Each May 21 marks the observance of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day to honor the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that contribute to building a more inclusive and just society.

Initiated by the United Nations, this day emphasizes the importance of bridging cultural differences, promoting dialogue, and supporting peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide.

This day is an important opportunity to reaffirm our Hospital’s commitment to respecting differences, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for patients, families, and staff. Embracing cultural diversity enhances the care we provide, and strengthens the bonds within our community.

To learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, please go to the United Nations Website at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

Let’s celebrate our differences and work together toward a more inclusive future.

In celebration of the diversity across our Hospital, we created a digital map of all the places staff, professional staff, and volunteers have worked around the world. From hometown roles to international experiences, every location is an important piece of your story. Click here to take a look!

Thank you to everyone who participated.

Shared on behalf of Senior Leadership

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Yesterday at approximately 4:45 pm, we experienced an incident between two visitors that resulted in conflict and an escalation of the incident. Staff quickly reacted and due to a fall and injury of one of the individuals an Alert 99 was called and Security. After continued conflict, a Code White was called to further manage the situation. The situation continued to escalate to a Code Silver as the one visitor brandished a hammer from their bag and attempted to use as a weapon. The situation was quickly de-escalated and Thunder Bay Police Services was on site to assist.

We are currently assessing the facts of this situation and any potential actions that need to be taken to ensure we can provide a safe environment within our facility. We know these situations seem to be more prevalent in today’s society. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and patients is a priority and we continue to adapt our security and surveillance to detect and prevent these types of incidents.

At this time, we want to thank all staff who showed diligence and professionalism in dealing with the matter. We recognize that these types of situations can be harming emotionally and there were many staff involved beyond the Unit. If you require support or assistance to help manage through your feelings, we kindly ask that you connect with your manager or utilize the Employee and Family Assistance Program. As well, please know that Occupational Health and Safety will be holding a debrief on the event, which may assist in supporting any stresses.

Managers are encouraged to share this information with their teams and with staff who have limited computer access.

Thank again to all those involved and the teams that also supported staff throughout the evening.

International Clinical Trials Day is celebrated on May 20, to raise clinical trial awareness and recognize the day that the first clinical trial was started in 1747 by James Lind. On this day each year, we acknowledge and honour clinical researchers, patient partners, and participants and their contributions to improving treatment options and health outcomes for patients.

What is the difference between clinical trials and clinical research?

• Clinical trials study treatments, procedures, or lifestyle approaches in people to determine if they are safe and effective.
• Clinical research involves volunteers or the study of samples they provide, such as blood or tissue.

Clinical trials study prevention (to find new ways to prevent illness), screening (to detect diseases earlier) and treatment (to test new therapies), and are conducted to:

• Understand how treatments work for different people.
• Find new ways to use approved treatments.
• Test new treatments and effectiveness.
• Compare existing treatments and see which works best.

Everyone is impacted by clinical tirals and they can help us learn more about our own health, improve care and treatment as well as help future patients through new discoveries.

For more information, click here.

Bridge Northwest is inviting enthusiastic and motivated staff to join the MEDITECH Expanse Training Team as Local Trainers and Super Users. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a region‑wide digital transformation supporting colleagues, strengthening patient safety, and building skills that extend far beyond go‑live.

Click here to view the full job descrption. Please note, the closing date is May 29, 2026.

For more information, reach out to: Dawna Perry at dawnamaria.perry@tbh.net.

Paediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Renewal Course

Taking place Monday, May 25 & Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in the Ibn Sina Simulation Lab (Room 3100, 3rd Floor – TBRHSC)

This course is designed for health care providers who either direct or participate in the management and assessment of respiratory and/or cardiovascular emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in paediatric patients.

Click to learn more and to register.

Sign up early as space is limited

During National Biomedical Engineering Week (May 17-23), we acknowledge the important role of Biomedical Engineering Services in Ontario’s health care system.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Biomedical Engineering Technologists and Technicians use their knowledge and training to maintain, repair and help with the selection of medical devices and health technology used for patient care at TBRHSC and in Northwestern Ontario.

As an integral part of the patient’s health care team, we thank all Biomedical Engineering Technologists and Technicians for their hard work and dedication.

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May is National Physiotherapy Month — a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role physiotherapy plays in Ontario’s health care system. Physiotherapists are essential in helping patients improve movement, recover from injury or surgery, manage chronic conditions, and enhance overall quality of life through evidence-based physical interventions.

At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, physiotherapists are valued members of our interdisciplinary teams. They provide care across a wide range of Hospital areas, including medical and surgical units, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), neurosurgery, the Regional Stroke Unit, Emergency Department, outpatient rehabilitation, hand clinic, Centre for Complex Diabetes Care (CCDC), paediatrics, the lymphedema clinic, hemophilia clinic, and the Rapid Access Clinic.

This month — and every month — we extend our heartfelt thanks to our physiotherapy team for their skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to supporting recovery, independence, and well-being for patients across our Hospital and community.

May 19 is Personal Support Worker Day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the vital contributions of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) to Ontario’s most vulnerable residents.

In Ontario, PSWs provide care to any person who requires personal assistance with activities of daily living. The PSWs who work at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre look after a broad range of supportive activities across many areas of the Hospital and Transitional Care Unit, including assisting with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, mobility, getting dressed, assisting patients with meal selection, the delivery of nourishments, and assisting with feeding as needed.

The role requires compassion, teamwork, resilience, and professionalism in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. Through their dedication and care, PSWs help create a safe, supportive, and person centered environment for both patients and families.

Please join us in thanking our PSWs for everything that they do.

We enjoyed celebrating Employee Recognition Week with you. Please take a few moments to complete our short survey and share your thoughts on this year’s activities.

Thank you for everything you do. Your hard work and commitment truly make a difference.