Shared on behalf of Peter Myllymaa, Vice President Operations, Clinical & Support Services & Chief Financial Officer

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) Information Technology team has identified a mechanical failure related to the cooling system in the main data center located in Thunder Bay.

A maintenance event to replace the required parts is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 7:00 pm (1900 hrs). TBRHSC/SJCG IT staff are working with our vendors, Villeneuve Mechanical, Allied Air, and Tom Jones Corp. to complete the work.

Please be advised that all precautions are being taken to avoid an unplanned systems downtime. However, all departments should take appropriate steps to prepare in the event an unplanned outage occurs. This includes reviewing departmental and organizational downtime sub plans (i.e. Meditech, PACS and any patient care systems and tools). Please have all back-up plans ready to implement at any point should the system fail prior to the planned outage, or during the planned repaired. If additional staff or resources are being planned in case of anticipated downtime tomorrow night, please provide your summary of needs to Adam Vinet (Adam.Vinet@tbh.net) and Anne-Marie Heron (Anne-Marie.Heron@tbh.net) by 4:00 pm (1600 hrs) today for approval.

Should the repair take longer than two hours there is a potential for ALL systems to be shutdown to avoid heat damage. Systems impacted are listed below:

TBRHSC and SJCG

• All workstations will be unavailable to access ANY application including the internet.
• All applications/functions will be unavailable such as Meditech, PACS, Mosaiq, email, printing, nutrition, BAS, Synapse, StaffRight and Virtuo.
• Wireless (WiFi) access will be unavailable, this includes Tbaytel free WiFi, Connexxall phones, Cisco wireless phones and telemetry systems.
• All remote access via Citrix or VPN will be unavailable.
• Phones will continue to function but TBRHSC will be at half capacity of incoming/outgoing phone lines.
• Omnicell (medication) cabinets will remain functional and are ONLY accessible if previously logged into.
• Prior to the scheduled maintenance event, all census reports will be made available in hard copy form and sent to all nursing units as a precaution.

Regional Facilities

• Meditech, Mosaiq, Sectra PACS, 3M, Synapse and Citrix will be unavailable.
• Prior to the scheduled maintenance event, downtime files will be electronically delivered to regional facilities as a precaution.

Any questions can be directed to Jennifer Pugliese, Director, Information Technology, at Jennifer.Pugliese@tbh.net or the Help Desk at help@tbh.net.

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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Please be advised that the COVID-19 outbreak is declared over at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s 1A Acute Oncology and Medical Units as of August 9, 2022. All restrictions have been lifted. Please share this information with the appropriate staff.

For more information, contact: Infection Prevention and Control Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre 684-6094

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

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Effective, Friday, August 5th, our Hospital will be moving its internal COVID-19 Pandemic Response Level from Yellow (Protect) to Orange (Restrict).

This decision was made based on increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases within our community and the increase in outbreaks within high-risk setting within our region. In addition, over the last week there has been an increase in the amount of patients with COVID-19 in our Hospital. These factors have resulted in the decision to change our response level in order to decrease the amount of movement in our Hospital and maintain a safe environment.

Moving into Level Orange (Restrict) will affect the following response activities and Hospital operations:

• Surgical Service Levels: Surgical services will remain at 90% of pre-COVID-19 levels and continue to be monitored.
• Emergency Department Precautions: N95 masks required when treating patients that fail screening or require Airborne and droplet precautions. All staff are required to wear Level 3 procedure mask and eye protection while on unit. Retrieve scrubs from pandemic storage if required.
• Testing all new Admissions: Remains status quo and will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks.
• Education and Simulation: No learner restrictions. All education on COVID-19 to new staff will continue.
• Masking: Continues to be mandatory for all except for when eating or within a private office. Level 3 masking remains required at all times.
• Eye Protection: Mandatory eye protection is required in all patient care areas and in circumstances where face to face contact occurs (less than two metres) with no structural shielding in place.
• Physical Distancing: Mandatory physical distancing of two metres.
• In-person Meetings: In person meetings should be minimalized. If in person meetings need to occur, masking and eye protection must be worn when unable to keep two metres apart. All meeting spaces will be reviewed to determine if extra lunch spaces are required. 
• Contractors and Vendors: Essential and high priority contractors and technical support and essential vendors will be permitted. General suppliers and general sales people should not present on site.
• Remote Work: Continue at the discretion of the program/department.
• Essential Care Partners and Care Partners: Follow ECP guidelines for Level Orange. Further information on ECP restrictions will also be communicated out to the community to ensure guidelines are abided by.

