September 15-19 is National Payroll Week, and we want to take this time to recognize and celebrate the payroll professionals at our Hospital for the work they do to ensure our staff are supported and compensated correctly.

In a Hospital environment where every role is critical,  payroll staff help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence does not go unnoticed. Thank you to the payroll team for your continued hard work, professionalism, and dedication.

Your efforts make a real difference to every member of the Hospital team, and we are grateful for all that you do.

It’s Housekeeping Appreciation Week — a chance to recognize the dedication, commitment, and vital contributions of our Housekeeping team.

Our Housekeeping staff do so much more than keep our spaces clean. They play an essential role in creating a safe, welcoming environment for patients, families, staff, and visitors. From helping prevent infections and maintaining a high standard of cleanliness to offering a kind word and quietly working behind the scenes, their efforts are an important part of the care we provide every day.

Thank you for:

• Creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for patients and families.
• Supporting infection prevention through meticulous care and attention to detail.
• Responding promptly and professionally, no matter the challenge.
• Being compassionate, dependable, and committed to our patients and each other.

We see you. We appreciate you. And this week, we celebrate you.

Please join us in showing our gratitude during Housekeeping Appreciation Week. A thank-you note, a smile, or even a quick word of appreciation can mean so much.

Thank you to our incredible Housekeeping team for all that you do!

As part of the Preceptor Recognition Program, Brenden Stefanato has been recognized as a preceptor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching and supporting others here at the Hospital. Read their nomination below, along with their perspective on what it means to be a preceptor.

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Name: Brenden Stefanato

Profession: Registered Nurse

Department: Infection Control

Nomination:

Brenden has been with the Infection Prevention and Control department for a few years now and has been a preceptor to several new staff. He is always willing to mentor a new employee and teach them the role of an Infection Control Practitioner.

He is always eager to share his knowledge and guidance with new employees in the department. He is patient and never falters if he has to show something to someone a few times to ease understanding. He provides explanation and feedback in a positive manner. He is welcoming to new staff and makes them feel at ease during their transition into the role of an Infection Control Practitioner.

His calm demeanor helps new employees feel at ease as they step into their new role. Transitioning into an ICP position can feel intimidating, especially when learning about the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of IPAC, but his supportive approach makes the process smoother and more approachable.

When taking on the role of a preceptor, he remains composed and doesn’t let himself become overwhelmed. He maintains a positive attitude and can reframe challenging situations in an encouraging and constructive way.

Here is what Brenden has to say about being a preceptor:

The thing I enjoy most is seeing all the pieces of new knowledge click together and confidence build as a result.

I know how important it is to have a good foundation of knowledge to build upon and an understanding that nurses work better as a team. Because of this I strive to thoroughly teach the basics so that when you inevitably come across something new and scary, you have a solid base of knowledge to fall back on and know when to reach out for help.

This role is meaningful to me because I get to pass along what my preceptors have taught that me a better nurse.

This week, we honour the dedication, compassion, and expertise of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s neonatal nurses, whose work touches the tiniest and most vulnerable lives every day. From providing round-the-clock care in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), to supporting families through some of their most challenging moments, neonatal nurses are truly heroes in scrubs.

Their commitment goes beyond clinical excellence. It’s the gentle touch that soothes a premature baby, the calm voice that reassures a worried parent, and the constant vigilance that helps ensure every newborn gets the best possible start in life.

As we celebrate Neonatal Nurses Week (September 13-19), we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all neonatal nurses for the vital role they play in health care. Their passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to their tiniest patients with the biggest needs do not go unnoticed.

Let’s take this week to recognize and celebrate our incredible neonatal nurses!

This event is a unique opportunity to learn and hear first-hand stories from Peter Sackaney, a Survivor of St. Anne’s Residential School.

Participants will hear about Peter’s experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Indian Residential Schools.

Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Multi-Faith Room (2nd floor)

Lunch will be served. Registration is required for this event.

For more information or to register, please contact Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator at: Annette.Klement@tbh.net.

We look forward to you joining us for this important event.

Click here to find out what else is happening at our Hospital this month in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Kisselgoff Motercycle Museum is a new Affinity List Member offering staff a 10% discount on adult admission tickets, yearly memberships, and branded merchandize. 

The Kisselgoff Motorcycle Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of motorcycles and their impact on culture, innovation, and adventure. Through their collection of rare and iconic bikes, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, they inspire enthusiasts, collectors, and future generations to appreciate the artistry and engineering of motorcycling. For more information, click here.

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Throughout September, staff are invited to participate in a variety of learning opportunities, cultural activities, and opportunities to support local Indigenous vendors. Please save the dates and watch for additional details and registration information.

Wednesday, September 23
Lunch & Learn: Elder Peter Sackaney will be here to share his Indian Residential School experience. This is a unique opportunity to learn and hear first-hand stories a survivor of St. Anne’s Residential School. The event will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Multi-Faith Room. Lunch will be provided. To register, email Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Lead at Annette.Klement@tbh.net.

Friday, September 2
Indigenous Vendor: Jodi Connor from Afonso’s Creations will have a vendor table located across from the Gift Shop. Stop by to say hello and support a local Indigenous vendor.

Tuesday, September 29
Indigenous Vendor: Jodi Connor from Afonso’s Creations will have a vendor table located across from the Gift Shop. Stop by to say hello and support a local Indigenous vendor.

Wednesday, September 30
Launching: TBRHSC’s Truth and Reconciliation Report
Our Hospital is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by releasing its third annual report detailing our ongoing responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action.

Orange Shirt Day
This Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative event honours Survivors and remembers the children who were forced into Residential Schools and never returned to their families. Staff are invited to wear an orange shirt as an outward symbol of commitment to reconciliation and hope for a better future.

Save the Dates

We encourage staff to take part in these opportunities throughout September to learn, listen, engage, and support Indigenous community members and vendors.

Please watch for further communications with event times, locations, registration links, and additional details.

Academic Affairs is pleased to share the Academic Affairs 2025–2026 Annual Report, which provides an integrated overview of academic activities, learner experiences, partnerships, and strategic initiatives at TBRHSC from April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

As an academic health sciences centre, TBRHSC is committed to fostering excellence in education, supporting learners across disciplines, and strengthening the connection between education, clinical practice, research, and innovation.

This report highlights progress in advancing academic practice, enhancing learner support and engagement, and strengthening academic partnerships, while identifying key priorities for the year ahead.

Please remember that vaping and smoking is prohibited on Hospital property.

This includes the walkway connecting Turtle (I) Lot to the G (MRI) staff entrance. 

Thank you for your cooperation.