TBRHSC’s insurer Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC) is offering a free webcast Documentation Fundamentals and Practice Considerations for Healthcare Professionals, 2025.
Description: The session combines theoretical foundations with practical applications to increase the quality of patient care and reduce liability risks. Using lessons from medical-legal claims, we will cover documentation fundamentals, the importance of the medical record, and common documentation challenges. Case studies from various healthcare settings will highlight important practice considerations.
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (ET) Virtual through Zoom
Who Should Attend: Frontline healthcare providers of all disciplines including midwives, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians, respiratory therapists, and social workers.
Eligibility: Registration is complimentary (zero cost) and exclusively for HIROC Subscribers (e.g. TBRHSC)
Do you have a project that’s improving health outcomes in Northwestern Ontario? Whether it’s a research study, program evaluation, or quality improvement initiative, the 2026 Showcase of Health Research is your opportunity to share your impact and connect with others driving change across our region.
If you are interested in submitting your project to the 2026 Showcase of Health Research, refer to our Submission Guidelines flipbook.
Abstracts Due: Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM Event: 2026 Showcase of Health Research Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Location: Italian Cultural Centre
The Showcase of Health Research celebrates the innovation and collaboration that make Northwestern Ontario’s health landscape so unique. Submissions are welcome from across the health sector, including academic researchers and healthcare professionals, as well as community organizations and students.
As part of our commitment to keeping staff engaged and informed on our 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 October 22, Operational Updates and Strategic Planning Meeting featured an update on Sustainable Future: Clinical Services Plan and was presented by Amy Carr, Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development and Andrea Raynak, Director, Nursing & Health Professions.
Visit the Strategic Plan 2026 page on the Hospital’s corporate intranet, where these presentations, along with other resources can be found.
Calling all Paediatric RNs – Join Our Regional Paediatric Program!
Are you ready to take your paediatric nursing skills beyond the hospital walls (virtually!) and into the communities of Northwestern Ontario? We are looking for Registered Nurses to join our Regional Paediatric Program and it could be YOU!
What You’ll Do:
You’ll support health care teams who are managing paediatric patients across Northwestern Ontario from local hospitals to remote nursing stations by providing virtual, real-time clinical support. From stabilizing emergencies to delivering education and supporting inter-facility transfers, you’ll be a trusted resource and vital link in the circle of care.
What Makes This Role Unique?
You’re not confined to four walls—you’ll be reaching across the region (virtually!)
You’ll work closely with our amazing paediatricians and Paediatric Emergency Transport Team
You’ll empower local care providers with mentorship, clinical expertise and compassion
You’ll be part of an exciting new program modeled after our RCCR program!
You’re a Fit If You:
Are passionate about paediatrics and health equity
Have three or more years of current paediatic clinical experience in acute care settings
Have exceptional critical thinking abilities, advanced knowledge and skills in paediatric nursing and work well under pressure in critical settings
Thrive in a collaborative, tech-enabled environment
Want to make a real difference for kids and families in underserved areas
Have PALS and ENPC
Bonus points if you’ve worked with OTN or in rural/remote settings!
Why Join Us?
Because at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre our mission is rooted in compassion excellence, community and innovation. You’ll be supported by an incredible interprofessional team, with a focus on growth, innovation and culturally safe care.
Pharmacy Technicians at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Pharmacy Technician Day (October 21) recognizes the invaluable contributions made by Registered Pharmacy Technicians who work tirelessly to ensure patients receive their medications safely and accurately.
The role of a pharmacy technician is an integral part of any pharmacy operation, including Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. We appreciate all that our pharmacy technician team does for our patients, their families and staff. Please take this day to show your support for our pharmacy technician team.
After more than 30 years of dedicated service in the field of Occupational Therapy, Laura Swancar is retiring.
Laura began her OT journey in 1994 after graduating from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy. Her path to this profession was sparked by a formative summer job in her hometown of Kenora, Ontario, where she worked with individuals living with mental illness. That experience inspired a deep respect for people’s stories and a desire to be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in others’ lives.
