Anne Purves, Manager 3B Surgery, saw that the unit staff were burnt out and wanted to create a change. There were many factors contributing to burnout, such as fatigue, anxiety, stress, time constraints, lack of nutrition, and the inability to take breaks.

Anne knew the unit needed a cultural change to help improve the team’s morale, which led to the creation of the 3B Wellness Challenge.

The 3B Wellness Challenge promotes overall wellness for the employees and accommodates the unique lifestyle that comes with working shifts. The initiative provides supportive measures and resources tailored to manage the health needs of the staff.

Throughout October, all staff on 3B will have an opportunity to take part in a Wellness Challenge focused on mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. All quality huddles will include presentations from various disciplines providing support to staff. The Wellness Challenge consists of forty tasks to be completed throughout the month, each focusing on a different aspect of wellness, such as random acts of kindness, self-reflection, peer recognition, physical activities, and one-on-one meetings. To get staff excited about the initiative, Anne approached local businesses for donations to provide incentives for staff participating in the challenge. She also plans to complete the Workplace Wellness Champion series (through the Thunder Bay District Health Unit) to become a Wellness Advocate at our Hospital.

The unit received support from other Hospital departments, including PFCC, Occupational Health and Safety, and the Wellness Committee. The success of this Wellness Challenge will be measured by various metrics such as reduced overtime taken for missed breaks, optimized staffing levels, improved staff satisfaction, reduced sick time, and improved patient satisfaction. The results will be used to improve wellness throughout the organization in collaboration with the Wellness Committee.

Thank you, Anne, for your dedication to wellness!

As the weather begins to cool and a new season makes way for sweaters and warmer attire, our minds start to envision dreams of travelling to far away, exotic, and desired travel locations.

Well, this year the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is going to fulfill those dreams with a new and exciting event to support the Northern Cardiac Fund.

The Resolute Hearts Around the World Charity Auction will take place at McGillivray’s Landing at Fort William Historical Park on Saturday November 2, 2024.

This event promises to be a unique experience for all attendees, featuring a symposium and five-course meal representing cuisine from different countries, each paired with a specially selected beverage. A live auction will be held during each course, offering a vacation to the featured country, which includes accommodations and gift cards to apply toward flight expenses to the successful bidder.

Imagine yourself in a cozy condo in Costa Rica, a two-storey penthouse overlooking the ocean in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, or enjoying a scenic ride up the majestic mountains leading you to your spa accommodations in Switzerland. Picture taking a cruise of your choice-be it a river cruise, Mediterranean adventure or Caribbean escape, staying at a fabulous historic hotel in Panama or immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany. The options are incredible, with all accommodations generously donated by the Foundation’s amazing and loyal supporters.

If you’re not the successful bidder, no worries! You can still participate in a silent auction featuring some great mini and weekend experiences, as well as a travel Blitz to destinations your heart desires, wherever Porter flies.

The beautiful setting in Fort William Historical Park, McGillivray’s Landing will offer seating for 8, 10 and King Tables of 12 – perfect for gathering with friends or for several couples looking to enjoy the evening together.

This event will be a relaxing, fun experience, with dinner music provided by Mood Indigo, food created and executed by Franco Masdea from Tomlin @ The Chanterelle on Park, and wine pairings by local sommelier Cale Graydon. What an opportunity to get together with family and friends for this one-of-a-kind event supporting our new Cardiac Unit!

For tickets, please visit: www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/world

No one is ever prepared for the phone call – the one from the nurse telling you that they found something abnormal on your scan and they need to see you for more tests. The automatic response is to worry. It could be nothing, or it may change your life. For Cheryl, when she received the phone call after her routine breast screening mammogram, it started a journey. One that she has faced with plenty of courage and positivity.

