Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying the beautiful summer season. As we move through these warm months, I wanted to take a moment to connect and share some important updates.

If you’ve been around the Hospital and Health Research Institute lately, you’ve likely noticed a buzz of construction and renovations. Thank you all for your patience as these much-needed upgrades take shape. Our building is over 20 years old, and with the growth in services and clinical demands, it’s essential that our facilities evolve to meet the needs of patients, staff, and community.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll see more construction activity across the campus. One of the projects underway is the expansion of Lot G, which will add 15 additional patient parking spaces. While these improvements might temporarily affect parking and traffic flow, we are committed to minimizing disruptions and enhancing safety. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports the well-being of everyone who walks through our doors—patients, families, and staff alike. Your understanding during this time is truly appreciated.

We are also making great strides with the Cardiovascular Surgery Program. Physically, construction is progressing steadily; clinically, we continue to recruit specialized talent essential to building a strong, skilled team. This program is being developed in collaboration with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at the University Health Network (UHN), following their proven processes to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. We’re excited about the life-saving cardiac and vascular services this program will bring to our community. Recently, our city has experienced an increase in community violence and we continue to be at the top on the crime severity index. It is concerning for all of us and we understand that information and certain situations may raise concerns for our Hospital users, staff, and Professional Staff.

Please be assured that we are carefully finalizing plans to enhance safety and security measures throughout our facilities. Our priority is to ensure a supportive and protected environment for everyone.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to introduce further facility enhancements, adopt new technologies, and deepen our engagement with the communities we serve. I hope you continue to feel inspired and valued in your role, as together we build a brighter and more supportive future.

On a lighter note, I’m always energized by the innovative ideas shared during our Hello Innovation events. This staff-driven initiative welcomes ideas from everyone at the Hospital and Health Research Institute, fostering a culture of learning and creativity. The recent Innovation Pitch Ideas Series in June showcased eight fantastic proposals, with valuable feedback from a panel of experts. These efforts directly support our Strategic Plan 2026, and I encourage you to explore these ideas and consider participating in upcoming events.

Thank you again for the incredible work you do every day. I hope you find moments of rest and rejuvenation this summer.

As always, I welcome your feedback—whether about this blog or anything else on your mind. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I truly appreciate hearing from you.

Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Code Grey – Air Exclusion Executive Sponsor

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Environment Canada is continuing to issue special air quality statements for the Thunder Bay area related to smoke plumes from active wildfires this season. These fires put particles and gases into the air that can be harmful to human health. When this occurs, people may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath. With Ontario’s legislated fire season running from April 1 to October 31 annually, leadership will continue to monitor air quality advisories and adjust our Hospital’s response as required.

Recommended Actions

• Review the Code Grey – Air Exclusion (Button Down) policy and associated refresher Safety Huddle (see attached).
• Directors/Managers please share the attached Safety Huddle with your teams.
• Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risks along with current and forecasted Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values.

This month’s Employee Wellness Staff Newsletter (EWSN) is all about staying refreshed, nourished, and mindful. With International Self-Care Day (July 24) just behind us, it’s a timely reminder that self-care isn’t just a one-day event – it’s something we should prioritize every day.

In a hospital setting where you’re constantly caring for others, it’s essential to care for yourself, too. Whether its five minutes of quiet, a glass of water, or a nourishing meal, small acts of self-care help keep you grounded, strong, and well.

What’s Inside This Month’s Newsletter:

• Make Your Water Bottle Your BFF This Summer
• 5 Reasons to Eat More Avocados
• How Your Brain Remembers What You Ate
• This Floss Knows When You’re Stressed
• Can Reading Food Labels Help You Eat Better? (Dr. Don Hall weighs in)
• Easy Avocado & Corn Salad Recipe

Check out the full EWSN Newsletter HERE.

Learn more about the benefits of self-care HERE.

On June 17, 2025 an interactive and high-energy event featuring bold ideas and fresh innovations took place at TBRHSC in our Auditorium. Below is a recap of the event and innovative ideas proposed.

Interested in innovation? Stay tuned for our next event November 4, 2025.

