Shared on behalf of behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital & Facility Services
We would like to share bittersweet news regarding a cherished member of our team, Nella Lawrence, Capital Project Manager, who will be retiring after an incredible 42-year career with us on August 29.
Nella Lawrence has been an integral part of our community, beginning her journey in the Cancer Centre and playing a pivotal role in the design/development/construction of our current hospital, alongside numerous other projects throughout her tenure. Her work on the current hospital and the CVS project stands as a testament to her commitment and skill, shaping the environment in which we provide care to our patients.
Throughout her career, Nella has not only demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication but has also been a source of inspiration and friendship to many of us. Her passion for her work and her unwavering support for her colleagues have left an indelible mark on our hospital.
As we prepare for her departure, I am pleased to inform you that Aaron Bruno and Daniel Sedano will be stepping in to lead the CVS project moving forward. We are confident that they will continue to uphold the high standards that Nella has set.
As she embarks on this new chapter in her life, we invite you to join us in celebrating her remarkable career. We will be holding a retirement gathering in her honor on Tuesday, August 20, in Room 2171 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Please join us for cake and coffee. This will be a wonderful opportunity to express our gratitude and best wishes as she transitions into this well-deserved phase of her life.
Please join me in wishing Nella a smooth transition into retirement. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire us all.
As part of our commitment to keeping staff engaged and informed on the 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 August 14th Operational Updates and Strategic Planning meeting featured an update on Patient Experience – Focus on Quality and was presented by Tram Dao, Manager, Quality and Risk Management.
Visit the Strategic Plan 2026 page on the Hospital’s corporate intranet, where these presentations, along with other resources can be found.
Joanita started with the Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) department in June 2023 as the Discharge Transition Lead, and will soon pilot the role of Pre-Discharge Educator, which aims to improve communication/retention of discharge instructions for patients transitioning out of the Hospital.
As the Discharge Transition Lead, Joanita is responsible for evaluating the organization’s discharge process, looking at successes and areas for improvement. Her priorities include supporting our staff and patients with the appropriate resources to navigate the discharge process successfully.
In her role, Joanita evaluates patient discharge materials at TBRHSC to ensure their relevance when put into practice. She collaborates with various members of the health care team and Patient Family Advisors to inform strategies for integrating person-centred communication during the discharge process.
While working in the PFCC department, Joanita excels at collaboration, participation and information sharing, which are all important in promoting a high standard of care that centers on the patient experience. The Discharge Transition Lead position offers a unique perspective on the challenges that patients face with the discharge process and how this influences the continuity of care. Joanita’s interactions with patients, families and staff have resulted in pilot projects to orient admitted patients to the hospital environment, addressing barriers such as health literacy and information overload. The evolution and flexibility of this position will allow continual engagement in meaningful partnerships with staff, patients and families, and to support our organization in promoting PFCC.
Joanita is located in the PFCC – Patient Experience Office on the third floor (Administrative area). She can be reached via email at joanita.nakimuli@tbh.net or by dialing ext. 7865.
Kim Agostino, Discharge Transition Lead/Post Discharge Liaison, RPN
Kim is the newest member of PFCC, serving as the Discharge Transition Lead/Post Discharge Liaison. Her goal is to help staff understand the importance of effective discharge processes, and ensure that patients discharged to their homes fully comprehend their post-discharge care instructions. Kim has observed that follow-up calls after discharge give patients the chance to ask questions they might not have considered while in hospital, allowing their voice to be heard. Many patients express how much they appreciate receiving a call from PFCC, feeling valued and cared for.
Kim began her career over 20 years ago in acute care on 2A. Her extensive experience will help guide and support the team in improving the discharge process, and patient care.
Kim is located in the PFCC- Patient Experience office on the third floor of the main Hospital building. She can be reached at 807-632-5570 or kim.agostino@tbh.net.
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 📅 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟲 (📸)
1) The first locally produced isotopes arrived at TBRHSC, used for calibration of the PET-CT scanner.
2) TBRHSC hosted the prestigious Heart and Stroke Barnett Memorial Lectureship.
3) TBRHSC unveiled the fully operational Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant.
(Back row, L to R): Dr. Miranda Lesperance – Vice President Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, Leona Kakepetum – Manager Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, Carla Shawayhamaish – Indigenous Care Coordinator (ICC), Naomi Sinclair – ICC. (Bottom row, L to R): Jillian Larabee – ICC, Martina White – ICC, Annette Klement – Cultural Safety Educator.
Hospital environments can be particularly challenging and a lonely place for Indigenous Peoples, especially for those that have to travel long distances from their homes. Indigenous Peoples living in the remote and isolated Northwestern Ontario communities can often face many barriers in accessing quality health care. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) recognizes the importance of providing equitable, culturally relevant, and sensitive care to Indigenous patients and their families. Whether an Indigenous patient resides in Thunder Bay or travels from their community within Northwestern Ontario, we continue to learn and understand their unique needs when providing care.
TBRHSC strives to create an environment of safety and belonging for all who walk through the door. To address the gaps in the health care system and improve outcomes for Indigenous patients, TBRHSC led the development of the Indigenous Care Coordinator (ICC) program. This program ensures a welcoming environment for patients and aims to improve patient experiences and outcomes by respecting and incorporating Indigenous traditions and values and promoting a healing environment that is inclusive and supportive for Indigenous patients and families.