As part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program, Cheryl went for a routine mammogram in August 2023. Shortly after, she got the call saying that she needed some follow up testing. They had found a lump in her right breast and after a series of other tests; Cheryl was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Treatment for Cheryl meant a combination of surgery and radiation and eventually hormone therapy. She credits her positive experience to her heath care teams at NorWest Community Health Centres and the Cancer Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. They were able to keep her informed and keep the process from diagnosis to treatment moving smoothly.

“Overall, I’ve had a good experience – my cancer was caught early and I had no side effects from treatment,” Cheryl shares. “It was an easy answer when I was asked about participating in a clinical trial. If I’m able to help someone after me, I’ll do it.”

Based on her type of breast cancer, her oncologist introduced a clinical trial where patients are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. Each group receives hormone therapy on a different schedule. Hormone therapy is a common treatment for breast cancers that are hormone-dependent. As part of the clinical trial, Cheryl will be on hormone therapy and followed by the research team for five years. In addition, she will continue to be monitored by her cancer team.

Through her journey, Cheryl has been determined to make the best of her situation. She is no stranger to cancer after losing several family members to the disease and knows that a positive attitude makes all the difference.

“My advice to anyone who has recently been diagnosed would be to carry on with life, do what you love and think positively,” Cheryl encourages. “Life throws you curve balls, and you just keep swinging.”

Cheryl continues to stay active and do the things she loves like travelling and spending time at KOA Campgrounds. After taking a season off, she is looking forward to going back to playing slow pitch next year.

“The ongoing support I’ve received from my best friend, family and KOA family during this journey is deeply appreciated,” Cheryl concludes.

To learn more about clinical research happening at our hospital talk to your cancer care team or visit https://tbrhsc.net/clinicaltrials.

The Hospital is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in the building including staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers, patients, and visitors in the event of fire or potential fire in the Hospital building.

To provide instructions to staff in the event of a fire alarm, smoke, or fire, the Hospital maintains our Code Red – Fire (EMER-30) policy to safeguard lives and reduce property damage.

The Hospital also has a Code Red Response Team, which refers to a team of designated staff who have specific responsibilities during a Code Red. The team consists of:

1. Security (24/7).
2. Building System Operator (24/7).
3. Code Red Supervisor on Duty (24/7).
4. Assigned Maintenance supervision staff (as assigned) (weekdays 0800-1600).
5. Incident Manager (Senior Leader on Call or designate) (24/7).

REACT is the acronym used to help people remember what to do when a fire or potential fire is discovered or a fire alarm is activated.

It is important that there be no time lapse between the steps outlined in REACT. If more than one person is available, these actions should be done concurrently.

R – Remove persons in immediate danger.

E – Ensure doors are closed to confine smoke or fire.

A – Activate the fire alarm by pulling the nearest pull station.

C – Call Switchboard at Ext 55 to report the location of the fire; identifying the department and room number.

T – Try to extinguish the fire if trained to do so or continue to evacuate.

As per the Ontario Fire Code, the Hospital conducts monthly Code Red fire drills, with a minimum of one drill per shift per year, including an annual Minimum Staffing Drill.

Did you know?

• The Hospital has more than 70 Code Red Sub Plans?
• We have a specific response plan for helicopter related emergencies? See EMER-180

Reminder: Don’t use the elevators until the all clear is announced!

Have questions or feedback? Contact Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness at ext 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net.

October is Occupational Therapy Month in Canada. Occupational Therapy is a health profession that empowers people of all ages to overcome barriers in their everyday lives so they can do more and live better.

Occupational Therapists (OTs) provide personalized solutions to help people of all ages and abilities recover from an injury or illness, participate in day-to-day activities, and experience life to the fullest. By working with patients, their family members, and health care teams, OTs identify and address any barriers the patient may have with everyday activities. Together, the patient and their OT find solutions that will enable the patient to maintain function, regain skills, develop new skills, and much more.

Take the time this month to express gratitude to all the amazing Occupational Therapists at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group for their contributions to patient care.

To learn more about Occupational Therapy, visit the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists website at https://www.caot.ca.

To reach an OT at TBRHSC, call ext. 6271.

