On behalf of the Employee Giving Committee, Jenelle and Lindsay from the Foundation will be visiting each department on November 27, 2025 between 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. to welcome new Employee Givers and celebrate our amazing current ones.

Become a new Employee Giver and you’ll receive a festive holiday stocking and a candy cane to kick off the season!

Already an Employee Giver? 

Increase your giving by $1 and receive a candy cane.
Increase your giving by $5 and you’ll receive a stocking + candy cane 

Let’s start the holiday season by giving back to those who need it most. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community.

As part of our transition to M365, we are moving our files to the cloud with OneDrive and SharePoint.

Starting December 1, 2025, new staff will get a OneDrive account. While existing staff will be moved to OneDrive early 2026. After everyone has moved to OneDrive, the transition to SharePoint will begin.

Please continue to use your “H” Drive until you’ve transitioned.

What is OneDrive?

OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage solution for personal files. OneDrive will be replacing all Home Directories (i.e. “H” Drives).

What is SharePoint?

SharePoint is a hub for communication, documentation, and collaboration for your team!
SharePoint will be replacing all of our Network Shares (i.e. “T”/“S” Drives).

Look Out for Sharing Links:

As we transition to M365, expect to see emails with Sharing Links to files from other staff asking to collaborate. To learn more about sharing files in M365, go to the M365Hub.tbh.net.

If you have any questions, please contact the Help Desk at Help.Desk@tbh.net.

Shared on behalf of Justin Garofalo, Vice President, Facilities, Capital Planning and Support Services & Chief Financial Officer Jeannine Verdenik, Vice President, People & Culture

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As we embrace the winter season, it is critical to prioritize pedestrian safety, especially in adverse weather conditions and times of reduced visibility. Our collective responsibility towards ensuring safe access to the Hospital is paramount. This memo is a reminder of our commitment to ensuring safety within our community. By adhering to the following safety practices, we contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Pedestrian Safety Guidelines

Designated Sidewalks & Crossings: All pedestrians must utilize official access sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings. These areas are designed to enhance safety and visibility and receive added snow and ice control measures.

Visibility: Pedestrians may not be immediately visible to vehicular traffic. It is important to wait for vehicles to come to a complete stop and acknowledge your presence before proceeding to cross roadways. During the winter months, when visibility may be reduced due to daylight savings or weather conditions, is it crucial to travel along designated sidewalks and crossings.

Stop for Pedestrians: When travelling by vehicle, stop for pedestrians waiting to cross a roadway. We emphasize the importance of safe driving in adverse weather conditions. Allow ample time to stop when approaching designated pedestrian crossings. Please encourage staff to reduce speed on hospital property and exercise increased caution at pedestrian crossings. The posted speed limit on TBRHSC property is 30 km/h.

Key Takeaways:

• Staff are required to travel onto and off the property only via official access routes.

• While travelling on the property, please adhere to the use of sidewalks and designated crossings.

• While travelling by vehicle, adhere to the posted speed limit and stop for pedestrians to cross a roadway.

We thank everyone who continually exercises all measures of caution when entering and exiting Hospital property.  We all share in the responsibility of keeping our workplace safe and together we can ensure that our property remains a safe zone for all staff, patients and families, and the greater community.

For more information, please refer to OHS-os-253 Slips, Trips and Falls Prevention Policy.

Shared on behalf of Paula Vangel, Manager, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion

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I am pleased to announce that Martina White, Tarra Baker, Cheyenne Spence, and Phyllis Howe have accepted the Full-Time Indigenous Care Coordinator (ICC) positions, and Lexxi Saarinen and Savanna Boucher have accepted the Part-Time ICC positions.

We are thrilled to have Martina White continue in her ICC role supporting inpatient areas, now transitioning from temporary to permanent.

Tarra Baker joins the ICC team after nearly nine years as a Rehab Assistant in the Rehabilitation Services Department. With a Kinesiology Degree from Lakehead University, she brings strong experience in patient and family centered care and functional rehabilitation. Beginning January 12, 2026, Tarra will provide dedicated support to the Women & Children’s Department, contributing to the advancement of culturally safer care for Indigenous Peoples.

