Shared on behalf of David McConnell, Director, Regional Cancer Care Northwest & Prevention and Screening
It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Lori Hygaard as the Manager of the 1A Medical/Inpatient Unit. Lori will be replacing Samantha Ward, and we thank Samantha for her dedication and contributions to the unit and organization.
Lori brings a wealth of experience to this roll, with many years of oncology nursing experience and having served as Coordinator of the Cancer Centre. Most recently, Lori has been acting as the interim manager, demonstrating her leadership capabilities and commitment to our team.
Please join us in welcoming Lori to her new role. We are confident that her expertise and passion will be invaluable to the 1A Medical/Oncology Inpatient Unit.
We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our patients and staff. Further details regarding Lori’s replacement in the Cancer Center will be communicated shortly.
During National Volunteer Week, we will be spotlighting volunteers to highlight the important roles they play at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Today’s spotlight shines on Bryan McKay.
Bryan McKay’s journey with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF) began from a place of deep personal experience. In 2006, his son, Kol, was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. For the next ten years, the Regional Cancer Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) became a central part of their lives. “They always made him feel welcomed and cared for,” Bryan recalls. “They always addressed him by name with a big smile whenever he came in.”
After Kol’s passing in 2016, Bryan wanted to find a meaningful way to express his gratitude for the care and support his family had received. With Kol’s love of music in mind, he envisioned a fundraiser that would bring people together through song — spreading hope to those facing cancer. With the support of Diana Hannaford-Wilcox, choir director at St. Paul’s United Church and a cancer survivor herself, the idea came to life. The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation staff embraced the concept, providing guidance and encouragement to make it a reality.
On May 5, 2018, Choirs for Hope took the stage, featuring seven choirs performing songs of hope and inspiration. The event provided a space to celebrate cancer survivors, honor those lost, and raise vital funds for the Regional Cancer Centre. Thanks to overwhelming community support, it raised over $10,000.
Inspired by the success of Choirs for Hope, Bryan returned to the Foundation the following year with another fundraising idea—this time in support of cardiac care. Having lost his father to a heart attack at the age of 63, he was passionate about advancing heart health initiatives. He saw an opportunity to connect Valentine’s Day, a holiday symbolized by hearts, with a campaign to support cardiac care. When he pitched the idea of “Share a Heart” bouquets — floral arrangements sold by local florists with proceeds benefiting the Northern Cardiac Fund — the response was overwhelmingly positive. With the help of the Foundation and enthusiastic local businesses, the initiative launched in 2019, and to date, over 500 bouquets have been sold.
Bryan’s passion for fundraising and event organizing was sparked early — he helped coordinate a fundraiser in high school and continued to plan events throughout his teaching career. These experiences gave him the confidence to turn ideas into reality. However, he never anticipated the profound impact volunteering would have on him. “Giving in itself is a rewarding experience,” he says. “But I’ve also learned that having the support and guidance of others can make a significant difference.”
Among his most cherished memories is witnessing the power of music during Choirs for Hope. “Hearing seven choirs come together to sing songs of hope and inspiration was truly a spiritual shower,” he reflects. The event reinforced his belief in the power of community and the importance of giving back.
While Bryan’s role doesn’t involve direct patient interaction, his experiences with the Foundation and hospital staff have deeply influenced him. “Their commitment to helping others — whether supporting my initiatives or providing care for my family — has been inspiring,” he says. “I remain grateful for the exceptional care available here in Thunder Bay.”
Now retired, Bryan has made volunteering a core part of his life. Each day, he reflects on the opportunity to make a difference in his community. His advice for those considering getting involved? “You don’t have to do it alone. There are so many people willing to support you.” And the reward, he says, is simple: “The feeling of satisfaction you get from knowing you’ve helped someone — it’s worth every effort.”
Looking ahead, Bryan remains committed to finding new ways to contribute. Whether through fundraising or community initiatives, one thing is certain — his journey of giving is far from over.
To start, I would like to welcome all new staff and professional staff that have joined our Hospital and Health Research Institute community — we are thrilled you are here! We look forward to working together, learning with you and benefitting from your energy and fresh perspectives. I know you will embrace your position with dedication and help us move towards our vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time.
