Shared on behalf of Information Technology

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To standardize GroupWise naming, GroupWise distribution groups need to be updated. The change involves replacing spaces with hyphens/dashes in the group name.

Starting January 31, when sending to a distribution group please ensure to use the GroupWise address book instead of the Frequent Contacts when selecting the group.  

You can see the new names listed in the table below.

Current Name	New Name
HRM Discharge	HRM-Discharge
HRM RoomReadiness	HRM-RoomReadiness
SJCG All Staff	SJCG-All-Staff
SJCG Leadership Team	SJCG-Leadership-Team
SJCG Management Team	SJCG-Management-Team
SJCG Payroll Group	SJCG-Payroll
SJCG_Directors	SJCG-Directors
TBRHSC Director’s Group	TBRHSC-Directors
TBRHSC Executive Assistants	TBRHSC-Executive-Assistants
TBRHSC Group	TBRHSC-Group
TBRHSC Managers and Coordinators	TBRHSC-Managers-and-Coordinators
TBRHSC Quarterly Strategic Review Group	TBRHSC-Quarterly-Strategic-Review
TBRHSC Senior Leadership	TBRHSC-Senior-Leadership
TBRHSC Switchboard	TBRHSC-Switchboard

 For more information, contact the Help Desk at help@tbh.net.      

This 2023-2024 Interim Volunteer Services Report outlines the activities and contributions of Hospital Volunteers from April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023.

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Volunteers perform a vital role at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. They support the Hospital’s realization of its mission and strategic goals. They enhance the programs and services we offer and assist staff in providing exceptional Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC). Volunteers provide services to patients, family members, caregivers, and staff in a number of different areas including patient care, reception, greeting, administration, and retail sales.

View 2023-2024 Interim Volunteer Services Report

Communications and Engagement has available for use an array of promotional materials and resources. Quick-frame posters and staff lounge posters are located strategically throughout the Hospital and are typically used to highlight current campaigns and announcements. For use in events, both on and off-site, there are various roll up displays and tabletop hook and loop display board. These tools are used for conferences or to compliment additional promotional events for such things as program roll-out and co-sponsored workshops. For media events, there is a logo display wall, podium and media sandwich board. Please see images below

To inquire about these materials and sign-out for use, please submit a service request ticket.*

* Each staff member with a tbh.net account can access our ticketing system with their Novell credentials. If you’re having difficulty logging in, please contact a member of the Communications and Engagement team. We’ll help you reset your password or create a new account.

We’ll be sharing more in-depth information about our department and the services we provide. Keep an eye on the Daily Informed Newsletter and check out our toolkit for details.

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Changes are coming to the Emergency Department at our Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, thanks to your donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Family Care Grant program. In fact, you can see some of those changes already in the waiting room.

The first thing you may notice is the new two-way speaker system at the front Triage Desk. The previous system could cut out, crackle, and pop with feedback. It was hard enough for someone with normal hearing to communicate in the busy Emergency Department. For those who have trouble hearing, it was very difficult.

The new two-way intercom system helps the triage nurse at the front door communicate with patients better. Sound is louder and clearer so patients can hear and understand the questions.

“I use the new intercom almost daily – I’m often at the Triage Desk,” said Adrian McKee, a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. “It’s so important to have the good communication with patients. But with the background noise, the overhead speaker, and the Plexiglas barrier, talking to patients when they first come in can be difficult. The new speaker system is definitely an improvement.”

Family Care Grant funded six new speakers including at the front Triage Desk and the Ambulance Bay.

Another item arriving soon is a charging station for phones and devices. Emergency Department visits often aren’t planned, so people may be arriving with low or no charge. That combined with constant communications with family members means batteries drain quickly. Staff would often lend patients charging cords, but that wasn’t ideal.

“This thing will be game-changing,” McKee said. “Phones are absolutely essential in everyday life, especially when there’s an emergency. The charging station will have all the different types of adapters, so there’s no worry about not having the right cord.”

The stations include a locker system so you can place your device inside and safely lock it up while it’s charging.

Perhaps the most visible change in the waiting room is the new water station. During the first COVID outbreak, the water fountain in the Emergency Department waiting room was removed due to the risk of transmission. Patients would often go to the reception desk asking for a glass of water.

“We’re always happy to get patients water,” McKee said. “But it’s a busy place, so there isn’t always someone available to get it for them right away. Finding a way for patients to safely get their own water is a much better solution.”

A Family Care Grant funded a new touchless water fountain to replace the old one. It also features a water bottle refill station so that patients can bring their own bottles from home. That station is 100% touchless as well – simply hold your water bottle under the spout and it automatically fills you up. It’s a cleaner, greener solution.

“It’s a great idea in a hospital waiting room even without COVID,” McKee said. “Thanks to all the donors who helped fund this new water filling station and all the items we were able to purchase to improve patient care.”

