Shared on behalf of Bridge Northwest

---

The Bridge Northwest Program is hosting a Device Discovery Fair at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre that will allow staff and professional staff the opportunity to see, test, and compare the devices that will be used to access and document in the new Meditech Expanse system.

🕘 Date/Time: Friday, October 17, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Open Drop-In)
📍 Location: Auditorium A/B (3rd Level)

What To Expect:

• Base Carts: Ergonomic features, maneuverability typing positions, launching Expanse, battery life
• Barcode Scanners: Range demonstrations, scanning on different surfaces & durability
• Keyboards and Mice: Different option for anti-microbial keyboards/mice, testing them out
• Wall Mounted Computer: Range of motion
• Device Vendors/ Manufacturers Present: Ask questions directly to the device vendors/ manufacturers

This is your chance to discover the devices that will support our future workflows and patient care. If able, we encourage all staff to stop by and experience the fair in person. We will be collecting feedback on ease of use of the devices, so hands-on participation is preferred.

Virtual Alternative

For those unable to attend in person or commute to the Thunder Bay event – presentations from the device manufacturers will be livestreamed from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. The presentation will also be recorded for future viewing.

Livestream Date/Time: Friday, October 17, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
LivestreamLink: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/4b9ae46f-5fee-4342-9880-ac6f8e344869@81f3bffc-1542-4970-9e93-48605eeb5721

For inquiries about the Device Discovery Fair Event please feel free to reach out: bridge.nw@tbh.net

Shared on behalf of Medical & Academic Affairs

---

Medical Affairs is delighted to announce that Dr. Barbara Gunka has joined Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a Hematologist with the Department of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Gunka holds a Doctor of Medicine from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University, where she graduated as the Dean Braun Scholar. She has also completed residency training in Internal Medicine and subspecialty training in Hematology from McMaster University.

Dr. Gunka brings a strong background in clinical medicine, research, and academic leadership, with particular interests in thrombosis, hematologic malignancies, and patient-centered care in Northern and rural communities. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications, presented at international conferences, and contributed to national-level hematology education and clinical resources. Her work includes studies on direct oral anticoagulants, CAR-T therapy, and patient outcomes post-bariatric surgery, with her research featured in Thrombosis Research, CLOT Conversations, and international hematology forums.

In addition to her academic and clinical excellence, Dr. Gunka has demonstrated a deep commitment to advocacy, community outreach, and medical education. Her leadership roles have included serving as Chief Resident in Hematology, Co-Chair of McMaster’s Patient Safety Committee, and founding organizer of multiple global health and Indigenous health education initiatives. She has also mentored students through NOSM and McMaster, helping to guide future generations of medical professionals.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Gunka as she embarks on this next stage of her medical journey. We’re thrilled to have her expertise, passion, and Northern roots back in Thunder Bay, and we look forward to the meaningful contributions she will make within our hospital and across the region.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30) honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It was moving to see so many people wearing orange shirts, for September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative event inspired by the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. On her first day of school, Phyllis arrived dressed wearing a new orange shirt, which was taken from her—a moment that symbolizes the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem endured by Indigenous children for generations. This day honours Survivors and remembers the children who were forced into residential schools and never returned to their families.

Thank you to all Hospital, Health Research Institute, Health Sciences Foundation staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners who participated by wearing orange shirts, an outward symbol of commitment to reconciliation and hope for a better future.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by releasing its second annual report detailing the Hospital’s ongoing responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action.

“We are excited to announce the release of our year two report, reaffirming our commitment to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This report highlights our progress in integrating cultural safety and inclusivity into our health care practices,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Patients are at the center of everything we do. Our ongoing initiatives demonstrate our commitment to enhancing health outcomes for Indigenous communities and delivering compassionate care to all. We look forward to continuing this vital work. Together, we can build a healthier future grounded in understanding and respect.”

This year’s report underscores TBRHSC’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action #24, which emphasizes the importance of providing cultural training for professional staff. This year the report showcases initiatives implemented by various departments at TBRHSC that align with 94 Calls to Action 10, 19, 23, 24, and 83. Additionally, it highlights the work accomplished through partnerships and provides a timeline of Indigenous health initiatives to date. 

“I am inspired and humbled by the collaborative work that has strengthened our shared commitment to these Calls to Action. Together, we have deepened our cultural safety training, expanded spiritual and healing practices, and supported the voices of Indigenous-led initiatives,” said Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion at TBRHSC. “This year’s report places a significant focus on Call to Action #24, including our goal to ensure that professional staff have the opportunity to complete cultural training. We also highlight several other cultural training initiatives, which reinforce our dedication to fostering a culturally safe and responsive community for all.”

To honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, TBRHSC’s Miskwaa Biidaaban department (Indigenous Collaboration) organized a series of events throughout September. These initiatives included the display of community panels from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, an engaging beading opportunity for staff, and an educational session featuring Elder and Residential School Survivor Peter Sackaney. As part of the report’s launch and in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the events served not only to recognize Survivors but also to remember those who never made it home.

