Shared on behalf of Nicole Moffett, Manger, Emergency Preparedness and Security
We are in the process of upgrading our parking system. Over this week (November 21-25, 2022) the parking equipment vendor will commence the installation of parking equipment in lots used by patients and visitors.
The anticipated order of installation will be:
D – Deer Lot (completed Friday November 18, 2022)
C2 – Coyote Lot
I – Turtle Lot
B – Bear Lot
B2 – Moose Lot
A1 – Eagle Lot
Staff will continue to use access cards on the access readers mounted on all stations.
The new entry stations will issue barcode tickets. Patients and visitors must press the yellow button on the front of the terminal and remove the ticket to open the gate. In the interim, exit stations will accept chip coins AND barcode tickets. Ultimately, chip coins will be phased out and new exit terminals will be installed. You will be advised when the new exit stations are installed. This week, only the entry stations are impacted.
Existing pay stations have been updated to include a barcode reader. Customers that have a chip coin can follow the normal process to pay and exit with their chip coin. Customers that have a barcode ticket must scan their ticket on the new reader installed on the pay station and complete the payment. Upon exit from the parking lot, customers will scan their paid ticket on the 2D barcode reader to open and exit the gate. See page 2 of the memo attached below for photos.
Please exercise caution when entering and exiting the impacted parking lots. Please also share this information with patients and visitors.
In support of our Strategic Plan 2026 priority Staff Experience, Human Resources is happy to introduce the “Thumbs Up” initiative! We are inviting staff to submit comments of recognition for their colleagues, which will be uploaded to our iNtranet, viewable by the organization. See what Thumbs Ups have been submitted so far here.
Want to share a compliment about a coworker? Submit your own Thumbs Up through the form. Submission guidelines available on the form.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18-24) is hosted annually by the World Health Organization. The 2022 theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together“, calls on all sectors to encourage the prudent use of antimicrobials and to strengthen preventive measures, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and working together collaboratively through a One Health approach.
AMR is one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity and it threatens the very core of modern medicine. The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials increases AMR. Here at our Hospital, the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and Microbiology Laboratory work collaboratively on the frontlines to promote appropriate antimicrobial use and fight AMR. Some of the local initiatives include Procalcitonin (PCT) Testing and Guidelines, Maldi-Tof and respiratory PCR testing, Microbiology cascade reporting, Antibiogram and the Firstline App (which all Hospital staff can download for free on the App Store and Google Play: www.firstline.org).
To promote awareness of AMR, our Hospital’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program team also invites you to test your antimicrobial and stewardship knowledge with a fun World Antimicrobial Awareness Trivia Challenge!
This Trivia Challenge will be available through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Firstline App. At the end of WAAW, participants will be entered into a random draw for a Robin’s Gift Card!
For more information, please contact Charlene Wilson, Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist at charlene.wilson@tbh.net.
For over 20 years, Dr. William K. Hettenhausen, DDS, has been donating toothbrushes, dental floss, and toothpaste to the Hospital’s Patient Clothing Cupboard operated by the Volunteer Association to the Hospital for patients in need.
Dr. Hettenhausen is the founding officer and Executive Director of the Your Teeth for a Lifetime Foundation, established in 1978. “The purpose of the foundation is to help communicate positive health values to both the public and the health professions.”
For more information visit: http://www.ytfl.on.ca/ytfl/ytfl.html. In 2002-2003, the Canadian Dental Association presented the foundation with the Oral Health Promotion Award which recognizes individuals or organizations that have improved the oral health of Canadians through oral health promotion.
Thank you, Dr. Hettenhausen, for your continued generosity and support of the Patient Clothing Cupboard!
Lakehead University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives and The School of Social Work are pleased to invite you to join our Indigenous Initiatives & The School of Social Work Speaker Series.
PART 1 – Panel Discussion: Indigenous Peoples & Anti-Colonial Practice in the Helping Professions
Panelists:
Candace Hawke, Executive Director – Biminaawzogwin Regional Aboriginal Women’s Circle
Dale Plett, Manager of Programs and Human Resources – Barrie Native Friendship Centre
Germaine Elliot, Executive Director – Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin
Sally Rivers, Director of Services – Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services
Shared on behalf of Jennifer Wintermans, VP, Quality and Corporate Affairs, COVID-19 Lead, and Adam Vinet, VP, Patient Experience and Chief Nursing Executive, Regional VP, Cancer Care Services
As we continue to move through the COVID-19 pandemic, and with added pressures of respiratory illness and influenza, it is important to balance the need to provide both safe and compassionate care. To align with the memo circulated on November 15, 2022 regarding the move to COVID-19 Response Level Red (Control), please note that Version 12 of the Essential Care Partner and Care Partner Guidance document should be referenced under the Red “Control” category.
