Shared on behalf of Jennifer Wintermans, VP Quality & Corporate Affairs, COVID-19 Lead

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Please note that during Accreditation (the week of May 16-19, 2022) that the Executive Board Room, Auditorium A, ICP Main Meeting Room, ICP Video Conference Room will be used for site meetings and therefore will not be available to be used for the lunch period.  See attached for more details on the Accreditation schedule. 

As a reminder, please do not add chairs to break room areas. Breaches of IPAC protocols in common spaces can be a source of COVID-19 outbreaks. Please be mindful of IPAC protocols when using break rooms and adhere to the following guidelines for common areas such as lounges, break rooms and meeting rooms:

• Breaks should be staggered to minimize congestion;
• Abide by the posted reduced room capacity limits, ideally only one person at a time (specifically inpatient units);
• Use the cafeteria or alternate spaces (see below) if the department break room is at capacity;
• Maintain two meters of physical distance unless separated by a physical barrier;
• Level 3 or higher masks and eye protection must be worn at all times except when seated AND eating or drinking;
• Do not remove, move or add any furniture to a room;
• Cleaning supplies are available in each room. Staff are expected to clean surfaces before and after each use.
• Staff on work-isolation protocols must isolate during break/meal periods. 

In an effort to continue to provide additional spaces to staff working within the Hospital and to promote physical distancing, meeting rooms listed below will continue to be available during the lunch period (11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Monday to Friday). 

Room	Location	Users
Forensic Mental Health Conference Room	1061	Forensic Mental Health Staff
Maintenance Conference Room	1354	Maintenance Staff
Cardiac Rehab	1444	Rehab Staff
Conference Room	1476	Suite 1400 Staff
Women & Children’s Conference Room	1524	Women & Children’s Staff
Common Room	1550	Patient Care Services Staff
Volunteer Services	2007	Volunteer Services, Seasons Gift Shop, Spiritual Care Services, HELP & Screening Staff
Group Therapy Room	2020	Adult Metal Health Staff
Group Therapy Room	2022	Adult Mental Health Staff
ICP Video Conference Room	2171	Integrated Cancer Program Staff
ICP Main Meeting Room	2178	Integrated Cancer Program Staff & 2nd Floor Admin Staff
Utilization Management Room 1	2355	ACU & Renal Staff
Utilization Management Room 2	2354	ACU & Renal
Renal Conference Room	2359	Renal Staff
Diagnostic Imaging Conference Room	2691	Diagnostic Imaging Staff
Conference Room	3004A	Cancer Centre Staff
Auditorium A	3021A	Open to everyone
Auditorium B	3021B	Open to everyone
Sim Suite café (outside SimSuite)	3rd Floor	Open to everyone
Executive Board Room	3043	3rd Floor Admin Staff
Surgical Day Care Meeting Room	3501	SDC or PACU Staff
OR Conference Room	3703	Operating Room & Surgical Day Care Staff
ICU Conference Room	3862	ICU Staff
984 Oliver Rd Meeting Rooms	Various	By departments in which the meeting room(s) exist
984 Oliver Rd. NOSM Classrooms	Various	By other TBRHSC programs at 984 Oliver Rd.
984 Oliver Rd., Medical Building	302B	Assessment Centre Staff

Thank you for supporting these efforts and adhering to COVID-19 protocols.

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

Please join us in congratulating Jason Veltri (Contract Procurement Specialist with the Northern Supply Chain), who was presented with the City of Thunder Bay Outstanding Achievement Award for Community Champion for the month of May. Jason has received this award for his leadership, volunteerism and advocacy for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Over the past few years, Jason has worked hard to build a community of which we can all be proud. His advocacy for inclusion and acceptance in Thunder Bay has been broad and has included many partners in the public and private sectors. Starting with a key leadership role in Thunder Pride, Jason went on to found the Rainbow Collective of Thunder Bay, so that local businesses and organizations had the training and tools needed to better understand and build inclusive spaces for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Some of the successful projects that Jason spearheaded include: 

• ensuring that the pride flag is raised at all schools in our community;
• installation of rainbow crosswalks at the intersections of Algoma/Bay and of Donald/May;
• advocating for the removal of gender-specific language within the City of Thunder Bay; and
• the creation of a directory of local and regional 2SLGBTQIA+  businesses.