“We support reconciliation and we are continually working towards creating an environment of inclusion, equity, and compassion at our Hospital. To demonstrate our progress, we are pleased to share our second annual report, which highlights progress to date on the Calls to Action,” said Patricia Lang, Chair, TBRHSC Board of Directors. “Reconciliation begins with acknowledging the truth, and we are dedicated to creating an environment that provides care for each patient and family in a way that resonates with them.”

Read the report below:

Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

This morning, as I walked up the stairs and looked across main street I saw so many staff in orange shirts. It struck me how powerful it is when so many of us pause together, to reflect on reconciliation. Today, as we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we release our second annual report on the Calls to Action. The report highlights important steps forward, but the real progress comes from moments like today, when we pause, share and honour Indigenous knowledge in our daily care.

Over the past year, reconciliation has come to life in many ways across our Hospital. Staff have worked with local Indigenous partners to create spaces for traditional healing. Professional staff have joined cultural safety training and applied it to patient care. Volunteers have supported community events that strengthen relationships outside our walls. These efforts remind us that reconciliation is not a single event. It is ongoing work that takes all of us, every day, to ensure patients and families feel respected and understood. I hope you have time to read the latest progress report available here.

Earlier this month, I attended the Employee Giving Luncheon, and it was uplifting to see so many staff come together in support of our Hospital. The stories shared that day stayed with me. One staff member described how giving was their way of saying thank you for the care their child received years ago. Another said it was their chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. These personal reflections show that generosity at our Hospital goes well beyond financial support. It builds a culture where kindness, compassion and shared purpose define who we are.

Many of you have also noticed the cranes and construction fences as the Cardiovascular Surgery Program continues to reshape our grounds. While construction can be disruptive, it is a visible sign of change that will bring lasting benefits to our region. We are not only building new space, we are recruiting world-class clinicians, physicians and specialists who are drawn to the vision of delivering advanced cardiovascular care right here in Northwestern Ontario. You can read more about some of the professional staff that are joining our Hospital here. The combination of new facilities and new talent is creating momentum that will transform care for patients who, until now, have often had to travel far from home for needed care.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to reflect on the impact of this disease on so many lives. Here at our Hospital, the commitment to breast cancer care runs deep. Clinical teams support patients through difficult treatments, researchers explore new approaches, and volunteers provide comfort and encouragement along the way. Awareness matters, but what sets this Hospital apart is action, the daily work you do to ensure that patients and families feel supported at every stage of their journey. Thank you for all that you do. Whether you are at the bedside, in a lab, supporting patients behind the scenes, or volunteering your time, your dedication makes a difference. I welcome your thoughts on this blog or anything else on your mind. Please reach out to me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I value the opportunity to hear directly from you

The Clinician Teacher Certificate (CTC) Program is a two-year program you can complete at your own pace. The CTC provides targeted training opportunities for preceptors to expand their clinical teaching skills and explore new teaching strategies. Please see attachment below for more information or reach out to CEPD@nosm.ca.

Your saved browser passwords are going away!

Well, not exactly—but close. Soon, Hospital browsers will no longer store usernames and passwords.

Why?

Passwords saved in browsers are easy to steal. To strengthen cybersecurity, this feature is being disabled.

What do I do?

1. Back up your passwords. In Help Desk Self Service, search “export passwords” for step-by-step guides.
2. Use Imprivata Single Sign-On (SSO). SSO will securely manage your corporate passwords, works on all standard devices, and keeps your access when computers are replaced.

When is this happening?

• Starting today, browsers will stop prompting to save new passwords.  
• Removal of existing passwords will be set for October 6
• Imprivata SSO implementation will start October 6 through December, stay tuned for information from the Help Desk for your department dates and times.

Important

SSO does not auto-fill every site by default—it must be configured. Please tell the Help Desk which sites you need supported during your SSO implementation.

Please note: SSO applies only to corporate systems such as Smartsheet, Helpdesk Self-Service, Virtuo ESS, UKG, Outlook Web Mail, etc.

The French Language Training Reimbursement Program is funded by the Ministry of Health and coordinated by L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay. The program is available to health care professionals in Ontario who:

• Want to improve their French language skills;
• Are proficient in French at a level above beginner; and
• Have direct contact with patients, clients, families or the public in a health care environment.

Eligible employees may receive a reimbursement of their tuitions fees, up to a maximum of $300.00.

For more information regarding eligibility and requirements for reimbursement, please refer to the below documents which can be accessed via the Human Resources iNtranet page under Employee Resources:

• French Language Training Program Information – provides basic information about the program and the approved providers;
• Fact Sheet – provides information about eligibility and requirements for reimbursement;
• Conditional Eligibility Form – must be completed and submitted by interested employees prior to registering for classes.

Any questions concerning the above can be addressed to Chantal Després, Resource Person for the French Language Training Program: Telephone: 1-807-697-0881 / 1-888-382-6452 e-mail: cdespres@accueilfrancophone.com.

September 29 is World Heart Day. Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the globe that cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.

In honour of World Heart Day, the 2C Cardiology and Stroke team (📷) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is wearing red, to remind people of the importance of taking charge of their heart health.

To learn more, visit https://world-heart-federation.org/.