We continue to allow unlimited ECPs and CPs (2 at a time) 24hrs, for end of life patients and 1 ECP as needed and identified by the patient for palliative care patients.
It is recognized that compassion and complex variables that often impact the patient care needs do not always align with these restrictions; there are considerations for exceptions. In situations that must deviate from the guidance, please make certain this is managed at the unit level. Unit level decisions must consider all factors with each individual and the level of activity upon the unit. As well, if the unit is in outbreak then there are added pressures that must be considered.
As a reminder, ECPs should be reminded of mandatory masking and follow the requirements as per ECP guidelines. Physical distancing should continue to be encouraged.
The Laboratory Services department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Laboratory Medicine – the science of analyzing samples in a lab – is one of the most important tools doctors have to help diagnose and treat disease. Blood work is the most common specimen type though urine, stool, saliva, tissue, and other samples also pass through the Laboratory Services department on Level 1 of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Our laboratory conducts 2.7 million of these tests every year including many tests for hospitals across Northwestern Ontario.
However Georgia Carr, Manager of Laboratory Services at the Health Sciences Centre, said that there are some tests that currently need to be sent away including crucial ones where every hour counts. She wants to bring some of these tests home for faster, safer, better patient care.
“This will improve time to diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes,” she said.
Medical Laboratory Science is one of the fastest growing technological fields today. By some estimates, the number of tests available to doctors has more than doubled in the past 20 years and continues to grow exponentially. But those new tests are only useful if they are accessible.
For example, certain tools like a mass spectrometer would go a long way to keeping many samples here for testing.
“This specialized equipment would be a great addition to our in-house equipment fleet,” Carr said. “A really good example is that we have to send out our samples to test for anti-rejection medications for our renal transplant patients, as well as certain biomarkers for cancer care.”
In these cases, fast turnaround is vital. These therapeutic drug treatments have to be closely monitored using lab tests to ensure levels are not dangerously high. For many of our most vulnerable patients including renal and cancer patients, it is crucial doctors get results back as soon as possible. That’s not always possible when tests need to be sent away.
“We could do all of those tests here on a mass spectrometer and get same-day results. Patients would be less likely to be admitted, and there would be fewer safety issues with these drugs. For other patients, we would have more timely diagnosis leading to more timely treatment… there are so many advantages to having those tests here.”
Cost savings is another factor. Our Hospital spends thousands of dollars sending these lab tests out of town. Of course, if a patient needs a test, they need a test. But if those tests can be brought home to Thunder Bay, it will keep those healthcare dollars here, too.
On the horizon, technologies such as digital pathology will be very useful in a remote city such as Thunder Bay. Like most things in medicine, pathology is becoming more specialized. Being able to get a second opinion from a specialist remotely using digital pathology will become the new standard of care.
“For instance, kidney biopsy is getting extremely complex. In many cases, we send the whole sample to a lab like UHN (University Health Network in Toronto) where they have pathology specialists for this. But this takes time. A digital pathology program would allow us to process the sample here, take a digital image of the slide, and send that away for analysis. We’d receive results much faster that way.”
Your gift today can help bring these new pathology tests and technologies to Thunder Bay for faster, safer, better patient care. Please call 807-345-4673 or donate online at: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/lab
Shared on behalf of Jeannine Verdenik, Vice President, People & Culture
I am pleased to announce that Tracey Maticic has accepted the position of Executive Assistant, People & Culture, effective November 21, 2022.
Tracey has been with the organization since 2020 and has held multiple administrative roles, supporting the Ontario Breast Screening Program, Capital Planning & Operations, Regional Chief Information Officer, and most recently as a Procurement Specialist. Prior to this, Tracey held administrative and leadership positions at SE Health, Victorian Order of Nurses, and the City of Thunder Bay, to name a few.
In addition to Tracey’s extensive experience, her education includes a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, from the University of Manitoba, Medical and General Secretarial Certificates from Confederation College, an Interdisciplinary Palliative Care Certificate from Lakehead University, as well as a LEAN Six Sigma Methodology yellow belt certification.
In this position, Tracey will be responsible for the administrative coordination of the People & Culture portfolio.
Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Tracey to her new role.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Public Health Specialization Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner
Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?
I love caring for patients and enjoy learning and felt that further training provided me the opportunity to work both independently and as a team member. Being a Nurse Practitioner (NP) has rewarded me with increased knowledge, new challenges, and the work is very fulfilling.
