Today, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) celebrated the vibrant Francophone culture in Northwestern Ontario by raising the Franco Ontarian flag. Representatives from Ontario Health North West, Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario (AFNOO), the Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario (Réseau), Francophone Affairs at NOSM U, and the French Language Health Services Planning Centre attended the flag raising. Members of L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay were also present to provide information about their services for patients.

TBRHSC recognizes the importance of providing culturally safe care. Our Hospital is dedicated to meeting the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of all patients, including the diverse Francophone population.

TBRHSC is committed to ensuring that it respects and responds to Francophone cultural preferences, needs, and values, along with those of all the other diverse populations it serves.

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Aujourd’hui, le Centre régional des sciences de la santé de Thunder Bay (CRSSTB) a célébré la culture francophone rayonnante du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario en hissant le drapeau franco-ontarien. Des représentants de Santé Ontario Nord-Ouest, de l’Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario, du Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario, du Bureau des affaires francophones (BAF) de l’Université de l’EMNO (U EMNO) et du Centre de planification des services de santé en français ont assisté à cette cérémonie. Des membres de L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay étaient également présents pour fournir des renseignements sur leurs services offerts aux patients.

Le CRSSTB reconnaît l’importance de fournir des soins adaptés à la culture. Il ne ménage aucun effort pour répondre aux besoins d’ordre social, culturel et linguistique de tous les patients, y compris ceux de la population francophone diverse.

Le CRSSTB s’engage à reconnaître et à respecter les préférences, les valeurs et les besoins culturels de la population francophone, ainsi que ceux de toutes les autres populations diverses qu’il sert.

Join Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Renal Department at the 2026 Kidney Walk at Boulevard Lake on October 3, 2026.

In support of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, funds raised will further programs, services, research opportunities and awareness campaigns that have a positive impact on the millions of Canadians living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease. 

To register or donate please use this link or go to Kidneywalk.ca.

Date: Saturday, October 3

Registration Time: 9:00 a.m.

Start Time: 10:00 a.m. (you can walk the full 5km or a shorter marked route of 1km)

Location: Boulevard Park

Any questions, please reach out to Ramsey Broennle at ramsey.broennle@tbh.net or Laurene Stuart at laurenne.stuart@tbh.net. 

The French Language Training Reimbursement Program is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and coordinated by L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay. The program is available to health care professionals in Ontario who:

• Want to improve their French language skills;
• Are proficient in French at a level above beginner; and
• Have direct contact with patients, clients, families or the public in a health care environment.

Eligible employees may receive a reimbursement of their tuition fees, up to a maximum of $300.00.

For more information regarding eligibility and requirements for reimbursement, please refer to the below documents which can be accessed via the Human Resources iNtranet page under Employee Resources:

• French Language Training Program Information – provides basic information about the program and the approved providers;
• Fact Sheet – provides information about eligibility and requirements for reimbursement;
• Conditional Eligibility Form – must be completed and submitted by interested employees prior to registering for classes.

Any questions concerning the above can be addressed to Chantal Després, Resource Person for the French Language Training Program: Telephone: 1-807-697-0881 / 1-888-382-6452 e-mail: cdespres@accueilfrancophone.com.

After an incredible 40 years of dedicated service, we are pleased to announce the retirement of Jeff Glavish from the Housekeeping Department!

Jeff began his career in 1986 at Port Arthur General Hospital, working in the kitchen.  In 1991, he transferred to Housekeeping, where he continued his career until his retirement in October 2026.

Throughout his many years with our department, Jeff spent most of his career managing the waste room.  His expertise, knowledge, and dedication helped keep the waste stream flowing effortlessly.  Jeff’s commitment and years of experience have been greatly valued, and he will certainly be missed.

Please join us in celebrating Jeff and wishing him all the best as he begins his new chapter on Monday, October 5 at 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm in 2178 ICP Main.

There are many events taking place throughout the City of Thunder on September 30 to honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Participating in these events allow us to learn, listen, engage, and support Indigenous community members and vendors.

We encourage you to attend an event to show your commitment to reconciliation and to honour the lives that have been lost and impacted by the Indian Residential School system.

September 26 is Human Resources Professionals Day, an opportunity to recognize the dedication and expertise of our Human Resources (HR) team. From recruitment and onboarding to employee wellness, benefits, training, and workplace support, HR plays an important role in supporting our people and helping make our Hospital a place of compassion, excellence, and collaboration.

Human Resource Professional Day, is a moment to recognize the often behind-the-scenes efforts of those who keep our organization thriving. HR professionals are not only stewards of policy and process, they are champions of people, helping to shape a workplace culture that is positive, inclusive, and resilient. To our HR team: Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your ability to navigate complex challenges, and your support of every employee at our Hospital. Your work is seen, valued, and deeply appreciated.

Every September, communities across Canada recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

About 1,000 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year. The month raises awareness of childhood cancer, honours children and families affected by paediatric cancer, and highlights the ongoing need for research, care, support, and advocacy.

As a Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) Satellite Clinic, we are proud to build a link in honour of Linked for Life. Linked for Life is a powerful symbol of connection, compassion, and community for children and families affected by childhood cancer across Ontario. These paper chains will hang in our Paediatric Unit to show our united commitment to childhood cancer care in our community.

This week, staff across our Hospital wore yellow or gold T-shirts to help create awareness and show support for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

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Sent on behalf of Justin Garofalo, Vice President, Facilities, Capital Planning and Support Service & CFO and Ryan Sears, Director, Capital & Facility Services

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The Facilities team is pleased to announce plans to establish a new designated paved leisure path, connecting the east sidewalk (near the cafeteria entrance) to the Cancer Centre sidewalk along Ron Saddington Way.

This initiative supports campus improvements, aligned with our integrated Master Plan and staff feedback, to create a more connected and welcoming campus environment. The path will provide a convenient link that is separated from vehicle traffic to support opportunities for walking, fresh air and wellbeing throughout the workday.

Further details on the construction timeline and next steps will be announced soon.

Every person has a story, and listening to those stories can help change the way we understand substance use and addiction.

In a new series of educational videos, individuals share their personal experiences and perspectives on stigma, substance use, addiction, and health care. Their stories offer an important opportunity to listen, learn, and better understand how our words, actions, and assumptions can affect those seeking care.

These videos also honour those who have been lost to substance use and addiction-related harms and acknowledge the grief experienced by their families, friends, and loved ones. By sharing these experiences and perspectives, we can deepen our understanding of the impact of stigma and recognize the importance of approaching every person with compassion, dignity, and respect.

At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we recognize that stigma can create real barriers for patients and families. Outdated language, stereotypes, and misconceptions can influence how people are treated and whether they feel safe and supported when accessing care. By listening to and learning from people with lived and living experience, we can challenge these assumptions and help create a more compassionate, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

Developed as part of the Patient Experience pillar of Strategic Plan 2026 and our ongoing work to reduce stigma associated with substance use and addiction, these videos reflect our collective resolve to do better and to move forward with greater compassion, understanding, and respect for those seeking care.

We invite you to watch, listen to the stories and perspectives being shared, and reflect on how each of us can help reduce stigma and make a positive difference.

This week, we hear from Dr. Naana Jumah:

For more stories visit bit.ly/confronting-stigma-TBRHSC

This month’s Town Hall took place on Wednesday, September 16. See below for a video recording of the session and a copy of the presentation slides.

If you have questions you would like answered, please send them to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net and we will do our best to address them at a future Town Hall.

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

Thank you for your commitment to staying informed and engaged.