Employees with children in grade nine are invited to enroll them in Take Our Kids to Work Day, taking place on Wednesday November 6, 2024.

The enrollment period will close October 25, 2024. There are a limited number of spots available with a maximum of 40, and spots will be filled on a first-come basis.

For more information or to submit your enrollment forms (attached below), contact Sara Cicchitano, Human Resources Advisor, at Sara.Cicchitano@tbh.net or 807-684-6529.

Registration deadline October 25, 2024

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month kicks off, Stieh and Owen Racing are proud to announce the successful conclusion of their recent sticker fundraiser, which raised a total of $1,085.00 for breast cancer awareness and research. This initiative took place in the lead-up to the Topless Nationals in Ogilville, MN, scheduled for October 17th and 18th, where both teams will participate in the festivities.

Motivated by loved ones affected by the disease, Kat Stieh (#25 street stock) and Selena Owen (#34 hornet) were driven to take action within their racing community. Throughout the summer, they initiated the fundraising efforts during various race nights, encouraging dirt track enthusiasts to contribute. For a $5 donation, supporters received a limited-edition sticker featuring the phrase “all guts, no nuts, all chesticals” and were entered into a draw for a chance to win a special basket of items. 

“Dirt track fans and racers are incredibly generous,” said Kat Stieh. “We are grateful for everyone who participated and helped us raise awareness for such an important cause.” The racing community has long been known for its tight-knit, supportive nature, and this fundraiser was no exception. With the fundraiser concluding just as breast cancer awareness month began, the timing of the event only heightened the sense of urgency and importance surrounding the cause.

 The funds raised will go directly to the Northern Cancer Fund for Breast Cancer. Making a meaningful impact in the fight against the disease. Both Kat Stieh and Selena Owen extend their heartfelt thanks to their supporters and look forward to making a difference as they head into Topless Nationals.

The Substance Use and Addictions Project invites you and three family or friends to join us for a free screening of A Sobering Story at SilverCity Cinema on Thursday, November 7.

A Sobering Story highlights substance use and addictions within Thunder Bay, in effort to reduce and eliminate stigma. This is done through content sharing from those with expert insights and through personal stories from those with lived and living experience. All powerful messaging unveils the challenges with local resources, while advocating for change.

Register today through the link below or by scanning the QR code on the poster: https://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/sobering

Shared on behalf of Andrea Raynak, Director, Nursing Practice

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I would first like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Shelley Tees for her years of incredible dedication and tireless work as the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Wound Care. Her unwavering commitment brought healing and comfort to countless patients, and she was instrumental in shaping the vision of wound care and driving the team forward. Shelley’s contributions have left a lasting impact, and we wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement filled with relaxation, adventure, and all the happiness she so greatly deserves.

I am also pleased to announce that Emily Behse has accepted the position of CNS, Wound Care. A graduate of Lakehead University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Emily has dedicated her career to the wound care specialty, where she has excelled. Her exceptional clinical knowledge, adaptability, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills have set her apart. Emily further advanced her expertise by obtaining a Master of Clinical Science in Wound Healing from Western University, equipping her with strong leadership skills, advanced clinical knowledge, and specialized expertise to enhance patient care, shape organizational policies, and translate research into practice.

Emily has been serving as the CNS in Wound Care on a temporary basis, where she has effectively operated within the six core competencies of a CNS. During this time, she has demonstrated a deep understanding of advanced practice nursing within our organization and shown strong leadership in driving positive change to advance the nursing profession as a whole.

When not at work, she enjoys drawing, exercising and spending time with her dog and cats.

Emily begins her role on October 14, 2024. Please join me in welcoming her to the role.

Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual, national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. At the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the Mental Health Awareness Committee was formed with this goal in mind: to raise awareness of mental illness, mental health, substance use and addictions, with the goal of breaking down stigma.

Please join the Mental Health Awareness Committee at any or all events listed throughout the week. Everyone is welcome; no registration is required.