All response activities are evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure they are effective and appropriate by Senior Leadership Council and leaders across the organization.

Staff are reminded to complete the screening tool prior to each shift, practice hand hygiene and wear PPE appropriate for the work environment.

We thank everyone for their continued cooperation and dedication to keeping our Hospital and community safe.

All Hospital COVID-19 updates, memos and resources are also available on the iNtranet at https://comms.tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information/.

There were 5,000+ other winners in the Thunder Bay 50/50 draw last year you didn’t hear about – and you may even be one of them. That’s because everyone who undergoes minimally invasive surgery at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in the next year will benefit from upgraded minimally invasive surgery suites (MIS suites). That includes one upgraded with proceeds from Thunder Bay 50/50 ticket sales.

The systems used in this revolutionary area of surgery continue to grow in leaps and bounds. Ron Garon, Manager of Perioperative Services at the Health Sciences Centre, compared MIS suite improvements to advancements in cellphones.

“The equipment we replaced came out about the same time as the original iPhone,” Garon said. “Think about going back to that 1.0 model compared to the phone you have in your hand now. That’s similar to the kind of difference the surgeons are seeing with our new MIS suites.”

Perhaps the most obvious advances are the imaging and monitor systems. Since minimally invasive surgeries are performed without large incisions, surgeons can’t physically see inside the body. Instead, tiny cameras guide surgeons every step of the way.

Obviously, the quality of their imaging equipment is vitally important. The new MIS suites went from standard high-definition 24” screens to 32” super-sharp 4K monitors for bigger, clearer pictures. The new system also uses a special luminescent dye that literally lights up the screen like highway lights at night, allowing surgeons to see anatomy more clearly.

“The pictures are just phenomenal,” Garon said. “Every surgeon wants to work in here. Our plan now is to install a fourth MIS suite.”

The surgical team controls the system with a new centralized control panel. This makes it faster and easier for staff to make adjustments for the surgeon without having to crowd around the patient. The panel also allows the surgeons to take images and videos during the surgery and attach them directly to the patient file for review later.

The control panel also helps improve training for tomorrow’s surgeons. Video and images can be streamed through the Hospital’s secure network so students can view the surgery live from another room without having to cram into the surgical suite.

Minimally Invasive Surgery a Huge Advance in Patient Care

Minimally invasive surgery in itself is a huge advance in patient care. It is safer and often faster than traditional surgery. It also reduces recovery time tremendously – some patients can leave same day. Not only is that better for the patient, but it also helps free up beds for other patients who need them.

About 5,000 patients at the Health Sciences Centre undergo minimally invasive surgery every year. But with the new, more capable MIS suites, that number will likely grow, Garon said. For example, previously certain lymph node surgeries had to be referred to Hamilton. But the improved imaging quality of the MIS suites will allow the surgeon to see with the finer detail needed. That means more patients can get their surgeries right here, reducing travel and anxiety for patients and their families.

One of the three new MIS suites was funded directly from money raised by the Health Sciences Foundation’s Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw. Every ticket sold helps patients throughout Northwestern Ontario get the healthcare they need, right here at home. Find out what this month’s jackpot is up to at ThunderBay5050.ca and buy your tickets. As the new MIS suites show, no matter who wins, we all win!

Shared on behalf of Confederation College

Confederation College Continuing Education will be offering the Foot Care Nurse Clinical Program this Fall. This program is designed for practical and registered nurses who wish to update their knowledge and skills.

Foot care nurses provide a thorough and comprehensive assessment of the lower limbs and have extensive knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of foot and nail conditions. They abide by proper infection control practices which are standards set by Infection Prevention and Control policies by Public Health Ontario.

To qualify for this training, students must complete an online theory course through Foot Canada Training. When the course material is finished, Continuing Education provides practical learning opportunities for students to practice in a clinical setting.