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NOTICE: Parking Lot G Expansion – North Section

Start Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Duration: Approximately 1–2 weeks (weather permitting)

Starting Monday, July 28, 2025, construction will begin on the north section of Staff Parking Lot G to support the expansion project, which will add 15 new parking spaces.

The parking lot will remain open during construction, and efforts will be made to minimize disruptions as much as possible.

Please be mindful of construction equipment and machinery operating in the area throughout the duration of the work.

Important: Staff currently parking in the unpaved northern portion of Lot G are asked to use alternative parking during this period.

Reminder: Parking Lot I – TURTLE is available for overflow parking.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

The Regional Bariatric Care Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is pleased to share important updates to our medical (non-surgical) program. These changes are designed to provide flexible, timely, and comprehensive care to support patients in managing their health and well-being.

While this program focuses on non-surgical treatment options, bariatric surgery remains available for patients who are eligible and interested.

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Program Highlights

Program Length: 12 months

Flexible Start Dates: Program start dates are no longer fixed. Patients can now begin the program flexibly at any time throughout the year.

Treatment Options: Including pharmacotherapy (weight management medications) and/or meal replacement therapy (partial or full), tailored to patient needs.

Bi-weekly Education Sessions: Patients are encouraged to attend education sessions regularly, selecting sessions that are meaningful to them. Topics include nutrition, movement, emotional eating, behaviour change, stress management, and more.

Ongoing Individual Support: Patients will have access to one-on-one support throughout the program. Support is available from our dietitian, kinesiologist, social worker, nurse, and nurse practitioner. The team works collaboratively to help patients build sustainable, personalized strategies for health and well-being.

Who Is This Program For?

Adults seeking non-surgical support for obesity and related health concerns who would benefit from a comprehensive, one-year program that includes pharmacotherapy and/or meal replacement therapy, education sessions, and individualized support.

Referral and Enrollment Information

Program Eligibility

The program is designed for patients who meet the following criteria:

• 18 years of age or older (Referrals may also be accepted for individuals aged 17.5 years and older)
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher
• OR, have a BMI between 30 and 34.9 and at least one of the following medical conditions (as determined by a referring provider):
  • Complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • Poorly controlled hypertension

For Patients

If you are interested in joining the program, please speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about a referral. Once referred, our team will be in contact with you to schedule orientation to our program.

For Primary Care Providers

To refer a patient, please use the Online Referral System via the Ontario Bariatric Network: https://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/referring-physicians.

Shared on behalf of the Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion Portfolio

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The Manitou Gitigaan – Spirit Garden (courtyard between 1A & 1B) has now reopened.

As summer continues, you may notice the garden on the North side (fenced area) beginning to flourish. This special space is home to the Four Sacred Medicines: Tobacco, Sage, Sweetgrass, and Cedar, each of which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Indigenous Peoples.

These plants are not merely decorative; they are integral to important traditional medicine and ceremonial practices that have been passed down through generations. The Manitou Gitigaan is a sacred space for reflection and healing. Their presence in the Manitou Gitigaan is intentional and meaningful, and we ask all staff to treat this space on the north side of the garden with the utmost respect and care.

The Four Sacred Medicines

1. Tobacco – Often used as an offering, Tobacco is considered a powerful medicine that carries prayers to the spirit world. It is traditionally the first medicine given by the Creator and is used to show respect and gratitude.
2. Sage – Sage is used for cleansing and purification, often in smudging ceremonies to clear negative energy and prepare a space for sharing and healing.
3. Sweetgrass – Known as the “hair of Mother Earth,” Sweetgrass is braided and burned to bring in positive energy, peace, and healing.
4. Cedar – Cedar is used for protection, purification, and grounding. It is placed in physical environments such as homes and offices, burned in ceremonies, and steeped for medicinal teas.

Each of these plants plays a vital role in spiritual wellness and traditional medicine practices. Their presence in the Manitou Gitigaan is not ornamental, it is ceremonial and deeply rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems.

While the plants are becoming established, we kindly ask all staff to refrain from entering that specific area of the Manitou Gitigaan with the Sacred Medicines unless invited or accompanied by a Knowledge Keeper or designated garden caretaker.