Jason is a passionate and determined advocate for Thunder Bay and for the queer and transgender community including those who are 2 Spirit, by being a voice for those who are still struggling to see themselves in the community. Jason also chairs the City of Thunder Bay Anti-Racism and Respect Advisory Committee, committing himself to bettering our community and fighting racism, building inclusion and growing our diversity. Congratulations Jason!

Thank you to everyone who participated in Accreditation Jeopardy. The winners can collect their prizes by visiting the 3045 Admin office. The online competition is now closed. Please continue to use the questions for practice. An answer key is also attached for your convenience.

Congratulations to our Week 3 Winners:

Jessica Serson
Hailey Rustan

Congratulations to our Week 2 Winners:

Nicolas Dygun
Giulia Pilato

Congratulations to our Week 1 Winners:

Kathryn Bill
Lori-Ann Hamilton

The Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, presented by PDR Contracting is back for its 20^th year, after being on hiatus since 2019. The event is happening on Saturday, June 18, the day before Father’s Day. All funds raised through the event will be used by Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation in its mission to support prostate health including cancer research, education, diagnosis, and treatment in Northwestern Ontario.

Registration is now open online at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/fordad. Cost is $75, and all participants who register before May 30 are guaranteed a t-shirt, and will be entered into our Early Bird draw to win an INNOVV Dash Cam, donated by CARSTAR Collision & Glass Service.

There is also a registration BBQ happening on Saturday, May 28 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at CARSTAR Thunder Bay (Half Way Motors), 545 11^th Avenue, for those who wish to sign up in person.

To date, this event has raised over $1.2 Million for the Northern Cancer Fund of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Equally as important as the amount raised is the prostate health awareness generated by the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, presented by PDR Contracting.

Glenn Craig, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, is excited to see this event come back for its 20^th year. “The Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad, presented by PDR Contracting is one of the Foundation’s biggest events – participants really enjoy the Ride and the poker run, and most importantly supporting a great cause. Since the Ride started in 2001, the conversation surrounding men’s health issues, especially related to prostate cancer, has really opened up. People have become more comfortable talking openly about the importance of screening for these cancers and this increase in education means more people are taking action to maintain their health. Prostate cancer is treatable when detected early, and dollars raised from the Ride help give our hospital the best tools for care.”

Tbaytel Cruise for Dad is back for 2022

Back by popular demand, the Tbaytel Cruise for Dad will be open again this year from June 1, 2022 to July 4, 2022. Registration of $50 will provide an event map of 10 tourist attractions across the city. Figure out where they are, cruise to the location, take a selfie and submit them through email or social media for a chance to win some great prizes. For every 5 photos taken and posted, an additional ballot will be entered in the drum for prizes.

For full details, or to register for the Tbaytel Cruise for Dad, www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/fordad. All registrants will receive coupons for a free lunch at A&W, and a free ice cream cone from Merla Mae.

“Tbaytel has been the presenting sponsor of the Motorcycle Ride for Dad since 2016 and we are thrilled to see it back in person again this year,” says Dan Topatigh, President and CEO, Tbaytel. “Not only does the event raise awareness and funds for the fight against prostate cancer in Northwestern Ontario, but it’s a great day to get out and ride with the community.”

Apart from our generous sponsors, much of the Ride’s success comes from the pledges brought forward by the participants of the event. Many of the riders aim to be part of the “500 club”, raising $500 or more for the Northern Cancer Fund, and this also secures them free registration for the following year’s ride.

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Melody Lavallee at 807-684-7788 or melody.lavallee@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.

Together, we are making HOPE possible.

May is National Physiotherapy Month and we would like to acknowledge the role of physiotherapy in Ontario’s health care system. Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants use their knowledge of how the body works to assist patients in restoring strength, movement & function. As an integral part of a patient’s health care team, we thank all Physiotherapists and Physiotherapy Assistants for their hard work and dedication, especially during the pandemic.

Meet some of the dedicated nurses at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre who deliver exceptional care to patients and families in our community.

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Colleen Morrow, NP

I’ve been a nurse for over 30 years and a Nurse Practitioner for 11 years. Making a difference in the lives of my patients with end stage kidney disease in the dialysis department is both challenging and rewarding.

I assist with managing dialysis treatments that change according to individual’s needs, including patients with multiple chronic diseases requiring frequent adaptations to the plan of care. The most challenging part of my role as 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.

