Read about the incredible collaborations and opportunities to build the future of research in our Health Research Institute, Hospital, and region in the 2024-2025 TBRHRI Annual Report.

Read about our Hospital’s accomplishments during the past year in the 2024-2025 TBRHSC Annual Report.

(Via the Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan and Confederation College)

Ontario is supporting access to health care in northern and rural Ontario by investing nearly $1,228,440 to expand the capacity for nursing programs at Confederation College in Thunder Bay.

“This investment is truly needed in our region. The addition of 50 seats to Confederation College’s Practical Nursing program will help train and graduate more nurses right here in the North,” said The Honourable Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “This will directly support our local health care organizations that are facing staffing shortages. As health care needs continue to grow, increasing the number of trained professionals will help reduce staff burnout and improve the overall quality of care in our communities.”

This funding will help increase enrolment and create new clinical placement opportunities by adding 50 new nursing seats at Confederation College.

“By investing in education and training for nurses, our government is protecting Ontario and building on our progress to grow our nursing workforce for years to come,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This investment will help ensure families can connect to the care they need no matter where they live, while also supporting the next generation of health-care professionals.”

“Expanding our Practical Nursing program with funded, and fast-track seats is a critical step in addressing the healthcare human resource needs across northwestern Ontario,” said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. “This investment allows more students to receive high-quality, hands-on training close to home, while also ensuring our communities benefit from a growing pool of skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals ready to serve in a faster time frame, thanks to the condensed program structure.”

Through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government continues to take bold and decisive action to grow the province’s highly skilled health care workforce and ensure people and their families have access to high-quality care closer to home for generations to come.

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“This investment in nursing education at Confederation College is both timely and essential, responding to immediate need for a highly-skilled nursing workforce to meet the rich and diverse needs of Thunder Bay and region. We are proud to be a longstanding partner in providing meaningful placement experiences that translate to rewarding careers for nurses.” – Janine Black, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group

“Today’s announcement to add training spaces at Confederation College is a huge boost to our region. As health care needs continue to evolve and grow, investments to enhance the workforce will better equip our system to work collaboratively to address the needs of patients across all levels of care.” – Dr. Rhonda Crocker-Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

“The announcement of the additional 50 seats in the Registered Practical Nurse program at Confederation College marks a pivotal step forward in addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in our long-term care facilities. This initiative not only reflects our shared commitment to improving the quality of care for our seniors but also highlights the importance of investing in our workforce, ensuring that we have the qualified individuals necessary to meet the demands of our aging population.

MPP Holland, your advocacy for long-term care has not gone unnoticed. Your tireless efforts and commitment to this sector have made a tangible difference in the lives of many Ontarians. By championing this program, you are helping to equip our future healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge they need to deliver compassionate and high-quality care.” – William Kunka, Regional Director at Southbridge Care

QUICK FACTS

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• The government is investing $56.8 million over the next three years to support an enrolment increase of nursing spaces at publicly assisted colleges and universities by over 2,200 registered and registered practical nurses and nurse practitioners. In addition, this funding will support continued investments in innovative, flexible, online nursing pathways.

• Since 2018, Ontario has seen a record-breaking number of new health care professionals join the workforce, adding nearly 100,000 new nurses with another 30,000 nurses currently studying at Ontario colleges and universities.

• On December 4, 2023, the Nursing Act, 1991 was amended to allow RNs in Ontario to prescribe specific medications and to communicate a diagnosis for the purpose of prescribing.

• Since expanding the role of registered nurses to prescribe medications, 671 registered nurses have completed the training and are authorized to prescribe.

• Ontario is investing $743 million over three years to continue to address immediate health care staffing needs, as well as to grow the workforce for years to come.

(Via TBNewswatch.com / TBT News)

Shared on behalf of Leona Kakepetum Director Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion

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We are pleased to announce that Annette Klement’s role has officially evolved from Cultural Safety Educator to Traditional Wellness Coordinator. In her expanded position, she will continue to perform her previous responsibilities, including developing and delivering cultural safety education and supporting Indigenous Spiritual Care. Additionally, she will now also respond directly to patient Traditional Spiritual Care requests, ensuring holistic and culturally appropriate support.

Annette will report to the Director, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion. In this capacity, she will work collaboratively with all departments to promote culturally safe care, improve health delivery, and advance equity outcomes for Indigenous Peoples across the organization.

She is located in the Spiritual Care offices on Level 2, Room 2011. You can reach her via email at Annette.Klement@tbh.net, by phone at 807-684-6937, or through patient referrals in Meditech for spiritual care.

