in our Hospital. As a young person who has now sat at tables with professionals, I have felt that with the inclusion of diverse patient voices, compassion can be reinforced in Hospital decision making. The true impact of PFAs can be seen through the whiteboards in patient rooms or the practice of NOD (name, occupation, duty). PFA-led initiatives have reinforced Patient & Family Centred Care Core Competencies such as Dignity & Respect for ALL patients when in Hospital, keeping patient family centred care at the forefront.

To learn more about becoming a PFA, please visit https://tbrhsc.net/join-our-team/become-patient-family-advisor/.

Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour,

As we approach the end of the calendar year, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts each of you has made during these challenging times. The past few weeks have seen record numbers of admissions and visits to our Emergency Department. Your unwavering dedication and teamwork have ensured that patient care needs are met, even under immense pressure. Thank you for your incredible work and commitment to the communities we serve across Northwestern Ontario.

I’d like to begin by highlighting for you a significant event held on November 14^th. We unveiled the Robinson Superior Treaty of 1850 plaque. Attended by many Chiefs and partner organizations, including Fort William First Nation Chief Solomon and Elder Sheila DeCorte, this ceremony marked a profound step in our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. This permanent plaque honours the ancestral lands of Fort William First Nation, the First Nation communities within this Treaty, and the surrounding Treaty areas we serve. It stands as a powerful symbol of our respect for Treaty relationships and our dedication to Call to Action #10 (vii). By acknowledging the history and ongoing presence of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, we are taking meaningful steps toward a more collaborative and inclusive future. You can find the plaque prominently displayed on the second level across from the gift shop. I encourage you all to reflect on its significance and our shared journey toward reconciliation.

Turning to our capacity challenges, as you know, October was a demanding month with high levels of admissions and increased acuity of patient care needs. Our teams continue to adapt and respond, revising practices to ensure timely care while keeping patient safety and quality at the forefront. Despite the pressures, we’ve seen improvements in key quality metrics: the Length of Stay at the 90th percentile improved from 47.4 to 45.5 days, and the Time to Inpatient Bed decreased from 38.1 to 36.5 hours compared to October last year.

To manage the influx of highly acute patients, we’ve implemented several initiatives:

• Realigning Bed Rounds to focus on discharge delays, with Allied Healthcare Managers present to expedite procedures or assessments that support timely discharges.
• Patient Flow Coordinators providing twice-daily reports to support patients exceeding their expected length of stay, assisting their journey to discharge.
• Enhancing repatriation processes with regional partners to ensure timely transfers back to patients’ home communities.
• Collaborating between Infection Prevention and Control and the Admitting Department to reduce unnecessary blocked beds and improve occupancy levels.

These collective efforts have contributed to better patient flow and reduced unnecessary prolonged stays. Serving a geographically vast area larger than France, our ability to adapt and support patients from outside Thunder Bay is crucial. By working closely with regional hospital partners, we’re making the transition back to home hospitals more efficient, benefiting both patient flow and patient well-being.

In November, we were pleased to host career and recruitment activities, including Take Our Kids to Work Day and the Indigenous Career Experience. High participation numbers indicate a renewed interest in healthcare professions — a positive sign as we work toward rebalancing healthcare resources post-COVID-19. Active recruitment efforts across specialized professions are yielding results, and we are committed to providing a warm and welcoming environment for anyone considering TBRHSC or TBRHRI as a place to work, grow, and thrive.

As we continue to work on staff experience I am pleased to report that the new third floor staff lounge will be officially opening on Monday, December 2, 2024. Thanks to the incredible support from our Staff Advisory Committee, Facilities and Planning, and efforts of so many individuals in making this all possible. We are working to secure ongoing financial support to ensure it can thrive and evolve other staff experience areas across the organization. I hope you will take the time to have a look and enjoy a well-deserved break in this newly renovated space that was designed with you in mind. 

Reflecting on the accomplishments of this past year, it is clear that our collective efforts are propelling us toward our vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time. While capacity challenges have tested our resilience, the proactive measures implemented by you and our teams reaffirm the impact of your work. We are committed to building upon our successes, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and continuously enhancing the quality of care we provide.

Together — with our dedicated staff, supportive partners, and the communities we serve — we will continue to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape. Our focus remains steadfast on innovation, collaboration, and compassion. As we enter the new year, my hope is that we can carry forward the momentum of our achievements, confident in our ability to overcome obstacles and inspired by the difference we make in the lives of others.

Again, thank you for your continued dedication and hard work.

As always, I welcome your feedback on these blogs or any other matter. You can contact me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I enjoy hearing from you.

Winter is about to get a whole lot warmer for Thunder Bay’s Robert Duncan! Today, Hospital Foundation CEO Glenn Craig called Duncan with some exciting news: “I’m having a great day, but I think you’re going to have a better day than I am because I have some terrific news to share with you – you’ve won our November 50/50 draw winning $1,464,202.” This win also makes Robert Duncan the 15th consecutive millionaire in the Thunder Bay 50/50.