Why this matters:

• The plants require time, space, and specific care to grow properly.
• Traditional care follows specific cultural protocols — including offering tobacco, prayers, and harvest teachings (including pulling “weeds.”)
• Entering the space without guidance can disrupt this process and unintentionally cause harm.

By respecting the Manitou Gitigaan, we are upholding a commitment to cultural respect, reconciliation, and Indigenous land-based practices.  All other areas within the Manitou Gitigaan are there for your rest and enjoyment. 

If you’re interested in learning more, keep an eye out for upcoming learning sessions focused on traditional medicines and teachings connected to the Manitou Gitigaan.  Miigwech/Thank you for your understanding and for helping protect this sacred space.

If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the Sacred Medicines, please get in touch with Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator at Annette.klement@tbh.net or 807-684-6937.

Shared on behalf of Chad Johnson, Code Orange Executive Sponsor

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On July 21, the Hospital ran our annual Code Orange – Stage 1 drill.

Available nurses from clinical units reported to the Emergency Department “T” entrance doors and lined up in the hallway with available stretchers and wheelchairs. Arriving nurses were escorted through the ED and, after completing a circuit at the direction of ED staff, were allowed to return to their unit after signing their attendance.

This year’s drill proceeded as planned and on time, with excellent representation from nurse responders; 28 workers from 16 different clinical departments reported to the ED. We also had Observers from various departments helping to facilitate.

Each time we run this exercise things get smoother and overall familiarity increases. Thank you to everyone who took the time to support this drill.

Should anyone have feedback about this drill, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net)

Shared on behalf of Quality and Risk Management

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Please share with applicable staff.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has been alerted to issues with the Baxter Clearlink System Continu-Flo Solution Set / IV Tubing (Product Code 2C8519) where there is a potential for leaks that stem from faulty upper or lower ports/valves/claves during drug preparation or administration.

The following mitigation actions have been identified by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario):

1. Remove lots R25C29185, R25C25161, R25C13147, R25C17079, R25C20130, using
   alternate product lots.
2. Check lines carefully while diluent runs prior to drug reaching the port.
3. Document IV tubing lot number and expiration date used for all infusions.
4. Monitor and periodically check port/valve/clave and connection sites during changes in
   infusion rates.

If you notice any leaking while using any lots of the Clearlink System Continu-Flo Solution Set
/IV Tubing, please take the following actions:

1. Immediately stop the infusion and replace the tubing.
2. Complete an Incident Learning System and reference the lot and expiration date of the solution set / IV tubing used.
3. Notify your Manager and provide him/her with the faulty product.

We appreciate your efforts and cooperation in these extra steps to ensure patient safety.

Shared on behalf of Quality and Risk Management

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Please share with applicable staff.

Please be advised that Baxter Corporation has issued an urgent medical device correction for our current intravenous (IV) pump, the Novum IQ Large Volume Pump (LVP). Baxter has provided the following information:

1. Under-infusion when moving from low to high flow rate

Under-infusion may occur when transitioning from a lower to a higher flow rate, specifically
when the second flow rate is more than double the first flow rate. In the worst case, no
delivery may occur.

Baxter is working to identify software and/or hardware corrections to address the issue

2. Potential for over- and under-infusion that may be due to set misloading.

Failure to load the tubing properly into the pump channel may result in the pump infusing at a
rate higher or lower than programmed.

Baxter is developing a hardware change to reduce misloading of the set.

Mitigation Strategies

Health care providers can continue to use the Novum IQ LVP while following the instructions
listed below:

Ensure:
a. The door is fully open before loading the set.
b. The tubing is taut and loaded without slack in the pumping channel, as in Figure 1
below.

c. Monitor patients frequently to ensure that the appropriate infusion is being
delivered.

If under-infusion or over-infusion occurs while using the Novum IQ LVP, please take the
following actions:

1. Immediately remove the pump from use and label “out of service”
2. Complete a biomedical requisition and attach to the pump (include asset number
   located at the top of each pump, e.g. “2022B10251”).
3. Complete an Incident Learning System patient safety incident report and reference the
   biomedical requisition number.
4. Notify and bring the pump to your Manager.

We appreciate your efforts and cooperation in these extra steps to ensure patient safety.