Due to the Cultural Safety Educator funding opportunity coming to an end, the email “TBRHSC.CulturalSafetyEducator@tbh.net” email will no longer be monitored after a short turnover period.

Please join us in congratulating Annette on this exciting advancement. We look forward to her continued contributions in fostering respectful, culturally safe, and holistic care for Indigenous patients, families, and communities.

The Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) held its annual awards reception in Toronto on May 23, 2025.These awards celebrate the best in medical radiation sciences, and the OAMRS Awards give professional and prestigious recognition to MRTs and DMSs who deliver exceptional healthcare. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) had multiple award recipients:

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Kasey Etreni – 90th Anniversary Diamond Award

Kasey Etreni, a seasoned Radiation Therapist with over 35 years of dedicated service at TBRHSC, is the recipient of the prestigious OAMRS 90th Anniversary Diamond Award. Throughout her career, Kasey has consistently demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, and advocacy. As a Charge Therapist, she was instrumental in implementing streamlined workflows and patient-centered protocols that continue to benefit her department today. Her calm demeanor, strong mentorship, and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted leader among peers and a role model for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Beyond the walls of the Hospital, Kasey’s impact is just as profound. She has served on numerous boards and committees, helping to shape healthcare policies at both the regional and provincial levels. Now an elected Thunder Bay City Councilor, Kasey continues to advocate for public health, healthcare access, and social equity. Her volunteer efforts with organizations like Camp Quality and local youth hockey teams further demonstrate her unwavering commitment to community service. Kasey’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and meaningful change both in healthcare and in the community she proudly serves.

Alexa Chesky – Recent Graduate Award

Alexa Chesky, a recent graduate working at TBRHSC, has already made a meaningful impact in her department. Known for her positivity and adaptability, she not only supports her team by taking on extra shifts but also acts as a knowledgeable preceptor for new students. Her contributions extend beyond the clinical needs, she has helped streamline communication across multidisciplinary teams, improving patient care delivery and departmental efficiency.

Recently trained as an Interventional Radiology technologist, Alexa quickly became an integral asset to the IR team. Her commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and patient care excellence highlights her outstanding promise as a rising professional in the field of medical radiation sciences.

Michelle Opaski – Practitioner of the Year Award

Michelle Opaski, a dedicated Mammography Technologist with 19 years of service at TBRHSC, has been awarded the OAMRS Practitioner of the Year for her exceptional clinical skills, patient-centered care, and commitment to advancing diagnostic imaging services. Michelle is known for her calm, empathetic presence, creating a safe and reassuring environment for patients—many of whom are undergoing stressful procedures like breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Her consistent professionalism and compassion have made her a valued colleague and a trusted caregiver to patients.

One of Michelle’s most impactful roles is her involvement with the Screen for Life Coach program, a mobile cancer screening unit that travels to rural and remote Indigenous communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. Through this work, she helps break down barriers to healthcare access, ensuring vital screenings reach underserved populations. Michelle is also a dedicated mentor, taking the time to train and support new technologists while promoting continuous learning within her team. Her tireless advocacy for equitable care and early detection is saving lives and setting a powerful example of how one healthcare professional can make a lasting difference in both the system and the communities it serves.

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To learn more and to see other award winners, click here.

The 2025-2026 schedule is now live! To register for a session, click HERE.

We are pleased to invite all staff to take part in our new cultural safety training session titled, “Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education Primer”. 

The session will introduce participants to an insightful way of thinking about truth and reconciliation. It will be a reflective pathway for cross-cultural discussion and an entry point to create the necessary change for awareness and inclusiveness within Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Participants will be introduced to concepts such as colonization, race and racism, common stereotypes, and how these contribute to health inequities for Indigenous Peoples within the current healthcare system.

This is a free training session, there is no cost to attend. The session is 3 hours long and takes place in-person. We encourage all staff (including students, residents, volunteers, and PFAs) to participate and look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions, please contact: Annette Klement, Cultural Safety Educator at extension 6937 or TBRHSC.CulturalSafetyEducator@tbh.net.

Sign up today!

Shared on behalf of Jessica Logozzo, Vice President Strategy and Regional Transformation

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After over 25 years of dedicated service to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, it is with immense gratitude and well wishes that I announce the retirement of Michael Del Nin.

Mike has been an integral part of our organization since 2004, where he began as the Manager of Decision Support. In this role, Mike was pivotal in shaping data-informed strategies that guided the decisions of the organization, and notably numerous projects within the Cancer Centre. Mike progressed into the role of Director of Decision Support and then took on Strategy, which culminated in his current role as Director of Strategy and Performance. Mike’s growing responsibility is a testament to the value he has brought to the organization and his strategic insights and acumen. Mike has supported countless corporate initiatives over the years, and has an irreplaceable corporate knowledge bank that is called upon regularly by peers. More recently, Mike has been integral to the creation, implementation and ongoing guidance of Strategic Plan 2026, our inaugural joint Strategic Plan between TBRHSC and TBRHRI. His ability to bring together the right data at the right time to drive meaningful conversations, is unmatched.

