Category: Informed

World Patient Safety Day – September 17, 2026

What is World Patient Safety Day?

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day (WPSD), to take place annually on September 17. The primary objective of WPSD is to enhance the understanding of patient safety on a global scale. This significant day encourages stakeholders (including patients, families, health care workers, health care leaders, and policy makers) to work collaboratively towards co-designing health care policies and safety interventions that truly reflect the needs and preferences of patients and families.

WPSD 2026

World Patient Safety Day 2026 focuses on addressing one of the major health concerns affecting billions of people and accounting for 74% of deaths worldwide, namely non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non-communicable diseases are long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases that can affect people of all ages and often require ongoing care throughout life. Addressing NCDs is a global priority, reflected in the United Nations political declaration on NCDs and mental health, which calls for strengthened prevention and long-term management of NCDs. Achieving these commitments requires access to safe and quality care.

Globally, one in ten patients is harmed during health care, with around half of this harm being considered preventable. People living with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to harm due to the long-term nature of their conditions, ongoing treatment needs and frequent interactions with health systems. This repeated exposure increases the likelihood of harm over time. With some conditions, such as cancer, up to one in three patients experience adverse events during care. Many people also live with multiple chronic conditions, further increasing the risk of harm.

World Patient Safety Day 2026 is, therefore, focusing on safe care for non-communicable diseases, under the slogan ‘Safe care for life!’. It calls for multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder action to ensure that no one is harmed while receiving care for NCDs.

Objectives of WPSD 2026:

  • Raise global awareness of patient safety challenges associated with NCDs across the continuum of care through a primary health care approach while considering disease-related factors, health system challenges and determinants of health that may increase the risk of harm.
  • Promote the meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs and communities, in identifying safety risks and co-developing solutions with health practitioners, organizational leaders and policy-makers.
  • Encourage stakeholders to integrate patient safety principles across NCD-related legislation, policies, strategies and programmes, with an emphasis on strengthening PHC-oriented health systems.
  • Support health workers in strengthening patient safety practices such as safer diagnosis, medication safety and meaningful patient engagement.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay safe.

Find out more and watch a short video on ‘Safe care for life!’ here: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day/2026# 

Reflections From the Front Lines (New Episode!)

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 Cheyenne Spence and Lexxi Saarinen, Indigenous Care Coordinators in our Emergency Department, who will share how they are working with community partners to help improve the patient experience.
In this episode, we hear from Sarah Benincasa, a Registered Practical Nurse who works on 3A. In this video, Sarah shares a touching story that illustrates the impact nurses have in shaping the patient experience by advocating for their patients.
In this episode, we hear from Lesley Robertson, one of the Medical Laboratory Assistants and a Phlebotomists on our Laboratory team. Lesley shares two patient stories that illustrate how all members of the Laboratory team work tirelessly to support our Hospital’s programs and services by providing quality results for timely diagnosis and treatment.
In this episode, we hear from Matthew, a Pharmacist, and Kristi, a Pharmacy Technician, from the Renal Department’s Pharmacy team. Matthew and Kristi share a patient story that illustrates how care coordination can help deliver care closer to home and why it is so important for patients and their families.
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.

Recognizing Our Preceptors – Sheena Hamilton

As part of the Preceptor Recognition Program, Sheena Hamilton 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.

Name: Sheena Hamilton

Profession: Registered Nurse

Department: Infection Control

Nomination:

Sheena has gone above and beyond to train the many new hires in our department. She is always willing to answer any questions or talk through a situation with staff. She is an active and engaged listener.

Her clinical competence, constructive feedback, and encouraging attitude set her apart as a preceptor. Working with her, I always feel supported and understood.

Sheena has incredible patience and fosters a positive work environment. Thank you!

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

I have always enjoyed teaching and helping others build confidence in their skills. Being a preceptor allows me to share my knowledge and clinical experience while helping students to connect their classroom learning to real life experiences. For me, it’s really rewarding to see both students and peers become successful in their endeavors.

Recognizing Our Preceptors – Amy Pollard

As part of the Preceptor Recognition Program, Amy Pollard 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.

Name: Amy Pollard

Profession: Registered Practical Nurse

Department: Adult Mental Health

Nomination:

Amy is knowledgeable in their field and always goes above and beyond to help students and co-workers alike. They are very knowledgeable on policies and procedures, de-escalation tactics, and mental health nursing.

She supports and fosters a teaching and learning environment through open communication that fosters trust, respect, and a safe environment for learning.

Her willingness to help others and her knowledge set her apart as a preceptor.

Not only does she foster a welcoming and professional environment, but she also supports learning students and coworkers alike. She is always willing to help with a smile and good advice!

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

I enjoy being able to share my knowledge, experience, and passion for mental health nursing. I love seeing students and nurses find their passion for mental health, and gain experience and knowledge.

National Payroll Week (September 14-20)

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.

Housekeeping Appreciation Week (September 13-19)

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!

Members of the Housekeeping team

Recognizing Our Preceptors – Brenden Stefanato

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.

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.

Neonatal Nurses Week (September 13 – 19)

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!

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