Shared on behalf of John Ross, Director, Surgical and Ambulatory Services
I am pleased to announce that Meghan Hill will begin her role as Administrative Manager, Surgical Inpatient Units effective April 21, 2025. Meghan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, making her an excellent fit for our team.
Meghan began her nursing career in 2008 at the Ottawa Hospital General Campus in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In 2009, she returned to Thunder Bay and joined the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in Critical Care Services. Meghan has held various important positions, including roles within the Medical Emergency Team (MET) and Regional Critical Response, and serving as the Clinical Lead for the Regional Pediatric, Neonatal, and Infant Transport Initiative. Most recently, she was the Manager of the 2B Medical Inpatient Unit, where she developed a diverse set of skills that will be invaluable in her new position.
Meghan’s extensive background in critical care and her leadership experience makes her uniquely qualified to oversee the surgical department. We are confident that her dedication and capabilities will greatly enhance our operations and contribute to the high standard of care we strive to provide.
Please join me in welcoming Meghan to her new role.
We celebrate the recent retirement of Valerie Walser, an exceptional Occupational Therapist. After over 42 incredible years of dedication and countless contributions, Valerie has retired. We wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement filled with adventure!
After graduating from McMaster University, Val’s career began at McKellar Hospital in Thunder Bay. Val moved and worked in hospitals across Southern Ontario before returning to Thunder Bay in 1988, joining the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, where she contributed to inpatient mental health services. Val also delivered services for community-based home care. In 2003, she became part of the team at Port Arthur General Hospital, which later merged with McKellar General Hospital to form the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in 2004.
Val has extensive experience working in all areas of the Occupational Therapy profession but her greatest accomplishments were her involvement with the flow collaborative for improving patient flow and her work on the cardiology unit at the TBRHSc.
Val continued to thrive throughout her career. Her fondest memories are “of the people I’ve worked with; the teams, the Rehab Department and the wonderful OTs, and of course the epic appreciation parties in the Rehab Department!”
Val has been a valued team member, known for her leadership, mentorship, unwavering positivity, skills, and dedication. Her impact on the organization has been profound, leaving a legacy of excellence and integrity. Val dedicated her years to mentoring new occupational therapists, sharing her vast knowledge and unwavering passion for patient-centered care. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, shaping a better future for healthcare in Thunder Bay.
Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude for Val’s contributions to both TBRHSc and St. Joseph’s Care Group. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.
Congratulations Val! You will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
It’s National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 20-26), and we want to highlight the vital need for organ and tissue donors in our community and beyond.
As our population ages, the demand for donations continues to rise. One donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and assist 75 more through organ and tissue donation. This incredible gift is often given during the most challenging times.
Our team approaches discussions with care and compassion, ensuring every patient and family is informed to make life-saving decisions. Consider discussing organ and tissue donation with your loved ones. You can make a profound impact on the lives of others!
Collaboration is key. Currently, approximately 1,400 individuals are on the waiting list for organ transplantation in Ontario. By registering your consent, you make a selfless choice to help those in need. This week is the perfect time to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor. Your decision can change lives! Learn more and register at www.beadonor.ca. It only takes two minutes to save or potentially enhance many lives.
This week we are celebrating Laundry and Linen Appreciation Week!
Laundry and Linen Appreciation Week occurs during the last full week of April and is an opportunity to recognize an important group of behind-the-scenes champions at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Did you know?
✅ Our Laundry team processes over 3.4 million pounds of laundry per year. ✅ The team works seven days a week, from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. ✅ 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 five 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 250Ib washing machines and two 85Ib 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 thanking everyone in our Laundry and Linen Department for their hard work, tireless effort and vital contribution to the patient care experience.
On Monday, April 14, we welcomed the NOSM University fourth year medical students to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)!
Over the coming year, you may see — and even have the opportunity to work alongside — the next generation of physicians. These students can be identified by their red lanyards.
Throughout the year, our fourth year medical students complete six core rotations: Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. In addition to these, they will undertake five elective rotations in areas of their choosing, allowing them to explore potential specialties.
