Wellness Together Canada presents MindWell for Health Care Workers.
MindWell for Health Care Workers is an online learning experience designed to teach you the tools to build resilience and well-being, remain calm amidst chaos and feel confident and capable each day.
Short, simple, and effective lessons are provided in four weekly modules designed to give you maximum results in the least amount of time.
From April 16 to 22, 2023, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation are celebrating volunteers during National Volunteer Week (NVW).
Volunteer Canada’s theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week theme is Volunteering Weaves Us Together. This highlights the role that volunteering has in “the strength and vibrancy of our communities through the interconnected actions we take to support one another. These diverse forms of sharing our time, talent and energy strengthen the fabric of our community.”
Just as each individual thread makes weaving stronger, every volunteer’s experience, perspective, and abilities add to our collective resilience. Woven together from coast to coast to coast, volunteering reinforces our ability to grow, thrive, and create change within our community, province, and country.
Knowing our volunteer contributions are valued and meaningful creates a greater sense of purpose and dedication. From offering a listening ear to an in-patient, or a cup of tea to someone undergoing chemotherapy treatment to providing a friendly welcome and wayfinding information at the main entrance, each volunteer’s action impacts our community’s overall wellness, now and for future generations.
Volunteers contribute in countless ways to support Patient and Family Centred Care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, as Hospital and Foundation Volunteers and Patient Family Advisors (PFAs).
During National Volunteer Week 2023, we have asked staff to submit their messages of thanks for a specific volunteer or the whole team, and several senior leaders of our Hospital will be shadowing a few volunteers to get to know them better and to see firsthand the impact volunteers have everyday on the experience of patients and families.
Volunteers at the Hospital contribute to Patient and Family Centred Care everyday in patient-facing roles on in-patient units. Other volunteers support out-patients through hospitality roles and transport. There are also volunteers who provide administrative office support. Others help in reception and greeting roles. There are also volunteers assisting with fundraising through Seasons Gift Shop. Volunteers even share their gifts and talents of music and gardening. Visit www.tbrhsc.net and go to the section ‘Join our Team’ to apply online and find more information about volunteering at the Hospital, or e-mail volunteering@tbh.net or call (807) 684-6266.
Patient Family Advisors volunteer to share their valuable insights and first-hand knowledge of how the Hospital’s services impact patients. Patient Family Advisors help us meet the needs and priorities of our patients, families and community. They have direct input and influence the policies, programs and practices that shape the care and services that people receive. Visit the website www.tbrhsc.net and go to the section ‘Join our Team’ to find more information or contact: (807) 684-7322 or e-mail: PFCC@tbh.net.
Volunteers are also critical to the success of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They help make a healthier Northwestern Ontario by providing administrative assistance, assisting with special events, and selling raffle tickets at various locations throughout the region. Volunteers can help make a healthier Northwestern Ontario by assisting with one of our many special events or selling raffle tickets at various locations throughout the region, to name just a few opportunities. To sign up as a volunteer with us, call us at (807) 345-4673 or email volunteers@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.
Volunteers are the backbone of any organization, and they are an essential link to the community. We value what they do to make the patient experience better. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2023, we want to thank all of the volunteers who help make a difference for patients and families.
VIDEO– Hear more about the experience of three volunteers, why they joined the Hospital volunteer team and what keeps them coming back.
The Healthy Get-Together, held on April 13th, highlighted the health benefits of volunteering. Staff and volunteers from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre spoke about their volunteer experiences and what keeps them coming back.
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
It has been a busy couple of months since my last community update and I wanted to highlight some of the exciting initiatives that our Hospital has been taking part in and what is coming up next.
In February, Wake the Giant, in partnership with our Hospital and St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG), introduced the Wake the Giant Indigenous Culture and Inclusivity Training. We are honoured to be a part of the inaugural cohort for this online course that teaches participants about history of Indigenous Peoples and anti-Indigenous racism strategies. As identified in our Strategic Plan 2026, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is a priority for our organization, and this training is part of fostering a culturally safe space for Indigenous Peoples accessing care at our Hospital. In line with this goal, we were pleased that through the Indigenous Health Education Committee, Nurturing the Fire for Truth & Reconciliation within Health Care, provided an additional opportunity to prepare our staff to administer culturally safe care.
