Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

Thanks for taking a moment out of your day to read this blog and keep updated on what is happening within our Hospital and Health Research Institute community. 

Over the past few months, we have kept you updated on the Environmental Refresh that continues with the in-patient rooms. To date, we have made considerable progress with completing about 20% of the wall repairs, painting, and deep clean on Level 3. As well, we are actively sourcing materials for the wall application, patient privacy curtains, and window blinds. To minimize the impact on you and clinical operations, rooms will be revisited to apply final accents as material arrives. 

As you can imagine, the logistics in completing this revitalization project is an immense undertaking and would not be possible without the exceptional teamwork and efforts from many departments. I want to acknowledge and thank the teams from Maintenance, Housekeeping, Capital Planning, Infection Prevention and Control, Patient Flow, Admitting, and Procurement for their seamless cooperation and dedication to moving this project forward. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the clinical staff in 3C for their continued support and understanding during the ongoing renovation. Your patience and adaptability are greatly appreciated as we work towards rejuvenating our Hospital.

Last month, we celebrated National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. We are grateful for the activities that occurred throughout the month to recognize and thank those involved in bringing awareness and keeping us engaged. To continue to learn more about the rich history, heritage, and incredible diversity of Indigenous Peoples, I would like to invite you to take part in the “Repairing the Sacred Circle”, which will provide further insight and pave the way for cross-cultural discussions as we continue to work towards improving the care experience for Indigenous Peoples needing culturally safe and quality care.

We all know how much language matters and this is even more important when providing healthcare to those in need. I encourage you to find out more about the power of words and outdated language related to substance use and addictions and the campaign to change this. You can take the Anti-Stigma Pledge (via the Hospital’s Dual Code LMS) this summer and be part of the change! 

Over the past 20 years, we have certainly made significant progress in our health care services – so many milestones when reflecting – and they keep coming. Another more recent milestone is the approval of our next phase of the Cardiovascular Surgery Program project. This is a significant step as we move forward to the final stages with the next stage being the tendering of the project publicly to prequalified general contractors. We are getting close to initiating the build and it is going to be a monumental step towards our vision. We are so grateful for the many partnerships that have been instrumental in making this dream a reality. The dedication and work of the Health Sciences Foundation has been a key partner in this project and their support of the cabinet of the Our Hearts at Home Campaign. We are grateful for all the amazing work done and the donors who have given so generously – thank you for being part of this breakthrough in care for Northwestern Ontario. I look forward to keeping you up to date on the next steps as we continue to make strides.

Before I wrap up this month’s blog, please know that your dedication and hard work is inspiring and meaningful to the patients and families that seek care at our Hospital. I hear stories all the time about the great people we have here and how you have touched so many lives in our communities. It is rewarding to hear and I am sincerely proud of the work that goes on in our Hospital and Health Research Institute community. Together we will continue to improve and progress towards our Strategic Plan 2026.  

I do hope you get the opportunity for some downtime to enjoy these summer months with your family and friends.  As always, I invite you to provide me with your feedback on these blogs or on any other matter. You can contact me at: rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I look forward to hearing from you.

Summer is about to really heat up for Drew Quigley of London, Ontario, who now finds himself $1,284,528 richer after winning July’s Thunder Bay 50/50 jackpot! Drew was overjoyed to receive the life-changing call today, exclaiming, “That is unbelievable! I buy lottery tickets all the time and never really think you’re going to win.

”When asked what he plans to do with his newfound wealth, Drew shared, “I’m going to give some of the money to my two daughters to help give them a leg up and do more traveling. My wife and I are retired now, and we want to go back to Europe. I’d also love to visit Australia.”

“The Thunder Bay 50/50 continues to transform the lives of not only the patients at Thunder Bay Regional but also our winners in so many ways,” says Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “I often encounter past winners in the community and enjoy hearing firsthand how their winnings have allowed them to purchase items such as a new farm, home renovations, a new dream home, vacations, helping their children and families or being able to pay off their mortgage.”

The Thunder Bay 50/50 draw has now had eleven consecutive millionaires. To date, it has awarded over $43 million in prizes to winners across Ontario.

August’s “Dogs Days of Summer” Draw is Now Open

For the month of August we’re unleashing an incredible $100,000 in early bird prizes, the most since December’s draw with winners every weekday throughout August! We are also offering an exclusive $100 Summer Bonus Ticket Package including bonus numbers.

The grand prize draw happens Friday, August 30th, 2024. Tickets are now available online at www.thunderbay5050.ca or at our 50/50 Store inside Intercity Shopping Centre. Ticket packages are as follows: 

• $10 for 5 numbers
• $20 for 30 numbers (+20 bonus numbers = 50 numbers)
• $50 for 150 numbers
• $75 for 300 numbers
• *NEW* $100 for 500 numbers (+200 numbers = 700 numbers)

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 RAF1352142)

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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Please be advised that the COVID–19 Outbreak has been declared over at TCU-Transitional Care Unit TBRHSC as of July 30, 2024.

All restrictions will be lifted as of first shift tomorrow July 31, 2024.

Please share this information with the appropriate staff.

The 2024 HIROC Foundation Safety Grants Program is now live and open for submissions. The Safety Grants Program aims to support organizations with safety and risk initiatives and provides opportunities to share learnings. Up to $13,000 with possible allocation of up to an additional $ 7,000, for a total of $20,000 is up for grabs!

