This week, we proudly celebrate Laundry and Linen Appreciation Week, honoring the dedicated team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support patient care throughout our Hospital.
Each day, our Laundry and Linen staff ensure that patients receive clean, safe, and high-quality linens. From carefully washing and sanitizing to managing inventory and distribution, their efforts are vital to upholding the highest standards of hygiene, comfort, and infection prevention.
Did you know?
Our Laundry and Linen Department processes over 3.4 million pounds of laundry per year.
The team works seven days a week: Monday to Friday, from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The team is comprised of 12 full time employees which provide the backbone of the workforce by maintaining consistency and expertise in daily operations.
The team also relies on 14 part time and seven casual employees who supplement the workforce during peak periods and ensure smooth operations, even during fluctuations in demand.
The Laundry and Linen Department operates four 250lb washing machines and two 85lb washing machines, which are industrial grade and were strategically chosen to handle the immense laundry volume.
The Laundry and Linen Department has two small piece folders which are designed to efficiently fold towels, gowns, soaker pads, pillowcases and other small items.
The Laundry and Linen Department also uses one blanket folder, which is designed to efficiently fold large / oversized items such as blankets, spreads and draws sheets.
The workflow within the facility is finely tuned to optimize efficiency and productivity.
From sorting, loading, washing, drying, and folding, each stage of the laundry process is meticulously coordinated to minimize turnaround times and maximize productivity.
Join us in celebrating and appreciating these invaluable team members who help keep our Hospital running smoothly every single day.
A long time volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been recognized for more than three decades of service with the dedication of a space that has quietly supported patients in need.
During a special gathering attended by staff, volunteers, and community members, Sonja Aldrich was commended for her 30-plus years volunteering with the Hospital, culminating in the official naming of “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard.”
The Clothing Cupboard provides essential items such as underwear, socks, tops, pants, footwear, and seasonal outerwear to patients who may not have access to appropriate clothing when they are discharged from the Hospital. The initiative ensures individuals can return home with dignity and comfort.
Megan Valente, Operations Coordinator of Volunteer Services at TBRHSC, highlighted the importance of both the program and Aldrich’s role in its success.
“This space represents compassion in action,” Valente said. “Sonja has poured her heart into ensuring patients are cared for in ways that go beyond medical treatment.”
Over the years, Aldrich has taken an active, hands-on approach to maintaining the Clothing Cupboard’s inventory. She regularly visits thrift stores to source quality clothing at low cost, builds relationships with retailers, and seeks out opportunities to maximize donations.
“Today has been a joy and an honour,” said Aldrich. “But honestly, I am so grateful to be able to help support patients in their hour of need. These past decades of volunteering with the Hospital. I have seen first hand that a little kindness goes a long way.”
“It truly reflects patient and family centred care by offering dignity and respect at a vulnerable moment,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Something as simple as clean, well-fitting clothing can restore confidence and help patients feel ready to return home.”
Crocker Ellacott noted that Aldrich’s work reflects a broader understanding of patient care that includes emotional and personal well-being alongside clinical treatment.
In recognition of her dedication, the Hospital formally unveiled the newly named “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard” during the event.
“Thirty years of service is an incredible milestone,” said Crocker Ellacott. “But what stands out most is the compassion and creativity Sonja has brought to her work. She has made a lasting impression at the Hospital, and a difference in the lives of patients.”
During a special gathering attended by staff, volunteers, and community members, Sonja Aldrich was commended for her 30-plus years volunteering with the Hospital, culminating in the official naming of “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard.”(L-R) Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute; Sonja Aldrich; Adam Vinet, Vice President, Patient Experience and Chief Nursing Executive, TBRHSC, Vice President, Cancer Care Services, North West Region; Jeannine Verdenik, Vice President, People & Culture, TBRHSC.(L-R) Christine Hyder, volunteer with the Clothing Cupboard at TBRHSC; Sonja Aldrich; and Megan Valente, Operations Coordinator of Volunteer Services, TBRHSC.Over the years, Sonja Aldrich has taken an active, hands-on approach to maintaining the Clothing Cupboard’s inventory. She regularly visits thrift stores to source quality clothing at low cost, builds relationships with retailers, and seeks out opportunities to maximize donations.(L-R) Megan Valente, Operations Coordinator of Volunteer Services, TBRHSC; Lois Devereaux (longtime friend of Sonja); Sonja Aldrich; and Christine Hyder, volunteer with the Clothing Cupboard at TBRHSC.