Our Hospital together with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation continue to progress with two projects that will change the way we receive care here at our Hospital. As reported on previously, the Emergency Department is undergoing some significant renovations that will modernize the way care is provided and improve the patient and staff experience. As well, the Cardiovascular Surgery Program project is progressing and we have moved on to the next stage where detailed plans will be presented to the Ministry. The next stage of this project will bring us closer to our mission of being responsive to the needs of population in Northwestern Ontario.
Employee Recognition Week was celebrated throughout the week of February 26 to March 3. This important activity provides us an opportunity to highlight and celebrate our Hospital and Health Research Institute. We are appreciative to all those whose dedication and incredible service make a difference in the lives of our patients and families. This time of recognition aligns with our strategic priority of Staff Experience, by celebrating the work that our employees and volunteers are doing every day. Through small expressions of kindness, we acknowledge and celebrate that our team’s commitment to exceptional patient care is remarkable and truly valued.
Continuing in the vein of recognition, April 16 to 22 is National Volunteer Week, where we take the opportunity to reflect on the generosity of the many individuals who volunteer their time, skills, and energy to make this community better. Earlier this year, the Ontario government recognized nine of our Hospital’s volunteers; six received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award and three received the Ontario Volunteer Service Youth Award. Thank you to all of the Hospital’s volunteers, Patient Family Advisors and Foundation volunteers for your generosity and support to patients and staff. You contribute immensely to patient and family centred care here at our Hospital. Also, I would like to take the opportunity to show my appreciation for the volunteer members of the Board of Directors. Thank you for dedicating your time and talent to guide the Hospital’s priorities. Collectively, we are improving the lives of Northwestern Ontario’s residents.
Coming up in May, our Hospital and Health Research Institute will have a joint Board meeting to review and approve the inaugural report to the community for Strategic Plan 2026. Also coming up in May, the Board of Directors from our Hospital, Health Research Institute and Health Sciences Foundation will participate in a tri-board retreat for the first time since prior to the pandemic. Our three organizations are engaged in a common purpose – to provide quality care and experiences for patients and their families. At this retreat, we will cultivate collaboration, innovation, and commitment between our three Boards as we discuss opportunities to progress together towards our goal of improving health care for the people of Northwestern Ontario.
The Screen for Life Coach is ready to hit the road for their 2023 travel season. Between April and October, the Coach will visit over 40 communities across Northwestern Ontario offering breast, cervical and colon screening. Routine screening is important because it can find early changes that could lead to cancer.
Lori Hamilton, Interim Mobile Coach Coordinator at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, is happy to be stepping into her new role, which includes supporting a team of nurses and medical radiation technologists as they travel across the region.
“Compared to other parts of Ontario, Northwestern Ontario covers a vast geographical area,” explains Hamilton. “Especially for remote northern communities, where the nearest breast screening location can be many hours away. Our goal is to reduce the distance a client has to travel in order to access these health services, and we can achieve this by bringing the Coach to communities throughout the region. By removing this barrier, we hope to improve screening rates in Northwestern Ontario.”
The Screen for Life Coach is a ‘one-stop shop’ where eligible individuals can access Ontario’s three organized screening programs: breast, cervical and colon.
In Ontario, the screening guidelines for average risk individuals are as follows:
Women, who are between the ages of 50 and 74 years, should have a breast screening mammogram every two years.
Anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 years, who has ever been sexually active, should have a Pap test every three years.
Individuals, who are between the ages of 50 and 74 years, who have no first-degree family history of colon cancer, should complete a take-home colon screening kit every two years.
Those who are eligible for screening can visit the Coach, even if they have a primary care provider, and no referral is needed to access services on the Coach.
Hamilton shares that the team is optimistic that a successful season lays ahead. “We are already seeing appointment spots filling up and hopefully the momentum continues,” she shares. “We are working with partners in the communities in advance of the Coach visiting to improve awareness about cancer screening, and ensure that those who are due for screening, are making appointments.”
