Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital & Facility Services

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As you are aware, our Emergency Department (ED) is one of the busiest in Canada. To enhance our capacity and efficiency, we’re excited to share that construction is now underway. This renovation will focus on expanding administrative areas and improving the registration and triage zones at the ED entrance. This upgrade aims to streamline patient entry and flow, enhance staff safety, and create a more accessible and flexible triage environment, while supporting TBRHSC’s broader goal of a dedicated Mental Health Emergency Support Area (MHESA) internal to the ED that will follow as a separate project.

This project will be executed in three main phases, please refer to the attached diagrams. Throughout all phases, public and staff access to Emergency Department Triage, Labour & Delivery, and access to the Emergency Department will remain open and accessible.

Mobilization for construction will begin the week of December 1, 2025. Work will continue until the Fall of 2026 throughout the various phases. You will notice construction fencing near the entrance to Labour and Delivery and construction hoarding throughout the Emergency Department corridor – this is subject to change as the Work evolves and to support each phase.

Access to the ED will remain open and we will minimize the impacts to the extent possible. Wayfinding signage for alternate routing will be posted. For the safety of all patients, visitors, and staff, it is important that everyone adheres to construction fencing, barricades, and wayfinding signage. Access to construction areas is limited to authorized personnel only. This TBRHSC Project Team will communicate the progress and impacts as we navigate through each phase together.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support during this important renovation project. We recognize that these changes pose challenges and we thank you for your patience and flexibility. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Phased Approach: The project will be implemented in three (3) Phases:

Phase 1A: New Administration Area construction (no impact to patients), this will become the temporary Triage Area for Phase 2.

Phase 1B: New Reception, Registration and Security Area (impact to ED Waiting area size).

Phase 2: Triage Area construction and temporary relocation of Triage to the new Administration Area (impact to patient flow)

Phase 3: Renovation of Administration Area to final state, including new MPC doors (minor impact of flow to hospital from ED).

As we conclude 2025, I am proud to reflect on a year marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our mission of delivering exceptional care to every patient, every time. Over the last year, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has continued to advance clinical excellence, strengthen operational performance, and invest in our people and infrastructure. The achievements stand as a testament to the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our senior team, and the steadfast support of our Board of Directors. Together, we have not only met the demands of today but have also laid a strong foundation for the future of compassionate, patient-centered care.

We are proud to welcome five new physicians this last quarter: Drs. Barbara Gunka (Hematologist), Elham Talachian (Paediatrician), Mohamed Elkoushy (Urologist), Siavosh Nasseri-Moghadda (Gastroenterologist) and Rasoul Javan (Cardiologist). These highly skilled physicians have joined our team of professionals committed to innovation, collaboration, and the highest standards of clinical practice. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to excellence will complement our existing professional staff and continue to advance our mission to provide patient-centered care to the people of Northwestern Ontario. Please join us in welcoming them to our community.

Other exciting news from this past month includes the announcement of $22,815,488 in grants from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment at TBRHSC and regional hospitals. This represents the largest single commitment the Foundation has ever made — made possible through the remarkable generosity of donors, event participants, and Thunder Bay 50/50 supporters. Thank you to our donors for their incredible generosity, and to the Health Sciences Foundation for their dedication to enhancing care in our region.

This month, we celebrate International Volunteer Day (December 5). Volunteers are an essential part of our Hospital community, generously sharing their time and talents to enhance the lives of our patients, families, and staff. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and extend a heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable contributions.

To further enhance care, one of the key goals within our Strategic Plan 2026 is to build a Sustainable Future to ensure our health future. As part of this commitment, we aim to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in health care.

Recently, TBRHSC hosted two exciting events: Take Our Kids to Work Day and the Indigenous Career Experience that introduced local students to the wide range of possibilities available in health care. Take Our Kids to Work Day is an annual experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Ontario. During their visit, students toured various Hospital departments, gaining insight into different health care professions and volunteer opportunities. Similarly, during the Indigenous Career Experience, students explored diverse roles within TBRHSC and participated in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and connection to the health care field.

Through these initiatives, we hope to ignite a passion for helping others and encourage students to envision themselves as future health care professionals — contributing to a sustainable future and ensuring the health of generations to come.

As we move into 2026, I extend my sincere appreciation to our staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers for their continued dedication and professionalism. Together, we will build on this year’s progress and remain focused on delivering the highest quality of health care to the people of Northwestern Ontario. On behalf of the Board, I wish everyone continued success in the year ahead.

