Join on September 8, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to learn about the programs and services Hospice Northwest provides.

Please see poster below for more details. To register for this Zoom session, please contact Suzanne Nuorala at suzanne@hospitacenorthwest.ca or call 807-626-5570.

A Stroke Best Practice Spotlight Event – Post Stroke Fatigue: Frustrated and Invisible with Dr. C. Yang and Trish Rodgers, OT

August 31, 2022 from 12:00 – 12:40 p.m.

Open to all health care providers working in stroke across the care continuum

This virtual education event focuses on:

• Identifying screening and assessment approaches, goals for treatment and recovery
• Evaluation the impact of fatigue on high level of community reintegration, e.g. return to work and driving
• Reviewing implemetation resources health care providers can utilize in practice

Event link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82045450453?pwd=VXFpOWdkaU4yWm80NkY3aVZrWHB0QT09

Central South Regional Stroke Network is hosting a nine-part series addressing the impact of stroke in the young patient. Stroke affecting young patients between 19 and 60 years of age can present clinicians with many diagnostic and management challenges. In this series, stroke care providers will learn about recognition, common etiologies, recovery and management of stroke in the young patient across the continuum.

Please see the Central South Regional Stroke Website for information about the speakers, learning objectives and registration details as more information becomes available.

The first four events in the series are below, and others will be added as registration links become available.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022
12:00 – 13:00
Part 1: Stroke Recognition and Etiologies of Stroke in the Young Patient
Dr. Kanjana Perera

REGISTER NOW

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Thursday, September 22, 2022
12:00 – 13:00
Part 2: Stroke Recovery Trajectory for the Young Stroke Patient
Dr. McKyla McIntyre

REGISTER NOW

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Tuesday, October 18, 2022
12:00 – 13:00
Part 3: Stroke and Pregnancy
Dr. Sumiti Nayar

REGISTER NOW

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Tuesday October 25, 2022
12:00 – 13:00
Part 4: Neurocognitive Impacts of Stroke in the Young
Dr. Jennifer Fogarty

REGISTER NOW

Shared on behalf of Dawna Perry, Director Nursing Practice

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As part of our organizations realignment of portfolios and positions to support the directions identified in TBRHSC’s Strategic Plan 2026, we are pleased to share the following changes to the NRT and Staffing Office portfolios.

As of August 15, 2022 the leadership for the Staffing Office and NRT will be realigned to be led by separate managers.

Rita Grenier-Buchan has accepted the role of Manager, Staffing Office. Rita is well known to the organization holding various roles throughout her career. In 2012, she led the development of the Virtual Nursing Unit which over the years developed into the NRT. For the past seven years Rita has provided management to both the NRT and the Staffing Office. As the Manager of the Staffing Office, Rita will focus on staffing projects that support efficiencies, scheduling and improving staff experience such as bringing our new scheduling and call out software to fruition.

Jordan Stokes has accepted the position Manager, Nursing Resource Team. Jordan joined the NRT team in 2018 as the Practice Coordinator. As the Practice Coordinator, Jordan was responsible for overseeing the clinical practice and development of the NRT staff in conjunction with the NRT manager. In the last year Jordan has taken on addition responsibilities, such as overseeing the expansion of the Unit Care Aide role through the Ontario Ministry of Health Extern Program. In addition to the day-to-day operational activities of the NRT, Jordan’s focus will be on advancing our ongoing Staffing Projects improving the NRT’s organizational support.

Please take a moment to help our team congratulate Rita and Jordan on their changing roles.

2022 “Golf Balls from Heaven” Ball Drop Presented by Tbaytel

Taking place on August 19, 2022 at Whitewater Golf Club at 12:30 p.m.

2022 CASH PRIZES are doubled to $10,000, with three chances to win! Closest to the pin $5,000, 2nd. $3,000, 3rd, $2,000

We’ve partnered with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre giving back to the Tbaytel Tamarack House through our Raising the Barr Grant application process supporting Families in Northwestern Ontario Struggling with life threatening illnesses.