I work with a fantastic team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) that includes another nurse practitioner, five nephrologists, two pharmacists and a pharmacy technician. Our team also includes dietitians, social workers, skilled registered nurses, biomedical technologist, dialysis aides and clerical staff. Everyone works hard as a team by 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. Knowing that I make a difference in my patient lives is a true gift that makes me strive to always to my best. It’s been a privilege to be part of my patient’s lives and a member of a vibrant renal team. I’m so glad that I have chosen the profession of Nursing.

Kathy Antier, RPN

I started my nursing career in 1997 working in homecare. In 2001, I landed a job at Port Arthur General Hospital (PAGH) on the 4W surgical unit. For the next three years I assisted Registered Nurses (RNs) with pre- and post-op care. When Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) opened its doors in 2004, the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) role changed for the better. We were given our own patient load in collaboration with the RN. Gradually, the RPN’s scope of practice expanded to where we are today – total patient care, medication administration, IV initiation, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and tube feeding, collaborating with the health team plus many more utilized skills. The growth of the RPN scope of practice is due to the expansion of the education. Today nursing students have the benefit of real life simulation labs that offer the opportunity to practice critical thinking and learned skills. 

Since 2007, I have worked full time in the Emergency Department. I also have my own foot care business, and I am back working in the community. TBRHSC has given me the opportunity to serve on several committees, act as preceptor and do research, for that I am grateful. The opportunities for the RPN are endless, there will always be challenging days but the rewards are worth it.

Emily Delaney, RN

I have been working on the 3B Surgical Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) for the past two years. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to the beginning of my nursing career, I am incredibly grateful and proud to be working alongside all of the compassionate, dedicated, and hardworking nurses on 3B.

Sondra Seibel, RN

I am a Registered Nurse with the Peritoneal Dialysis program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). I came to nursing as a second career and graduated from Lakehead University in 2016. I started working at TBRHSC in the Intensive Care Unit, and then in community working for Anishnawbe Mushkiki. During this time, I completed training as a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). In 2020, I returned to TBRHSC where I entered my current role in Peritoneal Dialysis while also working casually with the Palliative Care program. In 2022, I joined the TBRHSC Nursing Practice Council and became the co-chair. In this role, I hope to bring strong advocacy, planning, and facilitation skills. I am very proud to be a nurse and I want to show that the skills we have as nurses are useful in all areas of health care – from the bedside to the boardroom.

Supervised Practice Experience Partnership

The Supervised Practice Experience Partnership (SPEP) is a new partnership program between the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), Ontario Health (OH), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and approved hospitals. Launched in late January 2022, the focus of SPEP is for applicants to gain nursing practice experience in Ontario. Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre (TBRHSC) has been chosen as one of the SPEP hospitals. The program provides eligible Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) with the opportunity to meet their evidence of practice and language proficiency requirements needed to qualify for registration to practice as a nurse in Ontario. The ministry is supporting the implementation of the SPEP program in selected hospitals by providing funding for the salary and benefits of preceptors hired to support learners in the program and the learner. Already, we have four SPEP Learners, two RNs and two RPNs Candidates, beginning orientation in April 2022.

Participating partners must provide a nurse preceptor to supervise and guide the applicant. The role of the nurse preceptor is crucial to the program. Holding a current RPN, RN, and/or NP Certificate of Registration in the General Class or Extended Class with CNO. The preceptor is responsible to act as a resource, role model, mentor and supervisor. SPEP Learners require a minimum of 140 hours supervised practice. The SPEP Learners have already demonstrated entry to practice competence by meeting both the education requirement and having successfully passed their registration exam. The purpose of the supervised hours is for the applicants to obtain their Evidence of Practice requirement. Supervision and required hours are be based on the needs of the individual applicant. The organization may extend these hours to accommodate the individual as they see fit. At this time, the program is only offered to RPN and RN Candidates. RPN Candidates can be mentored by either a qualified RPN, RN, or NP, whereas RN applicants can only be supervised by a qualified RN or NP. Through frequent and purposeful check-ins, we hope to provide these Candidates with the time and knowledge they need to gain nursing experience. 

Ethical questions arise in all areas of our Hospital. Anyone can request ethics support – including patients & families. Contact Michelle Allain, Bioethicist at allainm@tbh.net or 684-6538 for support or access to decision-making resources on the intranet.