Accreditation Canada surveyors will be visiting Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre from May 11-14, 2026 to assess how well we are providing safe and effective care that aligns with national standards.
What Does it Mean to Me?
Accreditation involves everyone at TBRHSC. We all play a role in delivering the highest standards of care to our patients, and families — each and every day.
Shared on behalf of Jennifer Gadioma, Interim Manager, Practice and Learning
We are launching a recruitment initiative to highlight all health professions at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
As part of this, we are creating an updated recruitment brochure and are looking for representatives from all disciplines to be featured.
Participation includes:
A short photo session in your work environment
A brief quote about your role, experience, or what inspires you
This is a great opportunity to represent your profession and support recruitment efforts across the organization.
If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Jennifer Gadioma, Interim Manager Practice and Learning at jennifer.gadioma@tbh.netor Zahra Limkhedawala, Recruitment Specialist, Human Resources at zahra.limkhedawala@tbh.net
Starting the week of April 20, 2026 the public washrooms on the second and third floors will be getting painted. One washroom in each area will remain open for use during the painting.
Any questions or concerns please contact Jeff MacDonald. jeffrey.macdonald@tbh.net.
The Medical Device Reprocessing Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and dispersing the tools needed for surgeries and other procedures in the Operating Rooms and throughout the Hospital.
A significant behind-the-scenes transformation is underway at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), with a major renovation and expansion of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD).
MDRD is a vital service that underpins every sterile medical procedure. The project aims to strengthen patient safety, improve care quality, and increase capacity as surgical volumes and complexity continue to rise.
MDRD is being redeveloped into a modern, purpose-built space designed to meet today’s rigorous health care standards. Planned upgrades include expanded and reconfigured work areas to streamline the flow of instruments from decontamination to sterilization, as well as the installation of advanced washers, sterilizers, and automated cart systems.
New technologies will also be introduced, such as real-time instrument tracking, barcode scanning, and digital documentation. In addition, upgraded air handling systems will enhance ventilation, pressure control, and infection prevention.
Despite the scale of the project, the department will remain fully operational throughout construction. Work is being carried out in carefully planned phases within the existing Hospital to ensure uninterrupted service.
“The upgrade is necessary to keep pace with evolving sterilization standards and increasing surgical demand,” says Phil Thompson, Director, Support Services. “Since the facility first opened, requirements for cleaning and reprocessing medical equipment have advanced significantly. The need for expansion is further driven by the introduction of new cardiovascular surgical services, which will require highly specialized instruments to be processed quickly and in strict compliance with national standards.”
The enhanced MDRD will enable the Hospital to handle higher patient volumes while meeting or exceeding current regulatory requirements.
Once complete, the new MDRD will operate as a highly organized, 24/7 environment with a clear, one-directional workflow. Instruments will move seamlessly through each stage, from decontamination and inspection to sterilization and storage.
Key features will include a closed-loop system connecting directly to surgical suites via dedicated elevators for clean and soiled equipment, as well as clearly separated zones to prevent cross-contamination. Negative air pressure will be maintained in soiled areas, with positive pressure in clean zones.
Automated systems for washing carts and instruments, improved storage solutions, and flexible design elements will support both current operations and future growth.
Cardiovascular surgery is among the most complex and resource-intensive areas of care, requiring large volumes of specialized instruments that must be meticulously processed within tight timeframes.