Purchase your ball drop tickets today, support a great cause and you have three chances to win!

To purchase tickets online go to www.raisingthebarrgolf.com or visit the donation center, next to Robin’s. Please see poster attached below for more information.

Caitlund Davidson, Health Promotion and Communications Planner

While you’re outside enjoying the fresh, warm air that the summer has to offer, remember to be sun safe – it’s worth it in the long run.

The number of new cases of melanoma, a highly dangerous type of skin cancer, has increased in both men and women over the past 30 years. In 2022, it is estimated that 9,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma and 1,200 will die from it. Skin cancer is relatively common and can be life threatening. Therefore, it is important to use preventative strategies to protect yourself.

Evidence shows that the highest risk factor for developing skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, tanning booths, and sun lamps. Monitoring the amount of time spent in the sun and shielding yourself from it is just as important as avoiding tanning booths and sun lamps. Some other risk factors for melanoma include the number of moles one has, having a fair complexion, and having a personal history of skin cancer.

Tips for staying sun-safe this summer:

1. Mind your time. UV exposure from the sun is typically highest between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. or when the UV index is 3 or more. During these times try to stay out of direct sunlight and move into the shade by sitting under a tree or by using an umbrella.
2. Cover up. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing to cover your arms and legs and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, neck, and ears. It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV exposure.
3. Slather on sunscreen. Make sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on exposed parts of your body and SPF 30 or higher if you work outdoors or plan to be outside most of the day. Apply it 20 minutes before you go outside, and reapply often, including after swimming or excessively sweating. Even if your skin doesn’t burn easily, sunscreen helps to prevent skin damage including wrinkling or sun spots.
4. Check yourself. Be sure to check your skin regularly for changes or areas that could be of concern. These changes can happen in a mole or spot that is already on your skin or can appear as a new mole. Experts recommend following the ABCDE rule to help detect melanoma early:

• Asymmetry: The shape on one side of a mole is different from the other side.
• Border: The border or visible edge of the mole is irregular.
• Colour: The colour of the mole is not the same throughout. There is a colour variation with brown, black, red, grey or white areas within the area of concern.
• Diameter: The size of the mole is more than 6 mm across or noticeably growing.
• Evolving: Look for change in colour, size, shape, or feel of the mole (i.e. itching, tingling or burning).

Other signs to watch for are sores that don’t heal, or patches of skin that bleed, itch, or become red and bumpy.

The thought of developing skin cancer can put a damper on enjoying our short summer season, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stay safe in the sun this summer and protect your skin.

Sources: Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Dermatology Association

Shared on behalf of Jessica Nehrebecky, Sr. Executive Assistant/Office Manager

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I’m pleased to announce that effective Monday, August 15, 2022, Elena Arena has accepted the permanent role of Board Liaison to the President and CEO’s Office.

Elena has been in this role in a temporary capacity since March 2020 and has served in many other capacities since joining Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in 2014. She has provided administrative support to the Patient Care Services, Medical Affairs and Corporate Services and Operations portfolios.

Prior to joining TBRHSC, she gained experience in the education sector, holding positions at both Lakehead University and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University.
Elena holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lakehead University and has extensive knowledge in board governance.

Please join me in congratulating Elena on her permanent appointment to this role.

Yard maintenance will be continuing this week in the 1A-1B courtyard. Work will be starting daily at 8:00 a.m. and portions of the courtyard will be closed off while the work is happening. Please use caution in the area and refrain from entering any closed-off areas. Work is anticipated to take the remainder of the week. Apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Judge in Capital Planning at extension 7031 or kristi.judge@tbh.net

Shared on behalf of Information Technology

Further to yesterday’s memo regarding the potential downtime of the data centre, this is to advise that the cooling system has been successfully repaired. As a result, there will be no requirement for a data centre downtime.

We would like to thank everyone for their exceptional efforts in addressing the situation, and ensuring we were fully prepared for a downtime, and for continuing to ensure that the health and safety of our patients and families continues to be at the centre of everything we do.