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 📅 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟭 (📸)
1) The new Angioplasty Short-Stay Care Area opened.
2) TBRHSC was recognized for Leading Practice in Patient and Family Centred Care.
3) The Centre for Complex Diabetes Care opened to provide specialized diabetes management and treatment.
4) Hundreds of community members helped create the TBRHSC Strategic Plan, launched in 2011.
Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, Vice President, Patient Experience & Chief Nursing Executive & Regional Vice President, Regional Cancer Care; and, Peter Myllymaa, Vice President, Operations, Clinical & Support Services & Chief Financial Officer
UKG Pro Workforce Management has been live since March 25, 2024. Since that time, leaders and timekeepers have been tirelessly maintaining schedules in both UKG and our legacy scheduling system, StaffRight, while we transition between systems.
We are pleased to announce that the final transition to UKG will take place the pay period beginning May 6, 2024. From this day forward staff will use UKG Pro Workforce Management exclusively for all scheduling and timekeeping functions. To support this final transition you can help by reviewing your timecards daily and communicating any issues or exceptions to your leader as they happen.
We are proud of everyone who has helped our transition to UKG Pro Workforce Management be such a success! We know that the transition has not been without some minor challenges but thanks to you and our dedicated team of support people we have successfully met those challenges.
Thank you for making this such a great place to work. We depend on each other every day and it’s nice to know we can continue to depend on each other even as we make changes to how we do our work.
Take a moment in your day and publicly acknowledge someone who has helped you navigate this change. Let that person know you appreciate their help. We are in this together and everyone deserves recognition for the part they have played in this success.
Shared on behalf of Aaron Bruno, Project Planner, Capital & Program Development
We are pleased to inform you that the construction of the new doors within the 2nd level ‘A’ service corridor has been successfully completed.
Kindly note that these doors will remain locked at all times, restricting public access. Staff members can unlock the doors using their hospital badges, followed by the touchless hand swipe to automatically open the doors if necessary.
For patients and visitors accessing departments other than Renal, or trying to exit the Hospital through this corridor, signage will direct them to use the main entrance.
We appreciate your cooperation and patience throughout the construction period.
The biography of Anishinaabe trans Knowledge Keeper, Mona Hardy, Lost Between The Cracks is the tale of resilience, determination, and the space between two cultures. Follow Mona from her childhood to the end of her life, from the remote forests of Northern Ontario to the big city and back, in this rich tale of adventure, love, advocacy, and more.
As a long-serving volunteer, Mona dedicated over 10 years of her life to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF). Her exemplary dedication displayed the essential role volunteers fulfill to help ensure patients have the best experience possible. Mona advocated for a strengthened relationship between patients and professional staff by providing input on policies and processes.
Lost Between The Cracks is a true story, told through Mona’s memories and stories. It will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you look for the people in your life who have been lost between the cracks, in between cultures, who just need a lucky break or a helping hand.
For more information on Lost Between the Cracks click here!
Shared on behalf of Wayne Taylor Director, Cardiovascular, Medicine & Renal Program
I am pleased to announce that Matthew Shonosky has accepted the position of Manager, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Pacemaker Clinic & Visiting Specialty Clinics.
Matthew brings over a decade of experience in cardiovascular care and has been the Manager of 2C Cardiovascular and Regional Stroke Unit, Outpatient Vascular Services since 2020. Matthew will begin transitioning into his new role effective Monday, May 20, 2024.
Matthew has worked at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre since 2011. He started at the hospital as a registered nurse on 2C before transitioning to the roles of Utilization Coordinator for 2C and the Transitional Care Unit (TCU), as well as acting Manager for the TCU. From there he took on the role of Manager of 2A Medicine, the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) and Telemedicine before finally taking on his current leadership role as Manager of 2C in 2020.
Over the years, Matt has successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure positive results that have improved staff satisfaction and ensured high quality care for our patients and their families. In this new position, Matt’s continued focus on accountability and commitment to quality will be a valuable asset to the teams he supports while staying true to our vision, mission and values.
Efforts are now underway for the recruitment of a successful replacement for Matt in his current role.
Please join us in welcoming Matthew to his new position.
Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, VP Patient Experience, Chief Nursing Executive and RVP, Regional Cancer Centre
With Laura Lee Barrie’s impending Winter 2025 retirement, I am pleased to announce the appointment of John Ross as the Director, Surgical & Ambulatory Services, beginning in 2025.