Book your screening appointment on the Screen for Life Coach today by calling (807) 684-7777.
Prevention and Screening Clinical Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and 30 health care organizations across Northwestern Ontario are celebrating the launch of Pap-A-Palooza 2023. Throughout the month of April, this campaign aims to increase awareness about cervical screening and encourage eligible individuals living in Northwestern Ontario to book a Pap test.
“Many people don’t know that cervical cancer is almost always preventable,” said Dr. Naana Jumah, Regional Cervical Screening and Colposcopy Lead for the North West Regional Cancer Program. “Through regular screening with a Pap test and follow-up of any abnormal results, changes can be detected early and treated.”
The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends having a Pap test every three years if you have a cervix, are age 25 to 69, and are or have ever been sexually active. Cervical screening is for people at risk of getting cervical cancer, but who have no symptoms and generally feel fine.
“Last year we saw the return of Pap-A-Palooza after a two year hiatus,” said Kevin Ng, Screening Promotion Planner with Prevention and Screening Clinical Services at TBRHSC. “It was encouraging to see the number of health care providers that came forward to participate and help to increase screening rates in their communities. I’m happy to say that together with our partners, we surpassed the number of Pap tests that we had set out to complete. We’re looking forward to another successful campaign in 2023.”
The goal of this year’s campaign is for the 30 participating organizations to complete over 800 Pap tests.
“For anyone who has been putting off making an appointment, Pap-A-Palooza is a great reminder,” said Dr. Jumah. “In Northwestern Ontario, almost 50 per cent of eligible people are due for cervical screening. This campaign is an opportunity for us to promote the importance of screening and get people thinking about their health.”
To find a participating clinic near you or to learn more about Pap-A-Palooza, visit tbrhsc.net/pap-a-palooza or call the Pap-A-Palooza Hotline at (807) 684-7787.
We wish to keep you updated on the performance of our group Health and Dental plan, and a general rate update for April 2023.
Unlike the Life Insurance and LTD benefit plans, the Health and Dental benefits are self-insured, meaning TBRHSC, on a cost sharing basis of 75% hospital and 25% employee, assumes all risk for claims costs. We continue to have effective plan administration practices in place to keep our annual rate increases low.
Employees enrolled in Green Shield will see a 2% increase in monthly premium rates this month. Any rate increases applicable because of coverage changes will be adjusted by bargaining group per the effective date.
We continue to work with Green Shield and our Advisors to review options and opportunities to ensure we receive maximum value and cost-efficiencies on the plan.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
Please be advised that the COVID-19 outbreak has been declared over on 2A at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center as of Friday April 7, 2023. All restrictions have been lifted.
Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at 684-6094.
The winners of March’s Child Life Donation Challenge were from the Regional Surgical Services department (RAC/Surgical Intake/Remote Patient Monitoring). They will be receiving a pizza party to celebrate their generous donation to Child Life program.
One of the staff from the winning team shared her experience and the importance of our programming and supports that child life offers children and families.
“What amazing news! Super exciting all around. It really was fun seeing our teams excitement, and also the enjoyment everyone got going shopping! After having gone through a short admission with my 4-year-old daughter over this past Christmas, I can say my heart was certainly in it.
The care she got on Paediatrics, and all the little extras, like a stuffy on her bed at midnight when we for into her room, and wrapped gifts on Christmas morning, honestly made all the difference in the world to her.
I felt like a mom out of water, so ill prepared, showing up to Emergency Department Christmas Eve and being admitted unexpectedly and having nothing with us. I was saying to our team, that those gestures from the staff and having those items on hand to be able to do that meant that she looks back on her Hospital stay with some positivity and it wasn’t all bad and pokes and pain. The more we chat about those happy moments the more she forgets about and hopefully is able to process and deal with the rest.
So happy to have been able to give a little bit back and know that other little ones and parents can benefit in the same way! You guys are doing AMAZING work, so thank YOU! Can’t wait to share with our team :)”
– CORINE ARMSTRONG, MB, NP-PHC- Surgical Central Endoscopy Intake
