Renovations related to the CVS Expansion Project will be starting in the main lobby, to the Outpatient Lab and Pre-Op reception area and the ECG/Lab space within Pre-Op on April 15, 2026.  Please see the map below showing the area affected. 

In order to accommodate this work, the Lab, ECG and Pre-Op reception will relocate to the cubicle rooms adjacent to the Grand Staircase, on Friday, April 10.  Moves will occur after the clinics are closed on Friday.  Starting Monday morning, patients will go to the temporary location.  

What You Need to Know

Pre-Operative Clinic (POC) – Check-in will occur in the temporary location, but patients will still be seen in the existing space.- access to the POC will be via the Fracture Clinic

Outpatient Lab: Check-in will be in the temporary location.- phlebotomy will also operate fully out of the temporary location.  

ECG: Will operate fully out of the temporary location. 

Waiting Space: Seating in the main lobby will be rearranged to increase capacity, as seating within the existing Fracture Clinic/POC alcove will be removed or adjusted

Signage: Wayfinding signage will be posted, as well as signage at the temporary booth

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding while the renovations occur.  At this time, it is estimated that work will be completed in July.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Capital Planning: Kristi Judge at kristi.judge@tbh.net or ext. 7031 or Aaron Bruno at aaron.bruno@tbh.net or ext. 7305.

Shared on behalf of Medical & Academic Affairs

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Medical Affairs is pleased to announce that Dr. Grigory Galochkin has joined the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a Anesthesiologist with the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine.

Dr. Grigory Galochkin completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) training at Northern State Medical University in Arkhangelsk, Russia, followed by additional medical training at St. Petersburg State Medical Academy. He further advanced his education with a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine at Hadassah Medical University in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Galochkin also completed advanced subspecialty training internationally, including fellowship experiences in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine across leading institutions in Germany, Cyprus, and Canada.

Dr. Galochkin brings a broad scope of clinical expertise in perioperative care, regional and general anesthesia, and acute pain management, with experience managing complex patient populations including trauma, oncology, vascular, orthopedic, and spine cases. His practice also includes delivering acute pain services for patients with complex comorbidities, including mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Galochkin is actively involved in research and medical education. He has contributed to clinical research initiatives and is engaged in teaching medical students, residents, and allied health learners in both operating room and academic settings. He has participated in national and international presentations and research projects, with a focus on advancing anesthesia and pain management practices.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Galochkin. His diverse training, clinical expertise, and commitment to education and research will be a valuable addition to our organization and to the patients and communities we serve.

Shared on behalf of Medical & Academic Affairs

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Medical Affairs is pleased to announce that Dr. Simon Meykler has joined the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a Pathologist with the Department of Pathology.

Dr. Simon Meykler completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. He went on to complete residency training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Health System, followed by fellowship training in Surgical Pathology at the University of Washington, with a concentration in genitourinary and head and neck pathology.

Dr. Meykler brings comprehensive expertise across surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. He previously served as a Staff Pathologist at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks, where he contributed to anatomic and clinical pathology services, laboratory operations, and quality improvement initiatives. He has also held key leadership roles, including Acting Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development, providing oversight of research programs and supporting clinical research advancement.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Meykler is actively engaged in medical education. He has held academic appointments such as Assistant Professor of Pathology at California Health Sciences University and roles with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. His work includes medical student teaching, curriculum development, and mentorship. He has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and presentations in pathology and is a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists, where he has also held leadership roles at the state and national levels.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Meykler to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Thunder Bay community. His clinical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to education and quality improvement will be a valuable addition to our organization and the patients and communities we serve.

April 7, 2026 marks the 23^rd anniversary for Oncology Nursing Day in Canada. The theme, “Stronger Together: Advancing Oncology Nursing Through Collaboration and Innovation”, highlights the power of connection — across disciplines, teams, and communities — in strengthening oncology nursing practice and improving patient outcomes.

It is a day to recognize the incredible role oncology nurses play in our national health care system. Cancer affects people of all genders, nationalities and age groups. Oncology nurses are on the front lines of cancer treatment, care and research.

There are few specialties in the nursing profession where nurses have the privilege to practice, teach, lead and impact patients and families with an illness across the entire disease trajectory. Oncology nursing affords nurses this opportunity, to care for patients from prevention and screening, diagnosis and assessment, treatment, symptom management and support, survivorship, and palliative and end of life care, helping patients to meet their goals of care along the way. Even during difficult times, oncology nurses are inspired by the patients and families they care for.

We encourage our community to join us in showing appreciation and thanks to all of our oncology nurses for their commitment, passion, and dedication to patient and family centred care.

Every year on April 7, health care organizations around the world recognize World Health Day, a global observance led by the World Health Organization (WHO). The day marks the founding of WHO in 1948 and serves as an opportunity to highlight pressing public health priorities and inspire collective action to improve health outcomes for all.

The theme for World Health Day 2026 is “Together for health. Stand with science,” which emphasizes the critical role of science, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making in protecting and advancing global health, and transforming knowledge into meaningful health outcomes.

Understanding the One Health Approach

A central concept highlighted this year is the One Health approach—an integrated framework that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

According to the World Health Organization, One Health seeks to “balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems” by acknowledging that these systems are deeply interdependent. While this approach is often framed through Western science, its foundations align closely with Indigenous worldviews, values, and teachings, which have long emphasized the relationships between all living things.