“Wow, that’s going to make Christmas a lot better or life!” said Duncan when he received the news. “My wife is going to be ecstatic once she hears about this. We have two kids, four grandkids, and we’re going to Hawaii in February for three weeks. I was worried about how pricey Hawaii is, but now that’s all taken care of!

The Thunder Bay 50/50 is more than a lottery; it’s a crucial support system for health care in our region. Every ticket purchased helps fund vital equipment for our hospital, ensuring exceptional care when we need it most. So far, almost $50 million in prizes has been awarded across Ontario.

December Draw Now OpenTis the season for giving and winning big! December’s 50/50 is packed with the most value ever in a single month! Here’s what you can look forward to this month: 

1. $2.5 Million Guaranteed Grand Prize – the largest Grand Prize guarantee in history for any 50/50 draw!
2. $250,000 in Early Bird Prizes, including a $50,000 Holiday Bonus Draw on December 31!
3. Bonus Numbers across all ticket packages including a $250 December only Special Holiday Ticket Package with 2,000 chances to win!
4. Extended Five-Week Draw – December’s 50/50 Grand Prize Draw will take place on January 3rd!
5. $105,000 in total Early Bird Prizes available in just the first week!

** Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 to be eligible for the Grand Prize draw on Friday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. 

Questions about the draw can be sent to info@thunderbay5050.ca. Ticket purchasers must be present in Ontario to purchase and 18 years old or older.

The Thunder Bay 50/50 continues each month with the Grand Prize drawn on the last Friday of the month. (2024 Lottery Licence RAF1413948)

As part of our commitment to keeping staff engaged and informed on our Strategic Plan 2026, Strategy and Performance is sharing updates in alignment with the identified priorities: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Patient Experience, Staff Experience and Research, Innovation, & Learning.

The November 27, Operational Updates and Strategic Planning Meeting featured an update on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Cultural Safety Training presented by Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion.

Visit the Strategic Plan 2026 page on the Hospital’s corporate intranet, where these presentations, along with other resources can be found.

Shared on behalf of the Fall Prevention Committee

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Please post the attached memo and poster in your department to highlight November Fall Prevention Month.

As you may be aware, November is nationally recognized as Falls Prevention Month. However, for Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, falls prevention is a priority all year long. We have an interprofessional Falls Prevention Committee which relaunched in September 2023, and consists of over 15 members representing Diagnostic Imaging, Interprofessional Education, Medical Inpatient Leadership, Nursing Practice, Occupational Therapy, Patient and Family Centred Care (including Patient Family Advisor), Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Quality and Risk Management, Strategy and Performance, and Transitional Care Unit Leadership.

The purpose of this committee is to identify activities that will support the reduction of falls and reduce the risk of patient injuries from falls in the Hospital setting. Over the past year, this team has been working hard on a number of initiatives not only aimed at reducing falls, but also highlighting that we all have a role to play (whether you are clinical, non-clinical, inpatient or outpatient) – including:

• Implementing non-slip socks (across inpatient and outpatient areas)
• Conducting fall risk simulations (with Dietary Aids and Housekeeping)
• Completing various audits to identify opportunities for improvement (meal tray delivery, time of falls, etc.)
• Updating the bedside communication whiteboards (embedded falling star symbol to identify high fall risk patients)
• Rolling out a campaign focused on overbed tables being cleared and placed within reach prior to meals (“When meals are on the way, make room for the tray – everyone has a role to play”)
• Developing a standardized post-fall checklist

Stay tuned for an update on the above initiatives at the next All Staff Town Hall on Wednesday, December 18th!

For more information/tools/resources related to Falls Prevention Month (1) and our Falls Prevention Committee (2), please visit:

• https://www.fallpreventionmonth.ca 
• Intranet > Committees > Falls Prevention Committee

We’re celebrating 20 years of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Throughout the year, we’ll be taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of our most significant milestones.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, community members and partners in health who have played a vital role in building exceptional healthcare for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario.

This week, we’re remembering 📅 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 (📸)

1) TBRHSC adopted a self-identification process to better serve Indigenous patients.

2) TBRHSC announced the expansion of Spinal Surgery Program to benefit patients and families in Northwestern Ontario.

3) TBRHSC became the first Hospital in Northwestern Ontario to offer SeamlessMD, a new digital patient engagement tool for patients undergoing surgery.

Visit www.tbrhsc.net/20years for more milestones.

Health Sciences Foundation Unveils Historic December Draw

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This December, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is set to launch its largest-ever guaranteed 50/50 Grand Prize of $2.5 million, making it the biggest guaranteed 50/50 prize in Canadian history. Glenn Craig, Hospital Foundation CEO, shared the exciting announcement at today’s launch event at the Thunder Bay 50/50 Store in Intercity Shopping Centre.

“Last year, the guaranteed Grand Prize was $2 million,” Craig said. “This year, we’re raising the stakes even further, offering a $2.5 million minimum guarantee and more than doubling the Early Bird prizes. We’re also introducing a host of exciting new elements that will make this month-long experience unlike anything our buyers have seen before.”