Please join us in welcoming them and supporting them throughout this exciting journey!
Lauren Ritchie knew the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) inside and out. As the former Coordinator of the Screen for Life Coach, she was familiar with the screening process and how to best support her team.
When a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, the work she had once approached professionally took on a whole new meaning.
“Everything shifted from logistical to deeply personal,” says Ritchie. “I had always believed in the value of screening but I had a newfound appreciation for just how critical early detection really is.”
The Screen for Life Coach (Coach) is a mobile cancer screening unit, operated by the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, that delivers breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening directly to communities across the region. In Northwestern Ontario, where rural, remote, and Indigenous communities can face additional barriers to care, the Coach offers not only access to services but a chance to normalize screening as a routine part of healthcare.
Now back on the road for its seven-month regional tour, the Coach’s return carries new urgency and new hope. A recent change to OBSP has lowered the recommended age for breast cancer screening from 50 to 40. It’s a shift that could lead to earlier detection and improved outcomes for individuals across the province.
For Ritchie, the change came at a pivotal moment. “Timely enough, the [breast screening] program lowered the screening age just as my friends and I were turning 40,” she says. “Because of my past involvement with the Coach, I knew that’s where I wanted to be screened.”
To mark the milestone, Ritchie and her friends supported each other through their first mammogram appointments on the Coach, an event they affectionately dubbed the Boobie Brunch.
“It turned what could have been a nerve-wracking task into a supportive, shared experience that we celebrated afterward,” says Ritchie. “Turning 40 isn’t something to fear, and neither is your first mammogram. With the lowered screening age now in place, I hope others take proactive steps toward early detection.”
The experience also provided Ritchie with a renewed appreciation for the healthcare professionals working aboard the Coach.
“I had seen the nurses and technologists in action before, but experiencing their work as a client gave me deeper respect for their skill and dedication,” she says. “Their compassion has a way of putting you atease if you’re nervous about the process. It’s clear they care about what they do.”
Since its launch, the Coach has played a vital role in increasing screening participation and improving health outcomes in the region. Its presence encourages important conversations about health and prevention.
“Life is busy and it’s easy to put these things off, but screening should be a priority,” Ritchie adds. “Sharing the experience with my friends made it more meaningful. Having people who remind you to book that appointment, check in on you, and stand by your side through life’s ups and downs makes all the difference. That day wasn’t just about getting screened, it was about showing up for each other in every sense of the word.”
The Screen for Life Coach will continue traveling throughout Northwestern Ontario until the fall. Eligible individuals due for breast, cervical, or colon cancer screening are encouraged to take advantage of the mobile service.
For information about the Coach’s travel schedule and screening eligibility, visit tbrhsc.net/screenforlife. To book an appointment, call (807) 684-7777.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
Due to the measles epidemic in Southern Ontario, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center has initiated a screening process, to be completed at all points of registration. Below is a list of areas of concern when completing the screening questions. This list will be sent out when updated.
High Risk City (Area) in Ontario
Barrie
Kingston
Petrolia
Tilbury
Belleville
Kingsville
Picton
Tillsonburg
Bloomfield
Kitchener
Poole
Timmons
Breslau
Langton
Richmond Hill
Toronto
Chatham
LaSalle
Sarnia
Trenton
Cobden
Leamington
Simcoe
Wallaceburg
Colchester
Listowel
St. Clements
Waterloo
Englehart
London
St. Thomas
Wellesley
Essex
Markhma
St. Jacobs
West Montrose
Etibicoke
North Bay
Straffordville
Windsor
Harrow
Owen Sound
Stratford
Wingham
Ingersoll
Petawawa
Tecumseh
Woodstock
Wyoming
Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at 807-684-6094.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
The enteric outbreak has been declared OVER at the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) as of April 21, 2025. All restrictions are lifted.
Outbreak # 2262-2025-00045
Please share this information with the appropriate staff. As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors.
The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention Control at 807-684-6094.
Bridge Northwest is hosting a series of live virtual demonstrations showcasing Meditech Expanse — the new electronic health record (EHR) system being implemented across the region.