The expanded MDRD will increase processing capacity, maintain reliable turnaround times, and support the specialized equipment needed for cardiac and vascular surgeries. The upgrade is essential to ensuring the long-term success and safety of the cardiovascular surgery program.
As part of the project, the department will grow from approximately 7,750 square feet to 11,060 square feet—an increase of more than 40 percent. The added space will allow for improved workflow, additional equipment, and future expansion.
Renovations are being carried out in multiple stages to avoid disruptions to patient care. Initial renovations to surrounding support areas are already underway and are expected to be completed by spring 2026.
Following that, portions of the MDRD will be temporarily relocated to allow for phased upgrades within the department itself. Full completion of the project is anticipated in early 2028.
While much of this work happens out of public view, its impact is felt in every sterile procedure. This expansion ensures that TBRHSC teams have the tools, space, and systems they need to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality care, now and into the future.
Employee Donors are Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre staff who donate through payroll deductions, helping to fund Hospital equipment & upgrades in the area that means the most to them. We’ll be featuring some of the incredible Employee Givers in the Employee Donor Spotlight!
Today: Barbara Leblanc from the Laboratory. When asked why she gave, she answered:
“I am a lab technician, and I have worked in the lab for over 27 years and have started giving back at McKellar Hospital. I feel pride in where I work. Contributing financially feels like I am investing in my own team, patients, and community. Also, it is a great tax break come tax time.”
Thank you to Tbaytel, who matches annual Employee Donor contributions up to $7,500!
Are you already an Employee Donor and want to be featured in the Spotlight? Let us know, and you’ll receive a coffee card donated by Robin’s and a gift card donated by Sleeping Giant Biscotti!
Administrative Professionals Day (April 22) recognizes and celebrates the work of executive assistants, administrative assistants, clerks and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace.
We’re calling on all administrative professionals in the Hospital and Health Research Institute to submit a high resolutionphoto of you or your team to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net by Tuesday, April 21at 4:00 p.m. These photos will be shared on the Daily Informed Newsletter and the Hospital’s socials to help celebrate this year’s edition of Administrative Professionals Day. Please include a caption with your name(s), title(s) and department.
This April marks one year since the launch of the Bridge Northwest Program — a significant milestone in our shared journey to bring Meditech Expanse to Partner Organizations across Northwestern Ontario.
Since our regional kickoff in April 2025, the Program has steadily progressed from a planning and design stage into the system build – which is underway across all Expanse modules with hundreds of dictionaries and thousands of individual pieces of clinical content being reviewed.
A Regional Effort
At the center of all this work are the people making it possible. Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), working group members, and local teams continue to be the driving force behind this transformation. Representing every organization, discipline, and care setting, they bring invaluable knowledge, experience, and perspective to ensure that what we are building reflects the realities of healthcare across Northwestern Ontario. Their contributions — alongside the engagement of front-line staff, professional staff, and leaders — are what make this a truly regional effort.
Participation by the Numbers
850+ individuals from the 12 Partnering Organizations have been involved to date – including 80+ professional staff and 100+ executives.
40+ Working Groups & governing bodies are currently standing.
250+ Events /Meetings have been attended by Bridge Northwest’s Change Management Team.
Technical Readiness
Device selections and infrastructure walkthroughs were completed across the 12 Partner Organization’s hospitals and care facilities.
These sessions brought Bridge Northwest teams directly into care environments to engage with frontline staff, professional staff, and leaders. By walking through real workflows and care spaces together, teams gathered practical insights that are shaping how devices will support care delivery in a way that is efficient in day-to-day realities.
5000+ device items are being ordered and configured over the summer.
Deployment of devices will begin later this Fall.
Keeping Momentum
As we mark this one-year milestone, we can also think about the year ahead of us. In the coming months, the Program will be focused on completing the system build, and carrying out testing, training, and preparation activities for Go-Live.
Together, we’ve built strong momentum in our first year. Together, we will continue building a connected future for care across Northwestern Ontario.
