Please be advised that the COVID-19 outbreak has been declared over on 3B surgical unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center as of Tuesday September 03, 2024.
All restrictions have been lifted and regular activities to resume tomorrow, Wednesday September 04, 2024.
Shared on behalf of Andrea Raynak – Director, Nursing Practice
The REFS team has been up and running for the last six months, demonstrating great success.
We would like to give the participants an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences.
To complete the survey, scan the QR code below or click here
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Drop-In WebEx Training Sessions
September 4th, 13th, 20th, 25th
Join this Webex meeting anytime you are free between 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Contact Help.Desk@tbh.net if you have any questions.
Women physicians are an integral part of the health care team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Each month, we will highlight some of the exceptional women physicians and surgeons who provide clinical care, education and leadership within our Hospital and beyond. A special ‘thank you’ to all of the women physicians who agreed to be interviewed.
Name: Dr. Kristina Pulkki
Specialty: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Medical School: NOSM University
Residency: University of Ottawa
What is one thing that you love about practicing in Thunder Bay?
It’s my hometown and it’s great to be back. Also the collegiality of the clinicians at TBRHSC and the region makes it a good place to work. You actually get to know people versus being a random physician at a big hospital. The familiarity of being back home is special.
What does it mean to be a woman physician at TBRHSC?
Overall women are under-represented in surgery, but I haven’t found negative aspects so far. Patients also seem happy about seeing a woman physician.
What is your vision for otolaryngology in Thunder Bay?
I want to expand the otolaryngology curriculum at NOSM University to show how it intersects with other aspects of medicine such as rheumatology and paediatrics for example. I also want to develop more regional clinics and build a more robust otolaryngology practice that is not super specialized but rather a comprehensive generalist practice that will serve the needs of the region.
Finally, having another physician practice share for a few years will give me the time to develop other aspects of my practice and to continue longstanding collaborations such as outreach to Nunavut with the University of Ottawa.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Infinite time!
How could TBRHSC better support women physicians?
Mentorship would be nice. For me it’s happened organically but a supported program would be a great addition.
What does it mean to be a woman (aspiring) leader at TBRHSC?
We are showing learners that we can do it, that there is room for us at the table as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m doing some research on button battery ingestion with multi-site team that has been rewarding. Also, it’s been great having general surgery residents join me in the Operating Room.
Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour,
I’d like to begin this month’s blog with some news you can use as it relates to parking. I’m pleased to announce improvements to the staff parking process, thanks to your feedback. The new system will offer greater flexibility, benefit part-time and casual staff, and reduce congestion in visitor lots. Details on the new parking exit credits system will be shared soon, with the transition set to begin in October. In the meantime, parking passes will no longer expire and we will work to create better efficiency in the process for all our users. Thanks to everyone who contributed their ideas and feedback on this subject.
As most of you know, this summer has been exceptionally busy for all of us at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. With record numbers of admissions and visits to our Emergency Department, your hard work and the extra efforts made to cover for colleagues on vacation have not gone unnoticed—thank you.
It comes as no surprise to anybody that there are increasing discussions both provincially and nationally about the significant challenges society is facing pertaining to healthcare. These conversations are happening everywhere—from politicians to community members, and understandably so. And our Hospital is not immune to the broader issues affecting the system. Many of you have felt the impact of these challenges firsthand, whether while caring for patients or even as patients yourselves.
One particularly stressful situation arises when trying to discharge patients. Whether it’s returning them to their community hospital, sending them home with services, or transferring them to another facility better suited to their needs. These delays can be frustrating for everyone involved. They can also burden incoming patients who need beds, pushing us to our capacity limits. Unfortunately, many of these issues stem from factors beyond our control—such as increased Emergency Department closures in the region, a shortage of primary care options, and various socioeconomic factors.
Yet, despite these stresses, we are managing our resources as effectively as possible – largely due to your professionalism. Our wait times remain competitive, and we’re making the most of our bedded capacity. To further support our capacity, we’re excited to introduce a new model of care in the Emergency Department. The Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) will establish a formal pathway for patients who don’t quite meet the criteria for hospital admission but still require further care before being discharged. This approach, set to roll out in late September, will help minimize unfavourable outcomes related to early discharges and unnecessary long-term hospital stays.
I realize this blog may seem less upbeat than normal, but it’s important to acknowledge the realities we’re facing. That said, I also want to emphasize the positives. Fall is just around the corner, and with it comes a fresh start. We have many exciting activities and initiatives planned for the upcoming months. For instance, the “Good Afternoon Innovation” series will showcase some of the innovative ways we’re improving care and research. Additionally, I’m particularly impressed with the leadership shown in implementing central intake for diagnostic imaging across Northwestern Ontario. This expansion not only improves efficiency but also makes us leaders in providing advanced technology to patients beyond our Hospital. Lastly, I’m thrilled to welcome a number of new volunteers to our Hospital and Health Research Community. Please join me in making them feel appreciated as they dedicate their time to enhancing our patients’ experiences.
I understand that the current environment can be challenging, but your resilience is remarkable. A positive staff experience directly translates to a positive patient experience, and I assure you that we’re continually seeking ways to mitigate these external pressures on your daily work. You are doing an incredible job under these circumstances.
As always, I welcome your feedback on these blogs or any other matter. You can reach me directly at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. Your insights are invaluable.