Turning Knowledge into Action

World Health Day 2026 is not just about awareness—it’s about action. The campaign calls on healthcare organizations and professionals to champion science-driven solutions and strengthen partnerships that improve health at every level.

At Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre, this can mean:

• Supporting quality improvement initiatives, research, and innovation
• Promoting patient safety and evidence-based care standards
• Encouraging open dialogue and knowledge sharing among colleagues

A Shared Commitment

“Together for health” reflects the idea that improving health outcomes requires collective effort. By standing with science and working together, we can build more resilient healthcare systems and deliver better care for our patients and communities.

This World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to science, collaboration, and compassionate care, for every patient, every time.

To learn more about World Health Day and the One Health Approach, please go to: https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2026/04/07/default-calendar/world-health-day-2026-together-for-health-stand-with-science and https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2026/key-messages

Shared on behalf of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation

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Do you have a kitchen or bathroom renovation coming up?

Know someone getting engaged or married?

Or just want more reasons to get out and enjoy the year ahead?

If you said yes to any of the above, then you need to be at Bullseye Chase the Case presented by Doane Grant Thornton on April 16.

With 20 incredible prize packages — ranging from home upgrades to unforgettable experiences—there’s something in the room with your name on it.

Already planning a project, a trip, or a few nights out?

Why not kick it off by winning it…all while supporting a cause that matters as 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their life.

100% of auction proceeds go directly to the Northern Cancer Fund — so while you’re walking away with something that amazing, you’re also ensuring that local women are receiving the best care possible when they need it.

Tickets are only available until April 9 and VIP is already sold out — don’t wait.

www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/case

Shared on behalf of Patricia Lang, TBRHSC Board Chair

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On behalf of the Hospital Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Laura Power as Chief of Staff for Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), effective April 20, 2026.  

Reporting to the Board of Directors, and in close collaboration with the President & CEO and Senior Leadership Council, the Chief of Staff will provide medical and administrative leadership to ensure medical services are delivered effectively and in alignment with Hospital By-laws, and strategic and operational priorities. In this role, Dr. Power will act as an advocate for safe, high-quality patient care; promoting innovation, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional engagement.

Dr. Power currently serves as Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and brings extensive clinical and leadership experience to this position. Dr. Power holds a number of post-graduate medical licenses and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Obstetrics and Gynecology, and an Associate Professor at NOSM University. Throughout her career, Dr. Power has held numerous medical leadership roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to clinical excellence, professional accountability and system leadership.

Please join me in extending congratulations to Dr. Power. I look forward to her ongoing contributions to our Hospital, and I am confident in her abilities to serve the organization well in this new role for her.

Please also join me in expressing appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Staff, Dr. Bradley Jacobson for his dedication as he ends his term. I wish him continued success with future endeavors.

A plan is in place to ensure a smooth transition of medical leadership to maintain progress on key projects and priorities.

All staff, professional staff, learners, and volunteers are invited to tune in, stay informed, and get involved as in our monthly Town Hall. This is your chance to hear the latest updates from across our Hospital and Health Research Institute — from strategic priorities to day-to-day operations — and to have your voice heard.

Past and Upcoming Town Hall Dates Via Microsoft Teams

September 17 @ 2:00 p.m.
October 15 @ 2:00 p.m.
November 26 @ 2:00 p.m.
December 17 @ 2:00 p.m.
January 21 @ 2:00 p.m.
February 25 @ 2:00 p.m.
March 25 @ 2:00 p.m.
April 15 @ 2:00 p.m.
May 20 @ 2:00 p.m.
June 17 @ 2:00 p.m.

Got questions or feedback?

This is your forum. Ask questions live during the Q&A segment or submit them in advance to ensure the right people are available to respond.

Submit your questions by:

• Emailing TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net
• Asking in real time during the Q&A segment of the Town Hall.

Submitting questions in advance ensures the right people are available to respond.

Don’t miss it — we look forward to seeing you there!

If you’d like to access a recording or presentation from a previous Town Hall, visit the archive.

We are proud to celebrate the successful completion of NODDING training for our 3A champion staff — marking an important step forward in strengthening person-centred communication across our organization.

A multidisciplinary group from 3A came together for an immersive 2.5-hour training session, with representation from management, patient flow, nursing, and social work. The session was co-facilitated alongside four Patient and Family Advisors (PFAs), whose lived experiences brought powerful depth and authenticity to the learning.

The training provided a deep dive into empathy in healthcare — exploring common thinking traps, recognizing patient cues, and building the skills needed to foster meaningful, patient-centred interactions. PFAs shared real-life stories that highlighted the profound impact empathy has on patient experience, safety, and trust.

Participants actively engaged in hands-on role play, demonstrating the core elements of NODDING:

• Developing trust
• Interacting meaningfully
• Noticing patient cues
• Being genuine

These skills move beyond introduction and into intentional connection — enabling patients and families to feel heard, understood, and empowered to co-design their care.

3A will serve as the pilot unit for NODDING implementation, with rollout supported by the Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) team and led by our trained champion staff. This work reflects our continued commitment to embedding empathy into everyday practice — not as a soft skill, but as a critical driver of safety, quality, and patient experience.