Over the course of her remarkable career, Laura has brought compassion, professionalism, and a sharp sense of humor to every role she’s taken on. She began her career in pediatrics at the George Jeffrey Children’s Treatment Centre in Thunder Bay, working with children with learning disabilities. From there, she took on a wide variety of roles in Thunder Bay’s healthcare system, including:
Acute Neurosurgery and Medicine/Geriatrics at McKellar Hospital
Acquired Brain Injury, Hospice, and Complex Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital
Outpatient Neuro, Orthopedics/Hands, and the Foot Clinic
Acute Stroke Team and Regional Stroke Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Professional development and OT education through NOSM (formerly Health Sciences North)
Presenter at Canadian Stroke Congress (2016) on Post-stroke Depression
Presenter at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress (2006) on Communities of Practice as a Model for Promoting Best Practice
Clinical presenter and preceptor for the McMaster NSS (northern studies stream) and NOSM
Laura is perhaps best known for her long-standing role as the Occupational Therapist on the Acute Stroke Team and Regional Stroke Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. She dedicated many years to this work and concluded her distinguished career as a valued member of this team.
Committed to continuous learning, Laura also earned a Graduate Diploma in Stroke Rehabilitation from the University of Alberta in 2014, further deepening her expertise in the field.
Throughout her career, Laura has been known for her deep commitment to treating the whole person, her collaborative spirit, and her belief that Occupational Therapy is about helping people return to what matters most in their lives. And of course, her colleagues will miss her warmth, her insight, and her contagious laughter.
In retirement, Laura looks forward to spending more time doing the things she loves: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming in lakes, hiking, gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and beloved dogs.
Please join us in celebrating Laura’s incredible career and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter!
Photo (L-R): Selena Owen, Development Assistant, Events at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation; Brynn Roberts, Child Life Specialist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; Sarah Trimble, Spirit Halloween Store Operator; and Haley Werbowetski, Events Manager, celebrating the new partnership in support of Child Life Services.
This Halloween, staff and community members can help bring comfort and joy to children receiving care at our Hospital through a new partnership between Spirit Halloween and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. From now until October 31, donations made at the Spirit Halloween store in the Memorial Ave Walmart parking lot will go directly to Child Life Services, helping children and families navigate the stress of hospital visits through play, education, and coping strategies. With the support of our Child Life Specialists, children can feel safe, comforted, and most importantly, still like kids even during medical procedures.
You can get involved by donating at checkout, rounding up your purchase or giving $1, $2, $5 or more. Donations also come with fun recognition opportunities like writing your name on a star, receiving a bracelet, or being entered to win your costume. You can also use the coupon attached below to save 10% on your purchase, and Spirit Halloween will donate that same 10% back to the Foundation.
Let’s come together as a community this Halloween to make a difference for the children and families at TBRHSC.
Pictured (L-R): Susan Bale, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services Regional Indigenous Cancer Screening Lead, and Carol Wilson, Treaty #3 Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead
Last month, the North West Regional Cancer Program’s Prevention and Screening Clinical Services team partnered with the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre (GHAC) to host a Men’s Health Expo in Couchiching First Nation.
The goal was simple but important: to get men talking about their health.
Working closely with the GHAC, Treaty #3 Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead Carol Wilson, and Regional Indigenous Cancer Screening Lead Susan Bale, the event brought together men from 10 First Nation communities in the Rainy River District for a full day focused on health and wellness.
The day began with a traditional opening by the Broken Horn Drummers, followed by powerful guest speakers. Highlights included a colon cancer survivor story from Derek Kelly of Onigaming First Nation, presentations on traditional medicines and mental health, and a talk by Dr. C. Suartz, a urologist from Thunder Bay who spoke about prostate health and the importance of early screening.
TheGrand Council Treaty #3 Cancer Burden Report shows that colon cancer rates are higher among Treaty #3 men compared to other men in Ontario. To help spark conversations around colon cancer prevention and screening, a Jumbo Colon was on-site as an interactive walk-through to show how colon cancer develops and can be prevented.
It was an inspiring day of learning, sharing, and connection. The North West Regional Cancer Program is proud to continue working alongside First Nation partners to bring awareness to cancer screening as part of discussions around men’s health.
Photo: (L-R): Bruno Tassone, Coordinator of ICU and Respiratory Services, Aaron Giba, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Shawn Jacobson, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Tasal Shinwarie, Student Respiratory Therapist, Morgan Chard, Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) are highly skilled health care professionals with specialized expertise in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. They play a crucial role in helping patients breathe easier and recover safely through their advanced knowledge and compassionate care.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), RTs are hard at work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, caring for patients of all ages across every area of the Hospital. From the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department to the Operating Room, NICU, outpatient clinics, and even home care, RTs are an essential part of every team.