HIROC is accepting applications under several safety themes and topics as listed below:

Topics

• Improving interprofessional care dynamics
• Implementing alternative models of care and care delivery
• Improving safety through workflow redesign
• Improving transitions of care
• Building resilience

Themes

• Perinatal/neonatal care
• Patient deterioration
• Death by suicide while under care
• Workplace violence prevention
• Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging
• Other areas (e.g., property program, cyber, artificial intelligence and risk governance)

The key dates are as follows:

• July 10, 2024 – Grants application portal opens
• August 14, 2024 – Safety Grants workshop
• September 12, 2024 – Grants application portal closes
• December 15, 2024 – Applicants will be notified about their application

Please feel free to reach out to Quality and Risk Management for any guidance and support in submitting your application:

• Terry Fode, Patient Safety Improvement Specialist, ext. 6754 or email Terry.Fode@tbh.net
• Saravana Priyan G.L., Quality Improvement Lead, ext. 6535 or email SaravanaPriyan.GatamaneniLoganathan@tbh.net

Kindly refer to the link below for more details (including link to online application):

https://www.hiroc.com/about-us/safety-grants-program

Shared on behalf of Wayne Taylor, Director Cardiovascular, Medicine & Renal Program

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We are pleased to announce that Marissa Fazzari has accepted the position of Coordinator, Cardiovascular Services effective August 12, 2024. 

Marissa will report to the Manager-2C Cardiovascular & Regional Stroke Unit, Outpatient Vascular Services. 

In her new role as Coordinator, Cardiovascular Services, Marissa will provide clinical leadership and administrative support to assist with the delivery of patient care across cardiovascular services including; Inpatient and Outpatient Cardiology, Vascular Services and Cardiac Diagnostics. 

Marissa has been employed at the TBRHSC since 2019 starting her career as a Registered Nurse on 1A Oncology/Medicine. She has also worked in both Paediatric Inpatient Unit and the Emergency Department. 

In 2023, Marissa took on a leadership role as the Medical Coordinator for 2A, 2B and 2C Inpatient Units. In her most recent role as Women and Children’s Coordinator, Marissa provided clinical support, education and mentoring for staff with a focus on positive patient experience and quality patient care. 

Please join us in welcoming Marissa to her new role.

Shared on behalf of Dr. Chris Mushquash – Vice President, Research and Chief Scientist, and Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion

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We are pleased to announce Elke Cullis as our new full-time Executive Assistant, effective August 6, 2024.

Elke has an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Science from the University of Guelph, along with a Graduate Diploma in Medical Arts from the University of Dundee and a Business Diploma from Algonquin College.

Elke has recently joined us from EPID@Work Research Institute at Lakehead University, where she served as an Office Administrator and Acting Administrative Assistant. She also brings extensive experience in various management roles.

As the Executive Assistant, Elke will report to the VP, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, and VP, Research. She will support the work in both portfolios.

Elke will be located on Level 3 – Administration, directly between Office 3037 and Room 3032. She can also be reached via email Elke.Cullis@tbh.net and by phone at 807-684-7223.

Sent on behalf of Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre | CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

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It is with mixed emotions that I announce that Peter Myllymaa, Vice President Operations, Clinical & Support Services and CFO — TBRHSC | Chief Operating Officer — TBRHRI, will be moving on from TBRHSC/TBRHRI, effective September 20, 2024.

On behalf of both TBRHSC and TBRHRI, I would like to thank Peter for his contributions and dedication to both organizations over the years. Peter has supported a suite of responsibilities and has been part of many large-scale capital projects and provided guidance through many fiscal challenges. We are grateful for the dedication and efforts provided throughout his tenure.

Further communication will be forthcoming regarding portfolio coverage and transition plans to support this extensive portfolio.

Please join me in extending best wishes to Peter as he embarks on his new position at Confederation College.

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 July 24, Operational Updates and Strategic Planning meeting featured an update on Patient Experience and was presented by Chad Johnson Director, Trauma and Pre-hospital, Emergency, Critical Care, Respiratory Services, & NLOT, and David McConnell Director, Regional Cancer Care Northwest and Prevention & Screening.

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

We connected with Shannon Schiffer, Manager of Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC), Patient Experience, Engagement & Advocacy, to learn more about her role and how she supports PFCC at our Hospital.

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How long have you worked at TBRHSC?

I’ve worked here 12 years. I started as a Social Worker and transitioned to Patient and Family Centred Care in May 2020, initially serving as the Patient Advocate before becoming the manager of the department.

Tell us about our role as Manager of PFCC.

I am responsible for enhancing the overall quality of patient and family experiences through various initiatives. These include patient surveys, patient advocacy, post-discharge liaison, discharge transition lead, and patient family advisors.

I also provide leadership to programs and services aimed at improving the patient and family experience at TBRHSC. This involves utilizing data from patient experience surveys as well as feedback from the patient advisory committee, supporting patient experience action plans based on patient experience metrics, and identifying opportunities for improvement. My goal is to align and enhance supporting programs to increase patient and family satisfaction, ensuring the intentional integration of the patient’s voice into everything that we do.

My role is crucial in ensuring the planning, delivery, and evaluation of health care that is rooted in mutually beneficial partnerships among health care professionals, patients, and families.

Patient and family centred care redefines relationships in health care by emphasizing collaboration through co-design with individuals of all ages, across all levels of care, and in all health care settings. This approach ensures that health care is responsive to the priorities, preferences, and values of patients and their families. In patient and family centred care, patients and families define their “family” and determine how they will participate in care and decision-making. This perspective acknowledges that patients and families are essential allies for health care quality and safety—not only in direct care encounters but also in efforts to improve health care for all, including research.

How Can Staff Contact You?

I am located in office 3020 on the third floor in the administrative area. You can reach me via email at Shannon.schiffer@tbh.net or by dialing ext. 6345.