Cheyenne Spence will transition to the ICC team on January 12, 2026, after six years as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Cheyenne is a strong advocate for Indigenous health equity who has championed culturally safer care and strengthened relationships with Indigenous patients and communities. She will continue to support the Emergency Department in her new role.

Phyllis Howe, a recent graduate of the Practical Nursing program at Oshki-Pimache-O-Win Education and Training Institute, brings experience in community-level Home and Community Care through Keewaytinook Okimakanak and coordination with Jordan’s Principle. Fluent in Ojibwe and dedicated to equitable healthcare access for Indigenous Peoples, Phyllis will support the Emergency Department beginning January 12, 2026.

Lexxi Saarinen joined the team on November 3, 2025. A Registered Practical Nurse currently completing her BScN at Lakehead University, she has provided both inpatient care at TBRHSC and public health nursing in remote First Nation communities through Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority. Lexxi is a strong advocate for culturally safer, equitable care and will support the Emergency Department in her ICC role.

Savanna Boucher transitioned to part-time on November 17, 2025. A dedicated advocate for Indigenous health and culturally safer care, Savanna will support the Emergency Department, strengthening relationships with Indigenous patients and families through her compassionate supports.

As ICCs, Martina, Cheyenne, Phyllis, Tarra, Lexxi, and Savanna will report to the Manager, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, working collaboratively within the Miskwaa Biidaaban – Indigenous Collaboration department to enhance culturally safer care and improve equitable outcomes for Indigenous Peoples at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Work Locations and Contact Information

Martina and Tarra: ICC Administrative area inside Volunteer Services (Room 2007).
Phone: 807-684-7363 | Email: TBRHSC.IndigenousCareCoordinators@tbh.net

Cheyenne, Phyllis, Lexxi, and Savanna: Emergency Department Administrative area when on shift.
Phone: 807-684-6153 | Email: TBRHSC.IndigenousCareCoordinators@tbh.net

Please join me in congratulating Martina, Cheyenne, Phyllis, Tarra, Savanna, and Lexxi on their new roles.

We also share bittersweet news that Gloria Boshkaykin’s last day will be Friday, November 21st as she begins a new journey working at the First Nation community level. A heartfelt Miigwech to Gloria for her tremendous dedication and impact in advancing the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples at TBRHSC.

Updated ICC Coverage Hours:

Inpatient ICC Hours
Effective Monday, November 24, 2025:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Emergency Department ICC Hours
Effective February 2, 2026:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The ICCs priority on the weekends is providing supports to the Emergency Department and Labour & Delivery.

An updated ICC contact sheet will be available in January 2026. For the latest information, please visit the Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion section on the Intranet.

Repairs to the terrazzo stairs on the Grand Staircase will take place from November 24 to December 1. 

The following areas will be impacted:

• ACCESS FROM LEVEL 2 TO LEVEL 3: This area will be closed from Monday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m. until Friday, November 28 at 8:00 a.m.  
• ACCESS FROM LEVEL 1 TO LEVEL 2: This area will be closed from Friday, November 28 at 7:00 p.m. until Monday, December 1 at 8:00 a.m.

Patients and families can utilize the main lobby elevator (ELEV-04) or Stair-I (near A pods) during both closures.  

If you have any questions, please contact Darin Pretto, at darin.pretto@tbh.net.

Here’s a snapshot of our learner activity for November 2025. Thank you to all departments for continuing to support an exceptional learning environment.

Below are the number of learners who completed placements at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre across a variety of programs and disciplines.