I’d like to start with some good news. There was a wonderful announcement this week with the Family CARE Grants media event on April 29th to announce the results of the applications submitted. We are immensely appreciative of how the money from donors helps to extend Patient Centred Care and our vision of Exceptional care for every patient every time. 74 grants were approved by the Foundation and its Board of Directors for a total of $139,265.99. Further to this, through formal request, the Foundation will now review and assess the Hospital and Health Research Institutes’ submissions for critical equipment, and improvements in support of better care and research. Last year we were grateful that the Foundation provided close to $6.8 million in 2024 for various equipment and other care improvements. We look forward to what this partnership will bring throughout 2025.
Thank you to the donors in the community and to the committee for their work in overseeing this extensive process. Thank you also to the countless staff who took time out of their busy schedules to submit applications. It is truly impressive to see the passion in the ideas brought forward from frontline staff that will improve the care experience at our Hospital.
On now to patient capacity and the flow of patients throughout our facility – essential factors for providing appropriate care in suitable spaces. Through the coordination of the Patient Flow team, and the collective efforts of the Hospitalists, the CDU Unit, and all Allied Health Care teams, there have been significant changes and improvements to support patient flow both into and out of our facility. Teams have been working hard to transfer any patients from the Emergency Department to a bed and we are seeing great progress, resulting in a decreased length of stay for these patients. We know that teamwork is essential in seeing these results and thank you to the many involved to make sure patient care is optimal and efficiently managed.
As we continue to transform the care we provide to support the growing healthcare demands in our community, you will see many alterations in our facility and throughout the Hospital campus. Although these activities are inconvenient, they are essential to getting to where we need to be. I want to reassure you the teams are continually assessing the impacts and logistics of these activities to minimize disruptions where able. Your patience and support in keeping patients and families informed on these changes is an important part of the care experience. Please know you can keep current on these happenings through the Daily Informed Newsletter, our monthly all staff Town Hall, our website or any of our social media platforms, as well as direct updates from the Capital Planning team
I would like to wrap this blog up by recognizing our extraordinary volunteers throughout our Hospital, the Health Research Institute and the Health Sciences Foundation. National Volunteer Week is April 27th to May 3rd and this week of recognition is certainly not enough to celebrate all those who provide precious time to support so many of our operations and provide their time, expertise and compassion to make our community a better place to be. Thank you for all that you do.
Please know you can always send me any feedback about this blog or connect with me on anything else on your mind. Feel free to reach out to me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I appreciate hearing from you.
Every day, our physicians demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to caring for patients and fostering a healthier community. National Physicians’ Day — celebrated every year on May 1st — gives us an opportunity to acknowledge their exceptional skill, professionalism, and heartfelt compassion that shines through daily, whether in routine situations or during challenging times.
We sincerely thank all physicians for their unwavering dedication to patient care. Your efforts in saving lives and enhancing the well-being of our community are truly remarkable. We appreciate your invaluable contributions, which help us deliver exceptional care to every patient, every time.
During National Volunteer Week, we will be spotlighting volunteers to highlight the important roles they play at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Today’s spotlight shines onBianca Zussino.
Bianca Zussino is a third-year biology and neuroscience student at Lakehead University with aspirations to pursue a career in medicine. In addition to her academic studies, she is currently a neurogastroenterology research intern with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Bianca is also a dedicated volunteer in her community, working with organizations such as the Children’s Aid Society, St. Joseph’s Care Group, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Her volunteer role at TBRHSC involves serving as a Patient Family Advisor (PFA), where she advocates for the patient perspective to drive positive change within the institution.
Her motivation for volunteering in this capacity is rooted in her personal health challenges. Through her experiences, Bianca learned the importance of self-advocacy and the significant impact it can have on one’s health journey. She witnessed both the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and decided to pursue a role as a Patient Family Advisor (PFA) in order to contribute to meaningful change. In her current position, Bianca serves on the Surgical and Surgical Services Board at TBRHSC, participates in monthly PFA council meetings, and shares her patient story during orientations for new staff. These opportunities have enabled her to engage in important policy discussions, contribute insights based on her personal experience, and advocate for improvements that prioritize patient-centered care.
Bianca believes that education is a powerful tool for driving change. By sharing her story, she helps new hospital staff understand the real impact of patient-centered care. Her experience highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement in the healthcare system, underscoring the need for empathy, effective communication, and strong advocacy in improving patient experiences.
As a PFA, Bianca is passionate about helping future patients navigate the healthcare system. Her own experience allows her to relate to the challenges patients face, and she believes her perspective can help improve the overall experience for others. For Bianca, the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others is incredibly rewarding. Through her involvement, she hopes to contribute to a more compassionate and efficient healthcare system for future patients.