“Foot Care is an essential health care service that often goes unrecognized. As a foot care nurse and educational instructor for the foot care nursing program with Confederation College and in conjunction with Foot Canada Training, it is my goal is to raise awareness for foot health. People don’t realize how vital foot health is,” explained instructor Brette Cain, a graduate of Confederation College’s Practical Nursing program.

There is a shortage of foot care nurses in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area. Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses who are interested in upgrading their skills can register for the theory courses at any time. Clinical classroom opportunities will be available in the Fall.

The program also calls on community members who would like free services. Clients have been welcomed with no foot care issues who only require basic care, through to those with more complicated issues such as sore feet, diabetes, ingrown toenails, calluses, bunions, or ulcers, etc.

For more information about the program, visit: https://www.confederationcollege.ca/ceprogram/foot-care-nurse.

Musculoskeletal injuries happen more frequently than any other type of occupational injury. These injuries can affect several areas of your body including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, nerves, joints, cartilage, or blood vessels in your arms, legs, head, neck or back. A sharp or nagging pain in your back, swelling or numbness in your arm, and loss of joint movement and weakness are all signs of musculoskeletal injuries. They can happen suddenly or develop over time, limiting your daily movement and activities.

Injury prevention, including recognizing risks, is important in all areas of your life. That being said, because not all risks are avoidable, you should use good judgement before starting an activity and only take smart risks. Taking smart risks involves knowing the risks of an activity and managing that risk to prevent injuries. Whether you are in the office, garage, home, or sports arena, the good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of a musculoskeletal injury.

Maintaining good posture is a good way to start. This involves training your body to sit, stand and walk in positions that reduce the amount of strain on your joints and muscles. Keeping good posture and setting up your workstation properly will help to avoid any excess reaching and bending. This not only minimizes your risk of discomfort and injury, but can also improve performance at work.

When lifting objects, remember to bend at your knees and hips to prevent you from using your back. Stand close to the load with your feet approximately shoulder width apart. Do not lift more than you can carry safely, without unnecessary strain, and seek help when loads are too heavy

When getting ready to be active, incorporate a warm up that targets the muscles you will be using. Warming up and cooling down can reduce the risk of injury. Knowing the environment you are moving in and being aware of your surroundings can also go a long way in preventing injury-causing incidents. Additionally, wearing protective gear such as helmets or padding can protect your body parts in the event of an impact.

Muscle fatigue increases risk of injury and can result in serious damage. Knowing your limits and ensuring good rest can prevent short-term muscle fatigue from becoming long-term overuse injuries. By recognizing fatigue, you will allow your body to recover so that you can continue being active throughout your lifetime.

For more information on how to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in different professions and in day-to-day activities, visit https://msdprevention.com/hazards-and-controls/.

We’re happy to share this recent ‘Thumbs Up’ about our Hospital staff (from the July 23rd edition of the Chronicle Journal):

THUMBS Up to great care. “I wish to comment on my excellent experience in emergency at the regional hospital. On June 18, I went to the emergency department with a suspected heart issue. Within 15 minutes of checking in, I was in a cubicle and hooked up to monitoring equipment by the nurse. Shortly after, I saw a doctor. Both were professional, thorough and caring. The doctor ordered a comprehensive series of tests which were completed within an hour. With recurring complaints about patients experience in emergency, it is important to recognize this positive patient experience.”

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Janice Hnatiuk from Balmertown, ON is kicking off their long weekend with an extra $533,010, thanks to winning the grand prize draw in the July Thunder Bay 50/50.

When Janice received the phone call from Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, she was in complete disbelief. After assuring her several times that she was in fact the winner, and the call was not a prank, Janice was very excited about the good news. “I think my heart is going to pump out of my chest!” Janice exclaimed over the phone. “This must be the funnest part of your job, making these calls!”

Janice mentioned that her father was recently in the ICU at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, which is a reason why she chose to support the Hospital. She hasn’t thought about what she is going to do with her winnings yet, but she is excited to tell her family about her windfall, and mentioned she would like to help out her kids, and do some traveling.

The Thunder Bay 50/50 is a monthly draw in which proceeds go towards purchasing vital equipment and making upgrades at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and its satellite programs across Northwestern Ontario. To date, over $13 Million in prizes has been awarded to winners from across Ontario, and in turn, millions of dollars of vital equipment has been purchased for the Hospital.