Each demonstration is designed to provide a first-hand look at how Expanse will support workflows across various settings. If you’re curious about how the new system will look and feel — this is your chance to see it in action.
➡️ No pre-registration required – just click the link to join!
The full series of virtual sessions are open to all staff at our hospital and regional partner sites. Join the session that aligns with your role or interests — or attend all three for a picture of what’s ahead.
Be part of the change. Get a sneak peek at the future of care with Meditech Expanse.
Questions? Contact bridge.nw@tbh.net or your designated Change Specialist.
Medical laboratory professionals support patients in every step of their health care journey.
Join us in celebrating Medical Laboratory Week (April 13-19).
Medical Laboratory professionals at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) work tirelessly 24/7/365 to support our Hospital’s programs and services by providing quality results for timely diagnosis and treatment. Caring for patients and families of Northwestern Ontario is their number one priority.
The team is comprised of Pathologists, Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs – regulated), Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs – includes Phlebotomists), Diagnostic Cytotechnologists (DCTs), Pathologist’s Assistants (PAs), leadership staff and clerical staff. All play a vital role in patient care. Go to the following link on the Intranet where you will find a wealth of information: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/departments/laboratory-services
Did You Know?
Diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on laboratory results.
TBRHSC’s Lab performs 7,300 tests per day.
There are over 1,000 blood collections (phlebotomy procedures) performed daily. This does not include Point of Care Testing (POCT) interventions.
TBRHSC has approximately 170 laboratory staff.
TBRHSC’s Lab has over 3,000 individual document-controlled policies and procedures.
TBRHSC’s Lab has 10 separate department specializations:
𝟭. Laboratory Administration
Oversight of laboratory staff and activity (Medical Director, Medical Scientific staff, i.e., PhD Biochemist, Medical Microbiologist, etc.), Technical Director/Manager, Coordinators, Administrative Assistant, Clerical Staff)
2.Biochemistry (Clinical Chemistry)
Large array of tests involving the measurement of chemical constituents in blood and body fluids to evaluate organ function, toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring, and to detect chemicals, endocrinology and other special tests.
3. Haematology (including Flow Cytometry)
Haematology: Study of cells e.g. red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets as well as bleeding disorders/coagulation.
Flow Cytometry: The study of bone marrows, lymph node/tissue specimens for lymphoma and leukemia.
4.Transfusion Medicine/Services
The testing for blood types, antibody detection, and compatibility testing (perinatal/neonatal and blood components). Also called Immunohaematology or Blood Banking.
5. Microbiology
The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
Histology: The preparation and study of tissue specimens.
Grossing Room: all surgical specimens, i.e., breast, lung, prostate, etc. are sent here for processing
Autopsy: post mortem analysis to determine cause of death
Cytology: The study of ‘free’ cells, their origin, structure, function, and pathology.
Pathology Office: Cancer, etc. reporting, Customer service (point of contact), etc.
7. Point of Care Testing (POCT)
Oversight of bedside testing i.e., glucometer, iSTATs, etc. There are over 3,000 end users of POCT equipment which much be maintained with ongoing competency assessment
8. Specimen Procurement and Dispatch
Blood Collection/Procurement: Blood draws and phlebotomy (venous, capillary (heel & finger tip)
Specimen Dispatch: Sample send out with adherence to Transportation of Dangerous Goods licensing/regulations; Thousands of specimens are sent out daily via land and air courier to over 53 reference laboratories across the world, including Germany.
9. Quality and Safety
Licensing, accreditation, Staff Safety/OHS, Patient Safety Repots, Biosecurity Containment Level II (Biosafety), Quality improvements, Root Cause Analysis, Risk Assessment, Staff Education, Acadmic Placements (MLT & MLA), Internal Audits, etc.
10. Client Services
Laboratory Services is complex and must ensure compliance to the Laboratory Licensing Act where the role of the Lab Director is outlined and delegated directly from the CEO. Legal aspects of the lab are many. In addition to this, there are many robust contracts in place.