Beyond the many corporate projects that Mike has been involved in, even more impressive has been the leadership and collegial support he has provided to his team and colleagues. Mike will be missed not only for what he did, but for how he did it. Mike is an exemplar of people-centred leadership. His sound and limitless advice, and collaborative approach, has helped shape the culture of our team and will leave a lasting impact.

Throughout his leadership roles, Mike has brought a steady approach, thoughtful leadership and a quiet but unmistakable impact on everything he touched. Whether guiding complex initiatives, supporting colleagues, or navigating the ever-changing world of healthcare, Mike has done so with professionalism, integrity and a calm sense of purpose.

Please join us in thanking Michael for his many contributions and wishing him all the best as he begins this new and exciting chapter which will see him and his wife move to the beautiful West Coast to be close to his son and extended family.

Mike’s last day will be August 8. We will share further details on celebratory activities for Mike in the coming weeks.

Recruitment will commence shortly.

Thank you to all those who participated in week 3 of Pride Trivia!

Below you will find the answers to last week’s questions. Click here for the final week of trivia, and a chance to win prizes.

Question 1: What does 2S stand for in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ acronym?

Answer: 2S in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ acronym stands for Two-Spirit. The term Two Spirit is a culturally specific identity describing Indigenous individuals whose gender, spiritual, or sexual identity includes both male and female spirits. The term honors gender and sexual diversity and emphasizes the ability of Two-Spirits to navigate both worlds and hold male and female responsibilities in their communities. While the concept of Two-Spirit individuals has existed among Indigenous Peoples for generations, the term niizh manidoowag, meaning “two spirits,” was first proposed in 1990 by Elder Myra Laramee.

Question 2: True or False: The Stonewall Uprising was a gay rights protest that started on June 28, 1969?

Answer: TRUE. The Stonewall Uprising, also known as the Stonewall Rebellion, or the Stonewall Riots, was a gay rights protest that began on June 28, 1969 and lasted approximately 6 days. It was named for the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, and the site of the uprising. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the bar, leading to several days of violent protests. It was considered a turning point for the gay rights movement, and the first gay liberation march took place the following year on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.  

Question 3: The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is observed annually on May 17. What is the significance of this date?

Answer: On May 17, 1990, The World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, marking a significant step toward greater equity for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is therefore observed annually on May 17 to honour this significant event.

Question 4: Why is Pride Month celebrated in June?

Answer: Pride Month is celebrated in June each year to honour the Stonewall Uprising—which took place in June of 1969—and its contributions to advancing 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights.

We would like to inform you that piling activities related to the cardiovascular surgery (CVS) construction project are scheduled to resume on Thursday, June 26, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., with work anticipated to last ten (10) days barring no unforeseen circumstances.

During this phase, steel piles will be driven into the ground using heavy machinery.

What to Expect:

• Noise: Pile driving will generate noise due to the use of impact equipment. This can be expected throughout the workday.
• Vibration: Vibrations may be noticeable, particularly in close proximity to the construction site. While the most significant effects will occur near the pile-driving area, surrounding zones may also experience some degree of vibration. The project team has worked closely with key departments and will continue to monitor conditions to minimize any disruption to clinical operations.

We kindly ask that you communicate this information to your staff, patients, and visitors so they are aware of the upcoming work and potential impacts.

If noise or vibrations begin to significantly affect critical clinical functions, please contact the TBRHSC CVS Project Management Team:

• Aaron Bruno 
• Daniel Sedano 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete this essential phase of construction. Thank you for your continued support.

It is Stroke Awareness Month and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 10 years of Code Stroke. We are highlighting the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to provide timely and effective care for stroke patients. Meet the Switchboard team.

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What is your position at the hospital?

Switchboard communications

What role does your team play in Code Stroke?

During Code Stroke, Switchboard will page physicians, answer pre-alerts, complete the overhead page and checklist.

What is unique about your team’s role?

Switchboard’s role is unique as we are the first point of contact during a Code Stroke.

How does your team impact stroke patient care?

Switchboard is the first point of contact in Code Stroke when the Hospital response is initiated.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession as it relates to Code Stroke/stroke care?

It is rewarding knowing that we are helping to save lives. We can feel a sense of pride in our jobs and see the visible impact of our role.