• 55 Health Professions: There were a total of 55 students on site in November, representing the following programs: Child and Youth Worker, Dietetics, Echocardiography, Medical Laboratory Technologist, MRI, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, Physiotherapy, Primary Care Paramedic, Psychology, Respiratory Therapy, and Social Work.
• 266 Nursing Students: There were a total of 266 Nursing students on site in November, including students from Lakehead University, Confederation College, Oshki-Pimache-O Win: The Wenjack Education Institute, Nipissing University, and the National Institute of First Assisting.
• 79 Residents: NOSM U Postgraduate Medical Learners currently completing core or elective rotations in Thunder Bay.
• 48 Medical Students: In November 36 UGY1, UGY3, and UGY4 medical students were on site. UGY1s completed a half-day Foundation Interprofessional Team Based Care in the North (FIT) placement, while UGY3s and UGY4s participated in clinical rotations.
• 7 Physician Assistants: In September, the Physician Assistant students began their placements in Family Medicine clinics and are now on site for hospital rotations. The majority will remain here until December.
• 11 Visiting Electives: Visiting electives included 3 Medical Students and 8 Residents from other institutions, including Northeastern NOSM U learners.
• 3 Midwifery Students: Midwifery students are currently completing clinical placements, with some on site until April 2026.

*All learner data was taken from NirvSystem and the Learner Database.

Staff can now book the Wellness Room through Outlook. The booking for this room is currently set to accept/decline appointments automatically and will only allow 20-minute appointments (please ensure you book in 20-minute increments).  You will receive a bounce-back email letting them know whether the time they chose has been accepted or declined. 

How to Book:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook
Open the Outlook desktop app or Outlook Web (Office 365).

2. Create a New Meeting/Event
Select New Meeting (desktop) or New Event (web).

3. Add the Wellness Room
In the Location field—or under Required attendees—type the name Wellness Room. Select it from the directory so it is added as a Room Resource.

4. Pick Your Date and Time
Choose the day and time you want to reserve.
Outlook will automatically show whether the room is free or already booked.

5. Add a Simple Subject
Enter a brief title – your first name and last initial

6. Send the Invitation
Click Send. If the room is available, it will auto-accept and appear on your calendar.
If unavailable, you will receive a decline message

7. Confirm Your Booking
Open the event on your calendar to ensure the wellness room is listed under Location.

For more information, please contact: Rose Lazinski, Manager – Occupational Health and Safety Department at Rose.Lazinski@tbh.net.

Each year in November, we observe Transgender Awareness Month — a dedicated time to celebrate transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people, bring education and awareness to the challenges they face in their daily lives, and work toward eliminating barriers for the trans community.

Many significant observances for the trans community occur during the month of November.

Transgender Parent Day (November 2):

Transgender Parent Day is celebrated each year on the first Sunday of November to honour and recognize transgender parents and parents of transgender children. In 2025, Transgender Parent Day will be observed on Sunday, November 2.

First established in 2009, Transgender Parent Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate transgender parents who may feel excluded from traditional parent celebrations such as Mother’s and Father’s Days. Transgender Parent Day brings awareness to the experiences of transgender parents, as well as their courage and resilience.

Transgender Parent Day also highlights the importance of advocacy and inclusion. Transgender parents often face unique challenges, including discrimination within the healthcare system, and a lack of tailored support systems. Recognising these realities reminds us that inclusive practices—in healthcare and beyond—can help to ensure that all parents feel seen, supported, and respected.

To learn more about Transgender Parent Day, please go to: https://yvc-asiapacific.org/transgender-parent-day/

Intersex Day of Remembrance (November 8):

Intersex Day of Remembrance (also known as Intersex Solidarity Day) is observed annually on November 8th, in honour of the birthday of Herculine Barbin (1838–1868), a French intersex memoirist whose life story illustrates the profound harms of medical, legal, and social erasure that intersex people face.

Intersex Day of Remembrance calls upon us to honour the lives of intersex people that have been lost, and is also an opportunity to recognize the resilience of intersex people, reflect on the harms they continue to face, and reaffirm our commitment to providing compassionate, equitable care.

What is intersex?

Intersex is a term use to describe individuals whose sex is not easily characterized as male or female based on their genitals, reproductive structures, chromosomes, and hormones. There are more than 40 known intersex variations, and it is estimated that approximately 1.7% of people are intersex. Some intersex features may be present at birth, while others may not be apparent until other life stages occur, such as puberty and family planning.

