From October 5 to 11, 2025 we recognize Fire Prevention Week™. This year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.
Charge into Fire Safety: Three Steps
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
This week is also an opportunity to share information about the importance of extinguishers and escape plans, as well as share fire safety tips such as:
Develop escape plans that take everyone’s abilities into consideration and practice them regularly with everyone who lives in the home.
Keep fire extinguishers in kitchens, basements, and garages, and know how to use them.
Close doors at night to help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
Have questions or feedback? Contact Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness via email at mesha.richard@tbh.net.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
Please be advised that the COVID-19 outbreak has been declared over on Adult Mental Health inpatient unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center as of Saturday October 4, 2025. All restrictions have been lifted. Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.
The next half of the Phase 9 of terrazzo repairs began the evening of Thursday, October 2nd. Please refer to the attached map. Work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, October 8th.
AREA F: October 2nd to 8th– WILL CLOSE OFF THE AREA AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND STAIRCASE. This will close access through the corridor and to the Cafeteria on Level 1. – departments that would normally use this route for deliveries to Forensic Mental Health (FMH), e.g. N&FS, Pharmacy, Housekeeping, etc., should utilize the dishwash room corridor and enter FMH via Corridor 1032, OR, go upstairs to Level 2 then back down to Level 1 via Elevator-01 at the East Entrance.
– STAFF ARE NOT TO USE THE FMH OR HOSPITALIST CORRIDORS TO ACCESS THE CAFETERIA
CODE RESPONSE ROUTES – ALL STAFF – please ensure that you review your normal response route and confirm your alternate route(s), if required.
Staff that enter/exit the facility via the East Entrance will have to follow similar detours as per previous phases, utilizing Elevator-01, Stair C and Stair-I.
SIGNAGE: During the closure at Area F, signage will be posted to detour patients and visitors to access the Cafeteria from all levels. It would also be helpful and appreciated if staff could assist with wayfinding during this time.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Judge in Capital Planning, at extension 7031 or kristi.judge@tbh.netor Darin Pretto at extension 6205 or darin.pretto@tbh.net.
Every October, Canada celebrates Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honouring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women and girls throughout the nation’s history.
This month-long observance highlights the achievements of women in all areas of life, including politics, the arts, education, healthcare, and community leadership. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality and create a more inclusive future for all.
Women’s History Month also encourages Canadians to learn about the diverse experiences of women, including those from marginalized communities whose stories are often overlooked. By amplifying these voices, the month fosters a deeper understanding of how gender intersects with race, culture, and identity, and why inclusive approaches to equality are vital.
During Women’s History Month, the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People is observed on October 4. On this day, communities across Canada gather to honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people who have been taken by violence. Vigils, ceremonies, and events serve as powerful calls to action — urging governments, institutions, and individuals to address systemic racism, colonialism, and gender-based violence. This day is not only one of remembrance but also one of solidarity, as Canadians unite to demand justice, safety, and equity for Indigenous communities.
Women’s History Month is both a celebration and a call to action. It challenges us to acknowledge the past, confront the present, and shape a future where every woman and gender-diverse person can thrive in safety, dignity, and equality.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) invites us to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at their annual Pow-Wow, part of the Sisters in Spirit Vigil.
Women’s History Month is an important opportunity to highlight the women who have contributed to healthcare in Canada in their respective fields. These pioneering women overcame barriers such as sexism and racism, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in healthcare with fewer obstacles. Featured below are Bernice Redmon and Jennie Kidd Trout, who made history as the first Canadian-born Black registered nurse, and the first woman in Canada to be licensed to practice medicine, respectively.
Please tune into the Daily Informed Newsletter throughout the month for more features on women who have made significant contributions to healthcare.
Bernice Redmon (nee Carnegie)
Bernice Redmon (nee Carnegie) was born in Toronto on October 28, 1917. She made history as the first Canadian-born Black registered nurse, and the first Black nurse to be employed by the Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.).
Her nursing journey was not without its challenges, as Canadian nursing schools in the 1940s did not admit Black students. In response, Bernice moved to the United States, where she earned her nursing degree from the St. Philips School of Nursing in Virginia. Demonstrating remarkable academic ability, she excelled in her studies and was awarded a scholarship to pursue an additional year of training, specializing in public health nursing.
Bernice graduated in 1945; she returned to Canada that same year, where she began her career with the Nova Scotia Department of Health, becoming the first Black nurse to practice in public health. Her ground-breaking work in the field opened doors for Black women to work and train in Ontario hospitals starting in the late 1940s and 1950s.
Jennie (Jenny) Kidd Trout, born on April 21, 1841, in Kelso, Scotland, made history as the first woman in Canada to be licensed to practice medicine.