“The 50/50 is not just about the jackpot winners,” says Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Apart from awarding prize money to our supporters, this draw has helped fund millions of dollars in equipment purchases for our hospital, like the new 3T MRI scanner which will be arriving at the Hospital and operational very soon. Plus, our Grant Funding committee is in the process of reviewing grant applications for 2022, so we will have some exciting equipment announcements in the coming weeks! ”

August Draw Now Open

August’s draw will feature exciting Early Bird draws throughout the month, and the grand prize jackpot happening Friday, August 26, 2022. Tickets for the August 2022 jackpot are now are available online only at www.thunderbay5050.ca.

Ticket packages as follows:

• $10 for 5 numbers
• $20 for 30 numbers
• $50 for 150 numbers
• $75 for 300 numbers (Best Value)

** Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 25, 2022 to be eligible for the Grand Prize draw on Friday, August 26, at 11:00 a.m.

Questions about the draw can be sent to info@thunderbay5050.ca. Ticket purchasers must be present in Ontario to purchase and 18 years old or older. The Thunder Bay 50/50 continues each month with the Grand Prize drawn on the last Friday of the month.

Video Caption – Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation contacts Janice Hnatiuk, letting them know they won the July 2022 Thunder Bay 50/50 Jackpot.

We often talk about bringing world-class healthcare to Thunder Bay with the support of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation donors. But when it comes to urology, “world-class” takes on a higher meaning. That’s because in several cases, we offer prostate and kidney stone treatments that aren’t available elsewhere in Ontario or even most places in the world.

“Nobody is going to leave town for treatment because we are the town,” said Dr. Hazem Elmansy, a urologist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. In fact, patients are coming here for care they can’t get elsewhere. “(Recently), I treated a patient from southern Ontario who had a catheter for four years. That patient walked out the door the same day, catheter-free.”

That procedure was done using the holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) unit, which treats enlarged prostates due to BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Often, prostate enlargement can get to the point where it squeezes the urethra shut, creating a urinary tract blockage. This painful condition requires also-painful catheterization. The HoLEP treatment reduces enlargement, reversing the blockage and allowing the patient to get on with their lives normally.

Another key advantage is that HoLEP reduces the need for future retreatment. Patients undergoing traditional surgical methods will need the procedure again about half of the time. However, since starting the HoLEP program in Thunder Bay five years ago, no patient has ever needed retreatment, Dr. Elmansy said.

“Thunder Bay and Montreal are the only two centres in Canada with this technology,” he said. “We are treating patients from Toronto, from Vancouver, from Saskatchewan – from everywhere.”

Because treatments including HoLEP and others are so advanced, Thunder Bay has become a training bed for urologists who come from around the world to learn this and other procedures.

“My goal is to train one Canadian and one international urologist at a time here so that these important techniques can be used to help patients elsewhere,” Dr. Elmansy said. “If we are the only centre doing these procedures, patients will be waiting for years.”

Research is another area where Thunder Bay is at the forefront. In May, Dr. Walid Shahrour, another urologist at the Health Sciences Centre, presented new findings on prostate cancer in Northwestern Ontario at an international conference of urologists in New Orleans.  Dr. Shahrour has also researched and developed a new reconstructive surgical technique right here in Thunder Bay that helps men post-prostate cancer surgery.

Dr. Shahrour believes that our advances in treatment, training, and research have made Thunder Bay the world urology centre that it is today. “We are always sending people to southern Ontario, but the tides are changing. Now, they are coming up here for treatment,” he said.

Both urologists are quick to point out that it couldn’t have happened without community support.

“This is your work,” Dr. Elmansy said to Health Sciences Foundation donors. “Thanks to your donations, nobody is travelling from Thunder Bay for this advanced patient care.

“You are helping us realize the dream of giving the best to our patients,” Dr. Shahrour said. “People here deserve the same level of healthcare as anywhere.”

You can help us break new ground in all three areas of urology: treatment, training, and research! Please visit https://www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/donate-now and specify “Urology Fund” in the message box, or call our Donation Centre at (807) 345-4673 today to make your donation.