Reflections From the Front Lines provides our health care professionals with an opportunity to share stories and experiences about their role in providing exceptional care for every patient, every time.
We feature these each month during our Town Hall — a virtual venue designed to keep staff, professional staff, volunteers and leaners informed about what’s happening at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.
Check out our previous episodes below (or on the Hospital’s YouTube channel), and be sure to tune in to future Town Halls for more stories.
In this episode, we hear from Casey Ruberto, a kinesiologist with our Cardiac Rehab program. Casey shares how connecting with patients and providing empathy, compassion and respect in everything we do, leads to positive outcomes.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to connect with Judy Martinsen, a Patient Flow Operation Coordinator at our Hospital. Judy shares a pair of compelling patient stories from behind the scenes of Admitting and patient flow.
In this episode, we hear from James Stevenson, a member of the Security team here at our Hospital. James shares a touching story about how he helped contribute to a positive outcome for a patient in Adult Mental Health.
In this episode, we hear from Savanna Boucher, Indigenous Care Coordinator and Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator who will share a story about the positive outcome they saw when they incorporated Traditional Medicine into a patient’s care plan.
Desiree Towedeo, Indigenous Care Coordinator, shares a story about how she provided culturally safe care to a patient that led to improved health outcomes during their stay, and how meaningful her role as an Indigenous Care Coordinator is to her.
In this episode, we hear from Megan Valente, Coordinator of Volunteer Services. Megan shares a patient story that highlights a new initiative and showcases how volunteers play a crucial role in the patient experience.
In this episode, we will hear from Michelle Opaski, a Mammographer who works on the Screen for Life Coach. Michelle shares a patient story that highlights how bringing cancer screening services closer to home allows individuals to prioritize their health and detect cancer early.
In this episode, we hear from Nikki Cooper, and Kelti Matson – both Registered Nurses from the Peritoneal Dialysis Renal team. Nikki and Kelti have a patient story that highlights how providing education, compassion, and respect, along with cross-department collaboration, allowed for exceptional patient care.
In this episode, Lyllian Stavropoulos, Co-ordinator of Specimen Collection and Dispatch in Laboratory Services at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
In this episode, Ashley Hill, a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department, speaks about her experience with the cultural safety training called, Repairing the Sacred Circle. Repairing the Sacred Circle was designed, developed and launched by N’doo’owe Binesi at St. Joseph’s Care Group in 2022 with the support and guidance of the Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin – Elders Council.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Laura Power, an ObGyn at our Hospital. Dr. Power provides us with a look into the interprofessional and comprehensive care available at the Maternity Centre for patients in Thunder Bay and across the region.
In this episode, Mike Heerema, the Critical Care Staffing and Wellness Coordinator in our Intensive Care Unit, tells us about the Tokens of Love initiative for patients and families.
In this episode, we hear from Jessica and Jolene from the Regional Cancer Program at our Hospital.
In this episode, Danielle McLean, a Registered Nurse from the Intensive Care Unit at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
We’re pleased to inform you that T4 tax slips for the 2025 tax year are now available for viewing and printing through the Employee Self Service (ESS) Portal.
To access your T4 tax slip, simply log into the ESS portal and select the “Tax Slips” option.
A quick reminder: If you plan to access your T4 from home, you must first enroll in Cisco Duo to enable multi-factor authentication. If you haven’t done this yet, please contact the Help Desk at 684-6411 or help@tbh.net for assistance.
Please note that some employees may receive two T4 slips for the same tax year. We kindly ask you to review your tax documents carefully and ensure both slips are included in your income tax preparation, if applicable.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Michael Iorianni, Manager of Payroll and Accounting, at extension 6917 or michael.iorianni@tbh.net.
Good Catch Awards highlight individuals, groups or departments who demonstrate their commitment to keeping patients safe by reporting a near miss. A ‘good catch’ (or near miss) is an event or situation that could have resulted in harm, but did not reach the patient because of chance or timely intervention. Reporting these events can help to identify gaps in order to prevent future adverse events from happening.
Kayla and Micaela were interviewing a patient in Surgical Day Care, confirming her name and birthday for consent. Micaela noticed the birthday was incorrect on the patient identification wristband. Kayla and Micaela compared the labels in the chart together. They double-checked with the patient, asking for her full name and birth date, and checked the medical record number in the chart against Meditech. Her birthday was listed as 04/11/2000 (November) but her actual birthday was 11/04/2000 (April). The date and month had been transposed. Good catch and great teamwork!
While working on 1A, Sumi went to the Omnicell to remove a patient’s Risperidone prescription. However, the nurse found Ivabradine in the drawer. Sumi notified the charge nurse of the error, then removed and administered the correct medication (Risperidone) to the patient. Great job!
Trinity was working on 3A, when a patient became upset and began swinging a cane, hitting walls, phones and other items. Another patient, hearing the commotion, stepped out of her room. Trinity and her colleagues surrounded the patient to protect her from being hit, then moved her to the nursing station to remove her from the situation and keep her safe. Quick thinking!
Thank you to all for your diligence and dedication to safety. Each recipient has been awarded a certificate and gift cards to local businesses to enjoy.