At the age of six, she emigrated with her family to Canada, where they settled near Stratford, Ontario. She later attended the Normal School for Upper Canada, the only advanced institution at the time that admitted women.
After marrying Edward Trout, Jennie experienced a neurological illness for which she found relief through electrotherapy. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. Although she was permitted to complete a qualifying year at the Toronto School of Medicine, the institution did not yet fully admit female students. Determined to continue her studies, Jennie enrolled at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania.
She graduated in 1875 and, later that same year, was licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
In addition to breaking barriers as Canada’s first licensed female physician, Jennie Kidd Trout left a lasting legacy. She established clinics devoted to women’s health, supported women-led medical practices, and championed medical education for women, helping to open doors for future generations.
Use our Pre- and Post- Transition Checklists for a smooth transition from Webex to Teams.
To learn about Teams, go to M365Hub.tbh.net and look at our Education Resources.
Join Teams Drop-In Sessions
On Mondays, from October 20 to November 24 (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.), you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and get support for Teams. Visit the M365Hub Training page at M365Hub.tbh.net for for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact the Help Desk at Help.Desk@tbh.net.
Do you have a health-related project that’s making a difference in Northwestern Ontario? The Centre for Applied Health Research (CAHR) at St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) invites you to showcase your work at the 2026 Showcase of Health Research, taking place on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay.
Abstract Submission Guidelines: Please review the full call for abstract submission guidelines by clicking the image below or navigating here: cahr.sjcg.net/abstract-call
This annual peer-reviewed event highlights the diverse efforts driving better health outcomes in our region, from scholarly research and program evaluations to quality improvement initiatives. The Showcase of Health Research features both podium and poster presentations by health professionals, researchers, scientists, and students. We welcome abstracts across a broad range of project types, including:
Research studies
Program evaluations
Quality improvement initiatives
Whether your work is scholarly or practice-based, if you’re contributing to health in Northwestern Ontario, we want to hear from you.
Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Event Location: Italian Cultural Centre, 132 Algoma St S. Event Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
We look forward to your participation in the 2026 Showcase of Health Research. Additionally, if you know someone else who would be interested in submitting their research, evaluation, or quality improvement initiative, please forward this invitation.
Does your work involve rotating schedules, night shifts or long hours? Our jobs demand a lot, so our bodies need quality rest to stay healthy, focused, and safe. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) invites you to a free webinar for all employees and workplace leaders (formal and informal) across the Thunder Bay District on The Science of Sleep and Mitigating the Impact of Shift Work.
Learn about:
the importance of sleep;
how shift work impacts health;
how the health risks of irregular sleep can be reduced; and
how workplace leaders can support workers to get the sleep they need.
The webinar will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025 from 10:30 a.m. – Noon. It will be hosted by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit and presented by Dr. Sandra Dorman, Director and Professor from the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety and Health (CROSH).
The recorded session will be offered over Zoom and the link to the recording will be shared with all registered participants afterwards.
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Format/location: Virtual Meeting number: 2337 375 8467; Password: Meeting
Learning Objectives:
1) Define the severity of Aortic Stenosis and its challenges
2) Address low flow, low gradient and severe aortic stenosis
3) Utilize advance imaging CT/CMR in diagnostic challenges
4) Recognize the prognostic indicators and modifiers in natural course of Aortic stenosis
5) Insights into future research to optimize indications and timing of Aortic valve replacement.
“The Department of Internal Medicine Monthly Rounds is a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.”
OPAT team (L-R): Brittany Everett (OPAT Patient Flow Coordinator), Alyson Vescio (OPAT Coordinator), Angela Heintzman (Pharmacist), Kelly Keeler (Manager), Kathryn Giba (Nurse Practitioner), Charlene Wilson (Pharmacist)
A new program to support stable patients requiring long-term antibiotics and monitoring has launched at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
The Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) program will support patients transitioning to the outpatient setting who require long term IV antibiotics, such as vancomycin, as well as support at home from our community partner, Bayshore. The program is able to provide lab monitoring, wound care, support at home and follow up diagnostics.
The multidisciplinary team includes an OPAT Coordinator, Patient Flow Coordinator, Nurse Practitioner, and Pharmacist. The program will focus on preventing long stays in Hospital and optimizing patients in their own home.
A referral for the OPAT team can be made by faxing the OPAT referral form to the Medical Transitions Clinic as well as entering the OPAT referral in meditech when patients are appropriate for discharge.
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to arrange an in-service for education about the program, please reach out to Alyson Vescio, OPAT Coordinator at alyson.vescio@tbh.net or 807-684-7871.