It is important to recognize that being intersex is not a health issue in and of itself—intersex variations are normal, biological variations. Unfortunately, intersex people face discrimination within the healthcare system, where they continue to be subject to medical and surgical interventions which are often carried out in childhood, before they are able to provide informed consent. These interventions contribute to lifelong physical and emotional impacts for many intersex people.

Intersex Day of Remembrance encourages us to acknowledge and challenge the stigma and discrimination that underpin the mistreatment of intersex people, and to stand in solidarity with intersex people. By listening, learning, and advocating for affirming care, we help create a healthcare environment where every person is treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.

To learn more about intersex people and how to be an ally, please go to: https://interaction.org.au/resource/allies/

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20)

Each year on November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) invites communities to honour transgender, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-trans violence. Originating in 1999 as a vigil to remember Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered, TDOR has grown into an international day of reflection, mourning, and commitment to change.

Across Canada and globally, trans communities continue to face disproportionate levels of discrimination, stigma, and violence, with even higher levels reported among racialized trans and gender-diverse people (Trans PULSE Canada Team, 2019). This highlights the need to take immediate action to support trans and gender-diverse people, and to dismantle systems of oppression that perpetuate anti-trans violence. 

To learn more about Transgender Day of Remembrance, please go to: https://equity.mcmaster.ca/2024-transgender-day-of-remembrance-tdor/

You can read about the Trans Pulse Project here: https://transpulsecanada.ca/results/report-health-and-well-being-among-racialized-trans-and-non-binary-people-in-canada/ 

At TBRHSC, we are committed to fostering an environment where all patients, their families, staff, professional staff, volunteers, and learners are treated with dignity and respect, feel affirmed in their identity, and receive safe, equitable care. Tune into the Daily Informed Newsletter throughout the month of November to learn about ways to engage in allyship with the trans community.

To learn more about Transgender Awareness Month/Week, please go to TransCare BC:

https://www.transcarebc.ca/about/news-events/transgender-awareness-week

Shared on behalf of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation

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The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation is celebrating a historic day for healthcare, approving a record $22,815,488 in funding to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. This represents the largest single commitment the Foundation has ever made — made possible through the remarkable generosity of donors, event participants, and Thunder Bay 50/50 supporters.

As part of this historic total, more than $10.3 million has been approved through the Foundation’s Capital Grants program.

“It is truly a privilege to celebrate this level of investment in our Hospital,” says Jody Nesti, Chair of the Capital Grants Committee and member of the Family CARE Grants Committee. “Each year, our Committee takes great care in reviewing every request to ensure donor dollars make the greatest impact. To see more than $10.3 million approved this year is truly remarkable.”

The total represents 43 grants, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $3 million, impacting almost every area of the Hospital. Some of these commitments include:

• $1 million for the Cancer Centre to support the construction and retrofit of a new Linear Accelerator
• $3 million over the next five years to replace 195 inpatient beds with new SMART beds across the Hospital

Up to $150,000 is also being committed through the Foundation’s Family CARE Grants program, which supports staff-led projects that improve care for patients and their families. 

In addition to this year’s Capital Grants, the Foundation has made major new commitments to two priority projects at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

The Cardiovascular Surgery program (CVS), a long-awaited service that will allow patients to receive life-saving cardiac care close to home received a significant boost, with the Foundation pledging additional funds bringing the Foundation’s total support for the project to $23.3 million, marking one of the largest single commitments in its history.

“Cardiovascular Surgery has been a priority for our region for many years,” says Dr. Steve Adams, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “To contribute more than $23 million toward this project is something our Foundation is extremely proud of, and it reflects just how strongly this community believes in strengthening care close to home.”