New winners will be selected every quarter. Continue submitting your near misses for a chance to win! Near miss reports are submitted through the Incident Learning System (patient safety incidents). Click on the ‘safety reporting’ icon from your Novell home page, or go to the iNtranet and choose ‘Safety Reporting’ under ‘Informational’.
For more information, contact Terry Fodë, Patient Safety Specialist (terry.fode@tbh.net).
Join us for a hands-on workshop on monitoring fetal health in March 6, 2026.
The course is intended for practitioners including nurses (RN priority), nurse practitioners, physicians, registered midwives and residents who want to learn the current fundamental concepts related to fetal health surveillance.
You are required to complete the following two activities:
1. Read the free online Fundamentals of Fetal Health Surveillance – A Self-Learning Manual; and
2. Successfully complete the online Canadian Fetal Health Surveillance Program Exam.
The cost is $250.00. Please note, payment information is required for all registrants, but workshop fee will be voided for nursing staff of the Women and Children’s Program.
Employee Donors are Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre staff who donate through payroll deductions, helping to fund Hospital equipment & upgrades in the area that means the most to them.
Each month, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation will feature some of the incredible Employee Donors in the Employee Donor Spotlight!
February’s Employee Donor is Kerri McGinn, Executive Assistant:
“I first became an Employee Donor when I worked in the Foundation here at the Hospital and saw how powerful philanthropy can be in creating real change. Through that work, I became closely connected to the Cardiovascular Surgery Program, and it became personal when someone in my family had to travel out of town for heart surgery. I know how much it matters to have care close to home. After I changed jobs and then came back to the Hospital in a new role, I chose to continue on as an Employee Donor supporting the Cardiovascular Surgery program because I believe in bringing life-saving care to our community – one small contribution at a time.”
If you’re a Hospital employee you can sign up, too! Learn more here. Did you know? Tbaytel, matches annual Employee Donor contributions up to $7,500!
Are you already an Employee Donor and want to be featured in the Spotlight? Let us know, and you’ll receive a coffee card donated by Robin’s and a gift card donated by Sleeping Giant Biscotti! Contact, Lindsay Puhalski, Development Assistant, Philanthropy at 807-684-7106 orlindsay.puhalski@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Prashant Jani as the new Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead for Northwestern Ontario.
In this role, Dr. Jani will work with healthcare providers, communities, and partner organizations to build relationships and improve access to culturally appropriate cancer services across the continuum of care, including prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. His focus will include strengthening awareness of available supports, promoting evidence-based screening practices, and helping reach Indigenous people who are under- or never-screened.
Dr. Jani looks forward to working collaboratively to improve cancer care and outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Northwestern Ontario.
In light of the approaching Employee Recognition Week (February 27 to March 6), Recognition O’Grams will be available to order starting 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18. Orders will be open while supplies last and are first-come, first serve.
All submissions will be reviewed by Human Resources prior to distribution to help ensure a positive and respectful tone. Please protect patient privacy by avoiding any identifying details, use language that reflects dignity and compassion, and focus your message on recognizing or thanking a colleague for their efforts!
I’ve always loved sports and was interested in what made our bodies move. In University I had the opportunity to do an internship with Cardiac Rehab and I really enjoyed it. A few years after I graduated, the opportunity came up to apply for a Kinesiology position with Cardiac Rehab and I’ve happily been a Kinesiologist ever since!
Tell us about your role.
As a Kinesiologist in the Cardiac Rehab program, I’m a case manager for the participants of our program. It involves tailoring exercise prescriptions, providing education on safe exercise and cardiac risk factors, collaborating with patients on reaching their health goals, supervising patients during exercise sessions, helping patients navigate the health care system and referring patients to other disciplines when appropriate. My goal (and I like to think the goal of our program) is to get patients exercising safely, regularly, confidently and reduce their risk factors for another cardiac event or issue.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
One of the most challenging aspects of my role is supporting patients through the transition out of the program after they’ve completed it. While it is rewarding to see the progress they’ve made, ensuring they feel equipped and confident to maintain those lifestyle changes independently can be challenging. Facilitating that shift from structured support to self-management is an important part of the process.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
The most rewarding aspect of my profession is helping people feel better both physically and mentally. I love that I get to be with patients for an extended period of time, get to help assist and witness their progress and help them meet their goals.
Any advice for those considering a career in health care?
Advice I would tell anyone considering a career in health care is to listening closely to what patients are saying and to try and see their situation from their lens. Empathy always goes a long way and everyone has something to teach you.
The Communications and Engagement team is pleased to provide the latest version of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Patient Care Resource.
This guide is designed to help patients, families, and care partners quickly find the information they need when accessing Hospital services or visiting our facility. It brings together helpful details from departments across the Hospital, including:
Specialized programs (e.g., Indigenous Care Coordinators, Hospital Elder Life Program)
Support services (e.g., Patient Advocate, Spiritual Care, Ethics Support)
On-site amenities (e.g., Wi-Fi, mail service, Flavours Cafeteria)
To arrange for pick up or delivery of print copies for your area, please contact us at TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net. Kindly note there are limited print copies available, so if able, please direct patients to the electronic version first.
For more information, or to provide feedback or input for next year’s edition of the Patient Care Resource, please reach out to a member of the Communications and Engagement team.
Please encourage patients and families to use the Patient Care Resource to learn more about the programs and services available and how we provide exceptional care for every patient, every time.