• This month’s guaranteed prize of $2.5 million is the largest 50/50 draw guarantee.
• There are $250,000 in Early Bird prizes, including a $50,000 Holiday Bonus Draw on December 31st.
• Bonus Numbers have been added across the board, to every ticket package. In addition, and back by popular demand, is the fan-favourite December only Special Holiday Ticket Package; featuring 1500 chances to win PLUS an additional 500 bonus numbers.
• The December 50/50 will be five weeks long, with the Grand Prize draw taking place on January 3rd, 2025.
• Every ticket sold at the Thunder Bay 50/50 store inside the Intercity Shopping Centre will come complete with a Holiday Gift Package! This includes a Christmas card, draw calendar and red envelope.

The December 50/50 draw is based entirely on feedback received from Thunder Bay 50/50 supporters throughout 2024. Proceeds from this month’s draw will support vital equipment purchases at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre including the Hospital’s Emergency Department. 

“Thanks to a portion of the proceeds from the past two December 50/50 draws, we are now closer than ever to seeing renovations begin to the triage area of our Emergency Department,” says Kyle Lansdell, Chief of Emergency and Trauma Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “I’m happy to share that construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2025. This project will greatly improve patient care, flow, and the overall experience for everyone who walks through our doors.

”Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, adds, “While we’re excited to see this project move forward, it’s just the beginning. No matter who the lucky winner of the $2.5 million (or more) may be, we’ll all be unwrapping better healthcare this holiday season.

”The December 50/50 Draw Opens Friday, November 29th at 11:30AM! Tickets will be available online or in-person at the Thunder Bay 50/50 Store inside Intercity Shopping Centre. People can buy for themselves or give as gifts! Ticket packages are as follows:

• $10 for 5 numbers + 5 BONUS numbers = 10 numbers total
• $20 for 30 numbers + 20 BONUS numbers = 50 numbers total
• $50 for 150 numbers + BONUS 50 numbers = 200 numbers total
• $100 for 500 numbers + BONUS 200 numbers = 700 numbers total
• $250 December only Special Holiday Ticket Package for 1500 numbers + BONUS 500 numbers = 2,000 numbers total (Best Value)

** Ticket purchasers must be present in Ontario to purchase and 18 years of age or older. Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025 to be eligible for the Grand Prize Draw on Friday, January 3rd, at 11:00 a.m.

It’s one of the busiest areas of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. But even though it’s key to patient care, patients never even see it…

Laboratory Services takes up a large area directly below the Emergency Department and beside Labour & Delivery. About 180 medical lab professionals work 24/7, 365 days a year performing over 2.5 million diagnostic tests annually.

The Hospital’s lab is absolutely vital for patient diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Without these advanced lab tests, modern medicine as we know it simply couldn’t exist.

“Our highly trained medical lab professionals touch patients’ lives every day – including weekends and holidays,” said Georgia Carr, Manager of Laboratory Services. “Close to 70 per cent of all clinical treatment decisions are based on laboratory test results.”

Those tests include:

• Pathology – testing tissues for diseases such as cancer
• Microbiology – growing organisms such as bacteria from patient samples to diagnose infections
• Biochemistry – determining levels of various chemicals in the body including blood sugar, vitamins, hormones, electrolytes, and drugs/alcohol
• Transfusion Medicine – storing and testing blood products
• Haematology – testing for blood diseases and disorders such as lymphoma, leukemia, anaemia, and bleeding disorders

“Quality and accuracy are paramount – there isn’t any room for error,” Carr said. “We need to keep up to date with technological advancements to ensure the highest quality tests, and bring new tests to Thunder Bay when they become available.”

Community support from generous donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation ensures the Hospital lab can keep up with these advancements.

Dr. Joseph Del Paggio, Chief of Oncology at the Hospital and co-organizer of the Dancing with the Docs fundraiser with his sister Patricia, said that funds from this year’s event will support Laboratory Services.

“Patients and physicians are indebted to the unsung heroes of the Laboratory Services,” Dr. Del Paggio said, adding that cancer care can’t happen without cancer tests. “Our laboratory works tirelessly in order for our oncologists to accurately diagnose and stage cancers, personalize safe and effective treatment options, and monitor patients during treatment with blood work and other tests.”

That new and upgraded lab equipment includes: a spectrophotometer to determine chemicals in a sample, an electrophoresis to separate proteins in blood, freezers and a fridge to keep samples at appropriate temperatures, a centrifuge to spin blood, a cell washer to prepare blood for analysis, a microtome to cut extremely thin tissue samples for microscope analysis, and a new microscope for examining cell/tissue samples.

If that list of items means nothing to you, don’t worry – you’re not alone! It speaks to how complex lab services really are. The bottom line is that this indispensible equipment provides high-quality, advanced lab tests for Hospital patients every day.

You can help support lab equipment purchases that are so important to patient care. Donate online, or visit or call the Health Sciences Foundation Donation Centre at 807-345-4673 and ask to direct your donation to Laboratory Services. Your gift today will have an impact on literally millions of tests every year!