(Via a submission to the Ontario Hospital Association)

Throughout the pandemic, health care workers have been constantly adapting and taking on new challenges in order to keep our hospitals and communities safe. As rates of burnout among staff increased and morale began declining, the need to promote kindness and show gratitude to staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) became evident.

Over the last two years, kindness has become a common theme at TBRHSC. It started with a simple gesture from a group of five staff members in early 2021. They created the Undercover Kindness Mission to spread kindness throughout TBRHSC, boost morale, and let their colleagues know that their hard work has not gone unnoticed. The group began writing kind, heart-shaped notes, providing words of encouragement and thanking the staff for everything they do. These handwritten notes were placed randomly on the windshields of cars in TBRHSC’s staff parking lots, sent through inter-office mail and taped in other public locations to be found by unsuspecting staff members.

 “With pandemic restrictions in place, we were unable to hold on-site or in-person wellness events for staff. The Undercover Kindness Mission seemed like the perfect opportunity to reach both clinical and non-clinical staff,” explained Kelly-Jo Gillis, Manager, Preventive Health Services at TBRHSC. “During times of stress and change, it’s even more important not to forget or overlook the importance of being kind. One small act of kindness can make someone’s day, and at the same time, contribute to creating a culture of kindness in our hospital and community.”

Often, we walk by those who feel disconnected from the world, lost and alone. Random acts of kindness, like these heart-shaped notes, have been proven to boost our mood and mental health. They can make people feel connected, have a sense of purpose, and let them know that they are appreciated.

“It had been a busy day and I was looking forward to going home to unwind. As I got to my vehicle, I saw the note under the windshield wiper. Reading it instantly brought a feeling of comfort and relief,” shared a TBRHSC employee. “Times have been tough. It meant a lot to see that people are still showing compassion for others. It also inspired me to pay it forward because I wanted someone else to feel the same happiness and love that I felt receiving the note.”

Spreading kindness did not stop there. Kindness Carts began making their rounds at TBRHSC to boost morale, and demonstrate gratitude and support to staff, professional staff, volunteers, and learners.  

“Many hospitals across Ontario have brought this initiative into their workplace, in order to show appreciation and support for their staff,” said Gillis. “When speaking to representatives from these hospitals, the impact that Kindness Carts have been having was evident; each hospital reported the same positive impact to their staff.”

In partnership with Human Resources, and thanks to funding provided by Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, the Kindness Carts became a reality at TBRHSC. The carts, loaded with healthy snacks, personal care items, and wellness information, began visiting all of the departments at TBRHSC during day, night and weekend shifts to ensure that all staff had the opportunity to experience a small gesture of kindness.

Remember, spreading kindness is not limited to these heart-shaped notes and carts filled with goodies. It can even be as simple as saying hello to a stranger, holding the door open, or wishing someone a great day. Sometimes it’s the smallest gesture that has the biggest impact on someone’s day. 

Shared on behalf of Nicole Moffett, Emergency Preparedness and Security Manager

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I am pleased to announce that Mesha Richard has accepted the position of temporary Lead, Emergency Preparedness for the next eighteen months.

Mesha will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and communicating processes related to Emergency Preparedness at TBRHSC. She will oversee emergency preparedness measures and exercises to continually improve emergency preparedness and will work with those who deliver education and training at TBRHSC to ensure that appropriate education is in place.

Mesha joins us from Toronto, where she has been the Safety and Emergency Manager for Harbourfront Centre (a not-for-profit arts and culture organization). Having previously visited Thunder Bay while working as the Coordinator for Dam and Public Safety for OPG, she is excited to return to northwestern Ontario, particularly given her rural roots. Since obtaining a Master of Disaster and Emergency Management, Mesha has gained valuable experience in safety and emergency management that will be an asset to our organization.

Mesha’s office is located in 2159-C and she can be reached at extension 6552.

Please join me in welcoming Mesha to the team!

Shared on behalf of Help Desk

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Did you know? the Help Desk – Self Service portal has an entire section dedicated to a variety of technology self-serve tutorials for various applications used at TBRHSC and/or SJCG including a handy WebEx Starter Guide for existing and new users.

Help Desk – Self Service icon can be found in your application launcher, login with your network credentials and start your search – HINT – try the word WebEx!

As always, feel free to call the Help Desk if you have any questions, we are here to help!