Shared on behalf of Rae-Anne Robinson, Lead, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
April is Diversity Month — a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that make up our workforce and the communities we serve.
Diversity includes differences across many dimensions, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability status, religion, sexual orientation, and life experiences — all of which shape who we are.
In health care, embracing diversity is essential to providing respectful, patient centred care. When employees feel respected and included, they are more engaged, collaborative, and better able to provide high-quality care.
How We Can Celebrate Diversity Month
Take time to learn more about cultures, traditions, and perspectives different from your own.
Foster respectful dialogue with colleagues and patients, and be mindful of how language, behaviors, and unconscious biases affect others.
Encourage an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
Moving Forward Together
Diversity Month reminds us that our differences are not barriers—they are strengths. By embracing diversity and practicing inclusion every day, we create a healthier workplace and provide better care for the communities we serve.
Let this month serve as a starting point for continued learning, compassion, and connection. Together, we can build a culture where everyone — staff and patients alike — feels respected, supported, and valued.
Shared on behalf of Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, TBRHRI
Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.
March has been a busy month as we have seen a steady increase in activity across our organization and the broader health care system. We are welcoming more students into the building, monitoring developments related to the provincial budget at Queen’s Park, and preparing for several important initiatives in the weeks ahead. I also want to acknowledge the various construction projects happening around our Hospital. I recognize the added strain this can create in an already demanding environment, and I appreciate your continued patience as this work progresses. Recognizing how busy everyone is, below you will find a brief update on what is top of mind this month.
I would like to begin with last week’s provincial budget. You have likely seen the headlines, but I want to share my perspective directly. There is meaningful investment in health care infrastructure, which is important for our organization. At the same time, there is continued emphasis on hospitals operating more efficiently. While this is not new, I feel it is important that you know: The Ministry expects us to identify and implement efficiencies, and we will be held accountable.
That said, our Hospital has consistently outperformed provincial efficiency benchmarks. This positions us more strongly than other organizations as we navigate expectations. While it does not eliminate the pressure, it does mean that we are better positioned to manage it. This also creates an opportunity for us to better navigate our reality, and our role as the only regional tertiary academic centre in Northwestern Ontario. To this end, we continue to advocate with the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, and our local and regional MPPs to ensure our context and needs are clearly understood.
As mentioned, you will notice an increase in students and new graduates in the building over the next few weeks. As preceptorships and residencies conclude, some of those people will be making decisions about where they want to begin to build their careers. The fact that they have chosen to train here and are continuing to stay here reflects positively on our organization. I encourage you to welcome them and share your experiences, helping them understand what makes this a great place to work.
I would also like to highlight that April is Be A Donor month. I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on this initiative, both personally and where appropriate with patients and families. It is one of those areas where what we do in this building connects directly to something with a much broader impact.
Finally, the month of April includes National Volunteer Week (April 19-25). Our volunteers contribute their time and energy in so many invaluable ways – supporting patients, guiding families, staffing our gift shop, supporting events, and serving on our board, to name a few. The range of what volunteers contribute is easy to take for granted because they make it look seamless, but it is anything but. I encourage you to take a moment this month to express your appreciation. A brief, sincere conversation can be more meaningful than any form of recognition.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this update and staying informed on matters that affect us all. I welcome any feedback about this blog or any other topics you would like to discuss. You can reach me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I appreciate hearing from you.
A decade after it first launched to raise awareness about cervical cancer, Northwestern Ontario’s annual cervical screening campaign is returning this month with a new name and a renewed call to action.
Formerly known as ‘Pap-A-Palooza’, the month-long initiative has been renamed ‘Cervical Screen-a-Thon’ to reflect recent changes to the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. In 2025, Ontario replaced the traditional Pap test with a new cervical screening test that checks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is leading the 10th annual campaign in partnership with more than 40 clinics and health centres across Northwestern Ontario. From April 1 to 30, participating sites are encouraging eligible individuals to book their cervical screening test as part of a regional effort to increase screening rates.
“This 10th anniversary milestone reflects the strength of our community partnerships and a decade of commitment to cervical cancer screening across Northwestern Ontario,” said Tarja Heiskanen, Manager, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services at TBRHSC. “Cervical Screen-a-Thon is about turning awareness into action and encouraging more people to take that important step for their health.”
Northwestern Ontario screening numbers are below provincial targets and we are hopeful the campaign will increase screening participation across the region.
“Only about half of eligible individuals in Northwestern Ontario are up to date with cervical screening,” said Dr. Naana Jumah, Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario Regional Colposcopy and Cervical Screening Lead for the northwest region. “We continue to diagnose cervical cancer in people who were overdue for testing. Regular screening allows us to detect changes earlier and significantly improve outcomes.”
The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends screening for individuals who:
Are at least 25 years old.
Are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person, or non-binary person with a cervix.
Have ever had sexual contact with another person.
Do not currently have symptoms such as unusual bleeding or discharge.
Are due for screening based on program guidelines.
To find a participating clinic near you and to learn more about Cervical Screen-a-Thon, visit tbrhsc.net/screenathon.
National Indigenous Languages Day, celebrated on March 31, is an opportunity to appreciate the linguistic diversity within Indigenous cultures. This day emphasizes the importance of revitalizing and preserving Indigenous languages, which are vital to cultural identity and community connections.
In Canada, languages like Anishinabek (Ojibwe), Mushkegowuk (Cree), and Anisininew (Oji-Cree) demonstrate unique vocabulary and grammar, reflecting the rich histories and cultures of their communities.
Within the Ojibwe community, there are some common words that showcase the beauty and significance of the language. Here are a few:
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
An RSV outbreak has been declared on 1A Medical /Oncology inpatient unit as of today Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Outbreak #2262-2026-00038
All restrictions are in place.
Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. All patients identified as having an exposure to this outbreak will require isolation with appropriate additional precautions.
The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.
Administrative Professionals Day (April 22) recognizes and celebrates the work of executive assistants, administrative assistants, clerks and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace.
We’re calling on all administrative professionals in the Hospital and Health Research Institute to submit a high resolutionphoto of you or your team to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net by Tuesday, April 21at 4:00 p.m. These photos will be shared on the Daily Informed Newsletter and the Hospital’s socials to help celebrate this year’s edition of Administrative Professionals Day. Please include a caption with your name(s), title(s) and department.
Shared on behalf of Rae-Anne Robinson, Lead, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
International Transgender Day of Visibility takes place annually on March 31. It is an opportunity to celebrate and empower the trans community, while also bringing awareness to the barriers and ongoing discrimination trans people face. The day also celebrates and recognizes the incredible accomplishments of the Two-Spirit, Transgender, and Non-Binary communities.
Unfortunately, the Trans community still faces many challenges, especially when it comes to accessing health care services. The community also experiences high rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
What is gender-affirming care?
Gender-affirming care is a range of services that provide life-saving health care for trans individuals. This includes transition-related services and other medical care, mental health care, and social services.
How can health care workers start to provide more gender-affirming care?
It is so important for us to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for Trans patients at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Even small gestures like asking for pronouns and preferred names, correcting a colleague who makes inappropriate comments, and advocating for a patient who may be misgendered can make a huge difference in making someone feel safe and respected. You can also show solidary by wearing pink, blue or white, a Transgender flag pin or a name tag indicating preferred pronouns.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the Trans community!
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.