Tell us about your role with the hemodialysis program.
I assist with managing their dialysis treatments that change according to their individual needs, including multiple chronic diseases requiring frequent adaptations to the plan of care. The NP role allows me to monitor patient’s conditions and their state of wellness on an ongoing basis.
I work with a fantastic team that includes another NP, five nephrologists, two pharmacists, and a pharmacy technician. Our team also includes dieticians, social workers, skilled registered nurses, biomedical technologists, dialysis aides, and clerical staff. Everyone works hard as a team simply sharing a common vision of providing the best health care for our patients. Collaboration amongst this skilled team has created a culture of fast-paced and ethical care based on patient quality of life.
What is the most challenging part of your profession?
The most challenging part of my role as a nurse practitioner is providing complex care that can rapidly change. The demands are high and the role can be intense. This work has honed my decision-making skills and has allowed me to develop interdisciplinary and practical knowledge of patient care.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
The patients, of course! Being able to connect with my patients and assist with providing the best care based on their needs and individual wishes is rewarding. I’m so glad that I have chosen to be a Nurse Practitioner. Knowing that I make a difference in my patients’ lives is a true gift that makes me strive to always do my best.
Advice for those considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner:
If you are highly motivated and love to be challenged, being an NP may be suited for you. If you like to work with a team and also like being able to make decisions autonomously, then I recommend this role. Being able to assess patients, order appropriate diagnostic tests, diagnose a problem and implement recommendations toward health promotion to provide positive outcomes for patients is the best. I’m so glad that I have chosen to be a nurse practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner Spotlight:Bio Rajesh Talpade
Education /Training
Masters of Nursing (NP stream)-distinction from Athabasca University, graduated in 2020.
Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?
Having been part of the Emergency Department (ED) family for over 10 years, I wanted to continue providing better support to ED patients seen in my previous role as an RN. I have always been one to advance my practice on a regular basis, be it education, skills development, or in my role as an advanced practitioner. As an NP with the Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC), I have great autonomy, and am able to include a more holistic approach into my care.
What is your role with the Internal Medicine Clinic?
Under the broader umbrella of the IMC, my role as the chronic heart failure (CHF) / chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) NP patient navigator, is to assist patients with chronic disease management (CHF and COPD) better navigate the health care system. This is particularly true for patients who are leaving the hospital with a new diagnosis. Exacerbation of these conditions often result in frequent visits to the ED.
Additionally, I support COPD and CHF patients throughout their hospital admission and at discharge. In collaboration with the patient and their most responsible physician (MRP), I find ways to support admission avoidance and transitions planning by developing a post-discharge plan of care. Using an evidenced-based approach, I work with the patient and their family to set goals, provide education and advocacy, and support the coordination of out-patient medical management and social supports.
What is the most challenging part of your profession?
I have come to appreciate how difficult it can be for patients seen by me, when they have no community family health care provider, and have only walk-in clinics to rely on. An extension of my role as NP navigator, is to hopefully connect patients with clinics accepting new patients in the community and following up with these patients a little more closely upon discharge.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
It is rewarding to see how well patients feel and progress with their chronic conditions after I have intervened in their care while in hospital. This is more a team effort, and I happy to be part of this dynamic team of professionals and allied health members. I’m very fortunate to work with a fantastic group of people, such as attending community physicians, hospitalist physician group, ED nursing staff/management, who are accepting of my role as a nurse practitioner, and consider me a valuable addition to the team.
Shared on behalf of Kyle Swazey, Manager, Housekeeping, Laundry, Linen & Portering
After 28 years of service and her significant contributions to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), Sandy Brooks has officially announced that she will be retiring on November 18, 2022.
Sandy worked at the LPH before starting her career with TBRHSC in the Housekeeping department at Port Arthur General Hospital in 1994. She assumed a supervisory role in 1996 where she was responsible for supporting the Housekeeping department at both Port Arthur General and McKellar sites. She played a key role in supporting the successful transition of the Housekeeping department at both sites into our new site here at TBRHSC in 2004, and has continued to support the daily operations over the past 18 years.
In 2018, Sandy assumed a supervisory position within the Laundry/Linen department, where she continues to provide leadership. Her extensive knowledge and experience within Environmental Services was recognized when she was promoted to her current role as Coordinator of Housekeeping, Laundry/Linen, and Portering in January 2022.
Sandy is looking forward to spending more time with her grandson and doing yard work.
Sandy, you will be greatly missed and we wish you all the best!