Launched in 2021, in partnership with Anishnawbe Mushkiki (which provides holistic health care including primary, traditional and alternative approaches for Indigenous patients) and Grand Council Treaty #3 (the governing body of the Anishinaabe Nation in Treaty #3), TBRHSC has five ICCs on site Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., to support culturally safe and quality care for Indigenous Peoples during their hospital stay.
ICCs Carla Shawayhamaish (left) and Martina White (right) speak with a patient before admission.
The ICCs are responsible for providing a range of health and mental health navigation, advocacy, and support services to Indigenous Peoples while an inpatient at TBRHSC. ICCs act as a point of contact within the patient’s circle of care, ultimately improving their care experience.
Some of the most common services provided by the ICCs are interpretation services in Ojibwe and Oji-Cree, iPad lending for patients to reach their loved ones at home, participating in bed rounds to support patients, and helping staff navigate non-insured health benefit processes. As well, ICCs link patients to traditional care practitioners, spiritual care providers, or supporting traditional practices.
Additionally, the ICCs work with local, regional and federal supports to support patients requiring additional care. This is accomplished through discharge planning and leveraging community/regional-based services that are culturally appropriate. ICCs work with the discharge planner by processing community referrals to ensure necessary services are in place before discharge. This may include arranging assisted living or respite placement.
Naomi Sinclair started her career in health care as a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) and is now working as an ICC at TBRHSC.
“It was my compassionate heart and desire to help others that inspired me to pursue a career as an RPN,” explained Naomi.
Naomi began working at TBRHSC in the Emergency Department (ED) then on the Adult Mental Health Team.
As an RPN, Naomi saw the need for culturally safe care of Indigenous patients and became an ICC.
“I find profound fulfillment navigating clients and their families through the health care system and ensuring they receive the culturally sensitive support they deserve,” said Naomi.
From April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, ICCs had 5,334 patient visits. TBRHSC looks forward to welcoming more ICCs that will work in specific departments in the future.
An ICC entering the room of a patient wearing an ICC branded hoodie. This makes it easy for patients, family members and staff to identify the ICCs throughout Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Patients can access ICC services through the self-identification process, the Hospital Health Team (social workers, physicians and nurses), by community or family requests, or by requesting one when they are admitted. They can also email TBRHSC.IndigenousCareCoordinators@tbh.net.
Together, we are working towards providing a culturally safe experience for all patients and staff and fostering understanding, community, and safety for all patients.
To learn more about the ICCs, watch the video below:
In support of our Strategic Plan 2026 priority Staff Experience, Human Resources is happy to introduce the “Thumbs Up” initiative! We are inviting staff to submit comments of recognition for their colleagues, which will be uploaded to our iNtranet, viewable by the organization.
Thumbs Up posts can be submitted on the main page of the iNtranet, or within the Human Resources Recognition section of the site. The posting process, as well as guidelines for posts, is attached to the submission page. Approved Thumbs Up posts can be viewed on the Human Resources Recognition page.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is looking for nurses interested in obtaining education on how to be an effective preceptor or mentor to students and new staff.
This event will bring like-minded, curious, and creative people together, in order to encourage collaboration and help put their ideas in motion.
Nominated staff will present and share their innovations with their colleagues. The goal of the event is to highlight outstanding innovation occurring throughout the organization and promote a culture of innovative thinking for all staff.
Come for coffee and leave with an understanding of the exceptional initiatives going on at work around you.
Shared on behalf of Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre | CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute
In follow-up to the memo with reference to the upcoming departure of Peter Myllymaa, Vice President (VP) Operations, Clinical & Support Services/Chief Financial Officer, I am pleased to report on the following shift in responsibilities and changes to the portfolio.
TBRHSC Interim VP and CFO To support program transformation and successful transitions of the portfolio responsibilities, please join me in welcoming Justin Garofalo to the Interim Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer position for TBRHSC. Justin will be responsible for Capital and Facilities, Decision Support, Performance, Finance, and Cyclotron.
Clinical Services Given the desire to create a robust Performance Division and capture synergies that align to finance under Corporate Services, we will be permanently moving Clinical Services, including Laboratory, Pharmacy and Diagnostics over to Jennifer Wintermans. This will support performance and finance to be under the same corporate leadership.
Information Technology/Information Services (IT/IS) On an interim basis, we will also be shifting IT/ IS to Jessica Logozzo.
Support Services On an interim basis, we will be shifting Support Services to Jeannine Verdenik.
TBRHRI Interim COO/CFO To support transition and continuity with the Health Research Institute, I would also like to welcome Dino Armenti, to the Interim Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer role for TBRHRI. Dino will also be continuing his current position as the Director of Finance for TBRHSC.
The changes will take effect August 19, 2024. Please note that there may be an overlap in reporting with the incoming VP and the outgoing VP until Peter’s official departure of September 20, 2024. This will ensure continuity of existing projects and operational functions.
Interim portfolio changes will remain in place as we assess our organizational structure and needs in line with our operational and strategic plans and priorities.
Please continue to flow all portfolio matters through Katrina Hotson, Executive Assistant for all areas until further notice.
Thank you for your cooperation and leadership through this time.
The iCare Impact Awards program is open to all employees, professional staff, Patient Family Advisors, and volunteers of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. It provides a forum for peer-to-peer recognition of positive impacts on our patients and their families.
Nominate now for 2024 to recognize a peer and for a chance to win exciting monthly participation prizes! https://icare-awards.tbrhsc.net/.