They respond to high-risk deliveries, traumas, and medical emergencies, provide support during conscious sedations and cardioversions, perform arterial blood gases and catheter insertions, and manage therapies such as non-invasive ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP) and high-flow oxygen. Their dedication and expertise help ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient, every time.
This Respiratory Care Week, we recognize our transport RTs for their dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Their work doesn’t stop at the hospital doors—it’s on the move, saving lives wherever they’re needed most.
Leadership Roles for RTs
Photo: (L-R) Jennifer Gadioma, Interprofessional Educator, and Bruno Tassone, Critical Care and Respiratory Services Coordinator.
Respiratory therapists use their skills and knowledge to take on various leadership roles throughout our Hospital. Darolyn Hryciw is the RRT Charge and her role consists of managing day-to-day operations, scheduling, and equipment and supplies management. Bruno Tassone is the Critical Care and Respiratory Services Coordinator. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Respiratory Care department, Regional Critical Care Response (RCCR) as well as the Medical Emergency Team. Jennifer Gadioma is an Interprofessional Educator. Within her role, she helps advance the practice of health care professionals’ organization wide by providing hospital-wide education. Shawn Jacobson is the Education Lead and he organizes all the education and clinical placements for the Respiratory Therapy students from Canadore College. Aaron Giba is the Professional Practice Lead for the Respiratory Department, and provides leadership and guidance in everyday practice as well as policy development and implementation.
Operating Room
Photo (L-R): Brittney Goral RRT and AA, Natalie Pyke RRT and AA , Sam Nigro RRT and AA.
The anesthesia assistant (AA) is an essential member of the Operating Room (OR) team. AAs are respiratory therapists who have an additional 18 months of training in advanced anesthesia skills in order to facilitate the administration of anesthetic services, both in an out of the OR. Within the OR, they assist with the setup and induction of anesthesia for more complex surgical cases. Their duties include advanced airway management, line insertion as well as assistance with epidural/spinal blocks, peripheral nerve blocks and difficult intubation protocols. AAs can prepare and administer a variety of anesthetic agents and manage stable patients under anesthesia while the anesthetist performs other duties within the OR. They also maintain and troubleshoot all anesthesia equipment and are often called upon to assist with anesthetic emergencies. They prepare the OR for malignant hyperthermia cases and are well-versed in the management of this rare but life-threatening emergency. Outside of the OR, AAs set up and assist with sedation cases in diagnostic imaging that require advanced monitoring and generally facilitate any off-service anesthetic duty. The introduction of AAs have allowed anesthesia services to expand at a time when anesthesia resources are very limited.
Outpatient Clinics, Stress lab, Pulmonary Function Testing Lab
Photo (from L-R): Loriana Manion, RRT (Stress Lab) and Dennis Poulin, RRT (PFT lab).
Our Respiratory Therapy team plays a vital role across several specialized areas, including the Stress Lab, Pulmonary Function Lab, and Outpatient Clinic. In the Stress Lab, they monitor patients during exercise or pharmacologic stress tests to evaluate how the heart and lungs perform under pressure, helping diagnose conditions like exercise-induced asthma or cardiac issues. In the Pulmonary Function Lab, RTs perform a range of lung function tests such as spirometry and lung volume measurements to assess breathing capacity and identify respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Meanwhile, in the Outpatient Clinic, Respiratory Therapists provide ongoing care and education for patients managing chronic respiratory conditions, ensuring they understand their treatments and maintain optimal lung health outside the hospital setting. Together, these services allow RTs to deliver comprehensive respiratory care that supports diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.
Paediatric Emergency Transport Team
Photo (L-R): Victoria Morabito, RRT and Taylor Dewal, RRT.
Respiratory therapists on our Paediatric Emergency Transport Team are the critical link between bedside and destination, ensuring patients receive expert respiratory care every step of the way. Whether traveling by ground or air, these skilled clinicians manage ventilators, secure airways, and monitor patients with precision and calm under pressure. Their expertise allows for seamless, safe transitions for our most vulnerable patients — infants and children — often in the most challenging environments.
This Respiratory Therapy Week, we recognize our transport RTs for their dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Their work doesn’t stop at the hospital doors—it’s on the move, saving lives wherever they’re needed most.