Sometimes it’s the little comforts that make a big difference. You can help frontline staff like Adrian McKee fund more projects in our Hospital that will improve patient care. To find out more and to donate, please visit: https://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare

Come enjoy a fun night out to watch your Lakehead Thunderwolves play against the Windsor Lancers on Saturday, February 3 at the Fort William Gardens!

This night is also their game-worn jersey auction in support of the Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign. Bidding starts at 6:00 p.m. and closes 10 minutes into the second intermission.

Tickets are $16 for adults, and $11 for students / children.

The Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Surgery Campaign is continuing to roar forward with this year’s Save a Heart Raffle. This year’s prize is a Polaris RZR900 Trail Premium side by side, valued at more than $27,000. The draw will be happening on April 1, at 12:00 p.m., Donated by J&J Sports, this is a perfect draw for anyone who loves the outdoors!

Tickets will be available for purchase in front of Season Gift Shop during the following days and times:

Monday February 5th 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday February 12th 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Monday February 26th 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are $20 each, three for $50, or 10 for $100.

They are also available for purchase at J&J Sports, Balmoral Park Acura, Thunder Bay Mitsubishi, Superior Strategies, and the Thunder Bay 50/50 Intercity Shopping Centre Store (starting February 1).

For more information, please email Selena at selena.owen@tbh.net!

Meet some of the best and brightest in our health research community by joining us for these virtual presentations via Webex.

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The Application of the Adverse Events Severity System in Northwestern Ontario (March 21)

PRESENTED BY: Dr. Travis E. Marion, MD. MSc. BEd. FRCSC., Northern Ontario School of Medicine University (NOSMU), Division of Clinical Sciences, Thunder Bay Campus, Program Director, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Assistant Professor

DATE: March 21, 2024
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Online event via Webex

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Dr. Marion, MD. MSc. BEd. FRCSC. is an orthopaedic surgeon who has been practicing at Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre, and regional centres since 2017. He is an assistant professor in the Division of Clinical Sciences at NOSM University and is the current Spine Surgery Medical Lead at the TBRHSC.

Dr. Marion is an active member in multiple medical societies including the Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA), Canadian Spine Society (CSS), Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society (COTS), and the Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTA).

Dr. Marion has international clinical experience, and actively participates in various multinational studies. As the recipient of multiple grants, his research interests include adverse events, and quality improvement as it pertains to delivery of orthopaedic and spine care within Northwestern Ontario. He has presented his work nationally and internationally, and his research has garnered multiple awards.

MEETING LINK: https://thunderbayhospitals.webex.com/thunderbayhospitals/j.php?MTID=m07294d3718773bbcb2c64af458f748ce
MEETING NUMBER (ACCESS CODE): 2348 188 3149
MEETING PASSWORD: TM21
TAP TO JOIN FROM A MOBILE DEVICE (ATTENDEES ONLY)
+1-613-714-9906,,23481883149##
Canada Toll (Ottawa)
+1-647-484-1598,,23481883149##
Canada Toll (Toronto)

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Using billing data to describe physician practices for health human resource planning (February 22)

PRESENTED BY: Dr. David Savage, MD, PhD, CCFP(EM) Emergency Physician, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Assistant Professor, NOSM University

DATE: February 22, 2024
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Online event via Webex

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Dr. David Savage is a graduate of NOSM University and an Emergency Physician at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. His research is currently focused on northern and rural health and health human resource planning.

MEETING LINK: https://thunderbayhospitals.webex.com/thunderbayhospitals/j.php?MTID=m5f732046667d07d1ab2de1b37a0989fd
MEETING NUMBER (ACCESS CODE): 2341 234 6702
MEETING PASSWORD: DS22
TAP TO JOIN FROM A MOBILE DEVICE (ATTENDEES ONLY)
+1-613-714-9906,,23412346702##
Canada Toll (Ottawa)
+1-647-484-1598,,23412346702##
Canada Toll (Toronto)

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My Bladder Health Matters (January 25)

PRESENTED BY: Dr. Hazem Elmansy, MD, MSc, FRCSC, Associate Professor & Program Director of the Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery Fellowship Program, NOSM University

DATE: January 25, 2024
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Online event via Webex

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Dr. Hazem Elmansy is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery Program at NOSM University. He joined Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Urology department in May 2017 after completing his Urology residency at McGill University and training in endourology (including Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for complex stone management, laser surgery for the prostate and metabolic work-up to prevent stone disease recurrence). In October 2017, Dr. Elmansy performed the first Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) procedure in Ontario. He has a strong passion for research and has co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, as well a chapter in Smith’s Textbook of Endourology. Dr. Elmansy is a coauthor of the Canadian Urological Association guidelines for the management of ureteric stones. His research contributions were recognized and awarded at both the American and Canadian Urological Association annual conferences.