Shared on behalf of Shannon Schiffer, Manager PFCC, Patient Experience, Engagement & Advocacy
We are excited to announce the upcoming Patient & Family Centred Care (PFCC) Sharing & Caring Together event being held October 21 – 25, 2024!
The first four days of the event will include coffee rounds with a Patient Family Advisor (with roaming carts full of treats) and two daily sessions of lunch and learns, open to everyone, in Auditorium A & B.
The Main Expo, held on Friday, October 25th, will feature our theme of “Learning from the Patient Experience”. We would love for your team to showcase how your department/unit provides Patient & Family Centred Care and makes the patient experience exceptional every time. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight your efforts, share best practices, and engage with the hospital community.
Here are some ideas for what your booth could include:
Please confirm participation via email to TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net (or call ext.7322) and let us know your requirements, such as floor/wall space, number of tables required, or if you will need assistance with setting up your booth.
Additionally, Family Care Grant applications open on September 3rd with a deadline of Friday
October 18th, 2024. Care grants can be used to improve the care you give every day. Listen for
patient and family suggestions when brainstorming ideas as initiatives that improve the care we
provide, benefits us all.
Thank you for your continued dedication to providing exceptional care to our patients. We look
forward to your participation in this meaningful event.
Recipients Further Education to Support Patient Care
The Laboratory Services team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) plays a critical role in offering safe, quality health care to patients and their families.
These professionals are adept at conducting a range of procedures and tests on biological specimens, which help physicians diagnose and treat patients. With advancements in science and technology, the field of Laboratory Medicine is constantly evolving, making it crucial for laboratory staff to pursue ongoing education and training to stay current. Through their pursuit of advanced certifications, training, and job performance, these health care professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing exceptional patient care.
Dr. Douglas Rathbone, a highly esteemed physician and former coroner in Thunder Bay, placed significant emphasis on continuing education. To honour his legacy, his wife established an endowment with the Health Sciences Foundation in his memory through her generous donation and memorial donations. The Dr. Douglas Rathbone Scholarship Fund provides financial support to Laboratory Services staff at TBRHSC to pursue relevant continuing education courses or professional development. The recipients of this award will enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately improving patient care.
In 2023, there were 10 successful recipients of the $500 scholarship: Lisa Morin, Point of Care Coordinator, Christina DeLeo, MLA (Medical Laboratory Assistant), Amanda Thompson, MLA, Stephanie Briand, MLT (Medical Laboratory Technologist), Lea Poulin, MLA, Deanna Hicklin, Quality and Safety Compliance Coordinator, Ashley Sippala, MLA, Stacy Tetlock, MLA, Rachel Brisson, MLT and Alyssa Sabatini, MLT.
“Although I have been a Medical Laboratory Technologist for 27 years, there is always more to learn. I joined the Point-of-Care Department in September 2019,” said recipient Lisa Morin MLT, HBScMLS. “This department oversees 3500 operators and over 150 instruments throughout TBRHSC and its affiliated sites, which includes St. Joseph’s Care Group. I will be using my Rathbone scholarship award towards a Point-of-Care Specialist Certificate Program, which is composed of eight courses. I am very grateful for this opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Point-of-Care Testing.”
The Dr. Douglas Rathbone Scholarship is a testament to the legacy of this accomplished physician, and its impact will be felt for generations to come. With this scholarship, TBRHSC staff will be able to enhance patient care while continuing to develop themselves professionally.
“It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of Laboratory Medicine. Our Lab staff at TBRHSC consistently strives for personal and professional growth, and their commendable efforts are truly appreciated,” said Georgia Carr, Manager of Laboratory Services at TBRHSC.
Recipient Deanna Hicklin, Quality and Safety Compliance Coordinator said, “The TBRHSC Laboratory offers many types of continuing education and encourages all staff to participate regardless of position. Being awarded a Rathbone Scholarship will support additional independent continuing education learning opportunities for me. This will allow for professional growth and support my role at the Laboratory as Quality and Safety Compliance Coordinator. Thank you for this opportunity.”
We extend congratulations to the 10 recipients of the Dr. Douglas Rathbone Scholarship, and encourage everyone to learn more about Laboratory Services at TBRHSC by visiting https://bit.ly/TBRHSC-Lab-Services.
An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at TBRHSC Inpatient Unit 3B, as of August 28, 2024. All restrictions are in place.
As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. All patients identified as having an exposure to this outbreak have been isolated with appropriate additional precautions. New admissions will not be sent to the unit until the outbreak is declared over. Essential Care Partners will only be permitted on a case by case basis, following the process outlined in the Care Partner/ Essential Care Partner Guidance Document.
Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to continue applying routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, cleaning shared equipment and the appropriate screening of all patients. Please set an example to staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence. Staff with questions regarding potential exposures on 3B should contact Occupational Health and Safety.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at 807-684-6094
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 28th Operational Updates and Strategic Planning Meeting featured an update on the Interprofessional Collaboration Strategy and was presented by Michelle Addison, Director, Health Professions & Collaborative Practice.
Visit the Strategic Plan 2026 page on the Hospital’s corporate intranet, where these presentations, along with other resources can be found.
Submit an iCare Impact Award nomination at https://icare-awards.tbrhsc.net/Login.aspx to be entered into next month gift card draws!