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Shared on behalf of Dawna Perry, Senior Director, Nursing, Academics and Practice Excellence
I am pleased to announce that Leanne Baird has accepted the role of Simulation Program Manager.
Leanne brings more than 15 years of experience in education, healthcare, and simulation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University.
Since joining TBRHSC, Leanne has been instrumental in advancing simulation-based education, coordinating training programs, managing simulation technologies, and contributing to quality improvement initiatives.
In her role as Simulation Technologist, she collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams on a range of projects, including supporting the simulation component for the Regional Pediatric Transport Team training. Throughout her work, Leanne has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration, education, and patient safety. In her new role, Leanne will work alongside the Medical Leads for Simulation (Dr. Rosie North, Dr. Sonja Lubbers, and Dr. Aaron Ruberto) to lead the continued growth of our Simulation Program. She will focus on collaborating with teams across all departments to expand simulation’s role in education, quality improvement, and clinical excellence across the organization.
Please join me in congratulating Leanne and welcoming her to her new leadership position.
During National Volunteer Week, we will be spotlighting volunteers to highlight the important roles they play at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Today’s spotlight shines onAlexis S.
Alexis has come a long way since first stepping foot in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). What started as a participation in Project Search, a unique school-to-work training program for students with disabilities, has blossomed into a fulfilling journey of volunteerism that has helped her grow both personally and professionally. Now, as a dedicated volunteer in the Housekeeping and Portering departments, Alexis is also balancing her education as a student at Confederation College, showing that her commitment to service and learning knows no bounds.
The Project Search program, which focuses on preparing young adults for competitive employment, was where Alexis’ volunteer journey began. During her time in the program, Alexis was immersed in hands-on training, learning essential work skills that would set her up for future success. The partnership between TBRHSC and Thunder Bay high schools was a critical stepping stone for Alexis, offering an inclusive opportunity that provided both education and practical work experience.
After completing the program, Alexis didn’t stop there. She continued her work as a volunteer in the Laundry Department, helping ensure clean linens for patients and staff alike. Her dedication to the role was evident, as she took pride in the vital part she played in maintaining hospital operations behind the scenes.
Her journey didn’t stop at laundry; with a change in her school schedule Alexis began volunteering in Housekeeping and Portering, two key areas that are essential for the Hospital’s day-to-day operations. In these roles, Alexis is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in various departments. While these responsibilities may seem demanding, Alexis approaches them with a cheerful attitude and a strong work ethic. She greets everyone with a smile and is know by name all around the Hospital.
“I’ve learned so much working in these areas,” Alexis shared. “It’s all about being organized, paying attention to the details, and making sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. I love that I can help make a difference.”
Beyond her work at TBRHSC, Alexis is currently a student at Confederation College, where she is pursuing further education to expand her career opportunities. Balancing her studies with volunteer work speaks volumes about Alexis’ dedication to both personal growth and giving back to her community. Her role as a volunteer has not only enriched her education but has also shaped her understanding of the healthcare system and patient care.
Alexis’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that volunteerism can have, not just on a community, but also on the individual volunteer. Her story shows how opportunities for growth, and service can shape a young person’s future and set them on a path to success.
TBRHSC has benefitted from Alexis’ dedication, and she has undoubtedly benefitted from the many lessons learned along the way. As she continues her education and volunteer work, Alexis is a shining example of how service to others can pave the way for both personal and professional growth.
Shared on behalf of the Offices of the Chief of Staff & Medical and Academic Affairs
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), our physicians are at the heart of patient care and academic excellence. Tomorrow on May 1st, we celebrate and honour their tireless commitment, clinical leadership, and compassion in service to our community and region.
Thank a Doc
Send your message of appreciation!
Colleagues, learners, and staff are invited to share words of thanks, reflections, or stories of impact.
Check out these local events to honour Red Dress Day on May 5. Red Dress Day is the National Day of Action and Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse people .
Join Beendigen & Shelter House this Red Dress Day for a MMIWG2S+ Memorial Walk & Vigil. The event will begin at 12 p.m. on Monday May 5, at Marina Park. See below for more details.
Fort William First Nation invites you to a community walk in honor of MMIW. The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Youth Centre on Fort William First Nation. See below for more details.