MEETING LINK:
https://thunderbayhospitals.webex.com/thunderbayhospitals/j.php?MTID=m32513030c2198ff1f849890d8d626a83
MEETING NUMBER (ACCESS CODE): 2340 253 8991
MEETING PASSWORD: HE25
TAP TO JOIN FROM A MOBILE DEVICE (ATTENDEES ONLY)
+1-613-714-9906,,23402538991##
Canada Toll (Ottawa)
+1-647-484-1598,,23402538991##
Canada Toll (Toronto)

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Research Support Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (December 7)

PRESENTED BY: Rabail Siddiqui, Research Development Coordinator, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

DATE: December 7, 2023
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Online event via Webex

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Rabail Siddiqui has over five years of experience in research, ranging from basic sciences, to clinical and translational research. She has worked for the Orthopaedic Research Program at TBRHRI for the last three years and has been covering the position of Research Development Coordinator since May 2021. Rabail obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology and her Master of Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology from Lakehead University. She recently completed a Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) in Translational Research from the University of Toronto.

MEETING LINK: https://thunderbayhospitals.webex.com/thunderbayhospitals/j.php?MTID=m343336546d55cde8e303a36241a175ba
MEETING NUMBER (ACCESS CODE): 2340 835 0581
MEETING PASSWORD: RS07
TAP TO JOIN FROM A MOBILE DEVICE (ATTENDEES ONLY)
+1-613-714-9906,,23408350581##
Canada Toll (Ottawa)
+1-647-484-1598,,23408350581##
Canada Toll (Toronto)

Meet Diane Iazzolino Bodnar, social worker at the Maternity Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).

Diane provides support to patients during pregnancy and postpartum. Diane can assist with pregnancy planning, challenges associated with transitioning to parenthood, mental health counselling, resource counselling, pregnancy loss, and addictions.

“In my role, I am able to help guide parents-to-be and their families through this life-changing event,” says Iazzolino Bodnar. “I am so grateful to be a part of supporting them in becoming active participants in their health and well-being.”

Call the Maternity Centre today for an appointment with a social worker at 807-684-6479.

No referrals are necessary to access care at the Maternity Centre.

For more information on our programs and services, visit our website at bit.ly/TBRHSC-Maternity-Centre

In order to ensure the continued safety environment for patients, families and staff, we will be replacing some of our entrance grates.

On the evening of Friday, February 2, 2024, the entrance grates will be replaced at the Cafeteria Entrance, Cancer Centre Entrance and the West Lobby Entrance. The work will begin around 7:00 pm starting with the Cafeteria Entrance and is expected to be completed by midnight. During the installation there will be alternate entrances identified.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ashley Dell, Acting Manager, Housekeeping, Laundry/Linen & Portering, at ashley.dell@tbh.net.

Vince Vocaturo* from Sudbury is starting his new year as a millionaire! Vince is the first Thunder Bay 50/50 grand prize winner of 2024, winning a grand prize of $1,205,185.

“This is great news this morning. Very nice,” says Vince. Family is going to benefit from his win. “I will buy a new truck and put the rest away for my kids.” He has three children and four grandchildren.

Proceeds from the Thunder Bay 50/50 monthly draw go towards purchasing vital equipment and making upgrades at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. To date, over $33 Million in prizes has been awarded to winners from across Ontario and, in turn, millions of dollars of essential equipment has been purchased for the Hospital.

“A $1-million jackpot in January is an amazing way to start the 2024 Thunder Bay 50/50. We’re curious to see how many new members we will be adding to the Thunder Bay 50/50 Millionaire’s Club this year!” says Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “The 50/50 has made a huge difference for the winners and for patients here at the Hospital. It is helping us Do More, Faster, funding millions more in new and replacement equipment for the Hospital these past few years.”

(* pronounced voh’ kah too’ ro)

February Draw Now Open

February’s draw will feature $35,000 in Early Bird draws, with the first two being the largest – $10,000 prize draws on January 31^st and on Groundhog Day/Feb 2nd! The grand prize jackpot happens Friday, February 23, 2024. Tickets are now available online at www.thunderbay5050.ca or in-person at the 50/50 Store in Intercity Shopping Centre.

Ticket packages are as follows:

• $10 for 5 numbers
• $20 for 30 numbers
• $50 for 150 numbers
• $75 for 300 numbers (Best Value)

** Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 22, 2024 to be eligible for the Grand Prize draw on Friday, February 23, at 11:00 a.m.

Questions about the draw can be sent to info@thunderbay5050.ca. Ticket purchasers must be present in Ontario to purchase and 18 years old or older. The Thunder Bay 50/50 continues each month with the Grand Prize drawn on the last Friday of the month. (2024 Lottery licence RAF1352142)