Patricia Lang
Chair, TBRHSC Board of Directors

Last month, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) launched the Ontario Hereditary Cancer Research Network (OHCRN) participant portal, a first-of-its-kind provincial registry designed to advance research and improve support for people at risk of hereditary cancers. Leanne Mercer, Genetic Counsellor at TBRHSC, attended the launch and spoke about its importance for patients in Northern Ontario.

The OHCRN registry brings genetic testing and health information from across Ontario into one centralized database. This resource will advance research aimed at improving early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hereditary cancers, while also connecting participants to clinical trials, advocacy groups, and other supports.

In Leanne’s remarks, she noted that until now, patients outside of major city centres often had limited access to research opportunities and were unaware of studies based primarily in large Greater Toronto Area hospitals. “For the first time, patients across Ontario, no matter their postal code, level of health literacy, or socioeconomic background, can register their interest in research,” said Leanne.

The portal is open to any Ontarian who has completed genetic testing because of a personal or family history of cancer. Local registration will begin once Research Ethics Board approval is in place. For more information about the Ontario Hereditary Cancer Research Network registry, visit ohcrn.ca.

Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, VP, Patient Experience, CNE and RVP, Regional Cancer Care

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In preparation for the 2025/26 respiratory season, and in anticipation of potential impacts on our Inpatient Clinical Units and Emergency Department from respiratory and influenza type illnesses, masking requirements will increase effective December 4, 2025.

Please note that as of December 4, 2025 all Staff Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and Essential Care Partners (ECPs)/Care Partners (CPs) will be required to wear a Level 3 procedure mask when entering a patient room for all Inpatient Clinical Units and when in the Emergency Department.

Please see the following details on masking requirements:

1A Inpatient Units

All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and ECPs/CPs are required to wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times while on units 1A Medicine, and 1A Acute Oncology. This includes when entering a patient room and when within the 1A clinical area.

All Other Inpatient Units

All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners and Volunteers must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering a patient’s room, when providing direct patient care, including transportation of patients and at any time they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.

All ECPs/CPs visiting in an inpatient room must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask when entering a patient’s room and whenever they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing standards within the unit.

Emergency Department

All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners and Volunteers must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering a patient’s room, when providing direct patient care, including transportation of patients and at any time they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distancing.

All Patients and ECPs/CPs accompanying a patient must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times in the department

Public communication and signage will be provided to support the above requirements. Further communication will occur on this topic as required.

If you are a staff member who has been ill, please review the Occupational Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-OH-34) before returning to work. This will help ensure you meet all necessary criteria for a safe and appropriate return.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping our patients, staff and Hospital safe. If you have any questions, please ask your manager or reach out to Infection Prevention and Control at 684-6094 for further details on best practices.

Shared on behalf of Robin’s Donuts

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Please be advised that renovations are currently underway at the Robin’s Donuts location in our Hospital.

At this time, the front counter is being renovated, and the seating area is temporarily closed. Staff are operating from a temporary workstation during this phase.

Despite the construction, we remain open 24/7, and the full menu continues to be available.

We anticipate that this stage of the renovation will be completed by late next week or during the week of December 15.

Following this, there will be two additional phases to renovate the deli area and the east wall. These upcoming stages are not expected to significantly impact traffic flow or operations.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve the space.

The 2025–2026 Mandatory Corporate e-Learning courses are due March 31, 2026 — but why wait?

Complete all mandatory learning by December 31, 2025 and you will earn an extra Employee Recognition Week (ERW) BIG PRIZE ballot for your early completion!

Check out the attached poster for full details on course requirements.

Shared on behalf of Quality and Risk Management

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Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has been alerted to issues with CHS MED-RX Paracentesis Tray – Drainage Tube with Connector (Supplier Code 10-1212BNS) in which the Luer lock component is susceptible to degradation when exposed to alcohol or alcohol-based substances, which may result in cracking or structural failure of the component prior to use.

Materials Management has identified affected stock in our inventory; however, we do not currently have an approved replacement. As our hospital does use alcohol-based disinfection products with this inventory, please note the following mitigation actions identified by Cardinal Health:

1. Inspect inventory for the lots of products listed above.
2. If this inventory has been affected, cracking or failure of the structural component may occur.

Subsequently, please take the following actions:

1. Inspect connection ends carefully prior to use.
2. If structural issues are apparent at time of inspection, immediately replace the tubing.
3. Monitor for leaking during use, and replace tubing if leaking is noted.
4. Complete an Incident Learning System report and reference the lot and expiration date of the tubing used.
5. Notify your Manager and provide him/her with the faulty product.

We appreciate your efforts and cooperation in these extra steps to ensure patient safety until replacement inventory can be procured.