Reporting to myself, John will be responsible for optimal patient care and the delivery of high quality service within the Surgical & Ambulatory Services portfolio.
In his role John will work to advance Strategic Plan 2026 priorities, including Seamless Transitions and Evolution of PFCC, while managing a busy and complex portfolio.
John is well known to the staff and professional staff at TBRHSC as the current Director, Patient Flow & Partnerships, a role he has held since 2018. In 2020, John was appointed the Planning Head on the hospitals COVID-19 Incident Management Team and later led the IPAC and Situation Unit. In John’s current role, he has implemented multiple initiatives to improve patient flow and help patients receive the right care, at the right time.
Within our institution prior to his role as Director, Patient Flow & Partnerships, John started as an RN in the Emergency Department (ED) and then advanced through various leadership roles such as the ED Charge Nurse, ED Quality Nursing Clinical Coordinator, Corporate Patient Flow Manager and ED Manager.
Please join me in congratulating John and wishing him well in this new role.
There is not a day that goes by without our physicians going above and beyond to care for our patients and build a healthier community. In recognition of their commitment to patients and the entire health care system, National Physicians Day is celebrated on May 1st. This designated day for physicians provides an opportunity to recognize the dedicated and compassionate care that physicians provide.
This year on National Physicians’ Day, we reflect on the work and sacrifices made by physicians and express our most sincere appreciation for the care they provide in normal and in extraordinary times. Our physicians demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism and endless compassion towards others every day. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to care, and your practice. Thank you for saving lives in our community and region; you are truly making a difference every day. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre would like to sincerely thank every physician for all that they do and for helping us provide exceptional care for every patient, every time.
April has been a busy month for all of us, and I’m thrilled to share some key updates with you.
Following the recent Town Hall and the Ontario Budget announcement in late March, we are optimistic about potential boosts to our financial situation. These enhancements could significantly support our capital projects, which are crucial for advancing our care and attracting top talent to our Hospital and Health Research Institute. We’re actively engaging with Ministry officials visiting our facilities to discuss our unique community needs. Stay tuned for more developments.
During National Volunteer Week (April 14-20), I had the opportunity to shadow two of our dedicated volunteers at the Cancer Centre. This experience brought a refreshing perspective to the administrative side of my duties and reinforced the critical role of our volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who brightens our patients’ days.
Staff Experience is important to Patient Experience, and both are pillars of our Strategic Plan 2026. I want you to know that when you provide feedback related to your work at our Hospital or Health Research Institute, we are listening. In response to your feedback and engagement surveys as well as our work with the Staff Advisory Committee, I would like to inform you about the organizational level actions that we have been working on to improve your work experience:
Food Services: We’ve broadened food options and extended service hours. Notable changes include extended cafeteria hours for hot meals and salads, Robin’s shifting to 24 hours service and starting May 2024, Robin’s will offer “Grab & Go” options to their 24 hour service. We anticipate positive feedback regarding these changes — please feel free to let us know.
Staff Spaces: Following an audit and survey of our break spaces through our Staff Advisory Committee, we’re standardizing and enhancing these areas. Expect upgraded amenities like kitchen equipment across all breakrooms, maintained as per new policy standards. Additionally, a new / enhanced staff break space will be developed on the 3rd floor by the Sim Lab, with renderings coming soon! Expect this to be completed this fall.
Staffing Enhancements: In response to increased bed capacity, we are boosting our nurse and support staff numbers. This enhancement will improve patient experience and provide better outcomes for both patients and staff. We are also launching new recruitment initiatives for positions where resources can be more difficult to find, like those in our labs and pharmacy.
So, again, please know that we’re listening. Your feedback is invaluable. Keep sharing your thoughts through the Staff Advisory Committee email or directly with your manager.
Finally, I would like to follow up on some comments and questions regarding our in-house security protocols. After seeing a reduction in violent incidents in the Emergency Department this past year we have extended the Thunder Bay Police Service paid duty contract. We know one case of violence is too many and this is why we need to continue to ensure heightened security during peak times. At the same time, we are exploring other opportunities and partnerships to create a more diverse and sustainable model for long term safety solutions both within the Emergency Department and the broader Hospital environment. Thank you for your efforts to support this work. We will keep you updated as to our progress.
As always, I’m open to your thoughts on this blog or any other topic. Contact me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your continuous dedication and hard work.