Over the past two years, the Foundation has committed significant funding toward the Emergency Department renovation project. An additional $500,000 is now being contributed to Phase 1: Triage, bringing the Foundation’s total commitment for that phase to $4.039 million. The Foundation is also making a further $1.5 million commitment to Phase 3: Mental Health, helping further realize the vision for a renewed Emergency Department.

“When you put today’s announcement into perspective, it’s hard not to feel both proud and humbled,” says Hospital Foundation CEO Glenn Craig. “With this investment, the Foundation’s lifetime contributions to our Hospital now exceed $81 million and in the coming years, we expect to be approaching $100 million. It’s an extraordinary milestone, and a powerful reminder of what generosity, commitment, and belief in better healthcare can accomplish.”

“Donor support like this is truly a lifeline for our frontline teams and the people they serve every day,” says Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Your generosity allows us to improve our care environments and strengthen the tools and technology in the hands of those who care for our patients. We are deeply grateful for your support.”

“On behalf of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Board, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, community supporters, and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation,” says Patricia Lang, TBRHSC Board Chair. “Your generosity is making an extraordinary impact — bringing advanced treatments, new technologies, and expanded services right here to our community. Because of you, patients can receive the care they need close to home, for faster diagnoses, better outcomes, and a more compassionate experience for everyone who walks through our doors. Together, we are moving closer to our vision of exceptional care, for every patient, every time.”

For a complete list of approved grants, please see the attached PDF.

Shared on behalf of Lakehead University

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Three Lakehead University researchers have been recognized by the Government of Canada with new and renewed Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointments for their outstanding scientific contributions to our local and global communities.

Dr. Christopher Mushquash was appointed as a new Tier 1 CIHR CRC in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction. Dr. Alla Reznik, Tier 1 CRC in Radiation Medical Imaging Physics, and Dr. Lindsay Galway, Tier 2 CRC in Social-Ecological Health, received renewals.

“The work of Dr. Mushquash, Dr. Reznik, and Dr. Galway perfectly aligns with Lakehead’s research priorities, especially in areas like health and well-being; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit research; and sustainability, resources, and the environment,” explains Dr. Langis Roy, Vice-President of Research and Innovation. “These appointments affirm our standing as a research-intensive university committed to generating innovative solutions for our regions and advancing knowledge that matters for both people and planet.

Dr. Mushquash, Psychology Professor and member of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation), is Lakehead’s first Tier 1 CRC holder from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Blending traditional scholarly activities with Indigenous ways of knowing, he has influenced national policy and improved systems of care for Indigenous people during his previous two terms as a Tier 2 CRC.

Over the next seven years, Dr. Mushquash and his research team will expand their community-based research program to develop culturally- and contextually-appropriate targets of intervention, develop methods for testing outcomes, and share knowledge with Indigenous and academic communities, clinicians, policy-makers, and decision-makers.

“This appointment provides the platform to broaden our impact, not only through community-driven research, but by training the next generation of researchers to engage in respectful engagement with Indigenous communities,” he says.

Canada Research Chair Renewals

Dr. Alla Reznik, Tier 1 CRC in Radiation Medical Imaging Physics (NSERC)

Physics Professor Dr. Alla Reznik is revolutionizing the early detection and diagnosis of cancer. Dr. Reznik and her team have developed a low-dose Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner for breast imaging that has shown promising results in clinical settings.

They are currently refining their device to target other organs and provide clearer and more detailed diagnostic images compared to current technologies while minimizing patients’ exposure to radiation. “The PET scanner is designed to be versatile, capable of imaging various body parts such as the breast, brain, heart, and prostate with improved accuracy and detail,” she explains.

Dr. Reznik’s innovations in medical imaging technology are improving patient health outcomes and advancing the field of personalized medicine by tailoring scans to individual patient needs.

Dr. Reznik was renewed for a seven-year term.

Dr. Lindsay Galway, Tier 2 CRC in Social-Ecological Health (SSHRC)

Dr. Galway, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences, investigates how urgent global challenges, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation, directly impact the well-being and equity of people.

“My research falls under the umbrella of planetary health – the idea that human health and the health of ecosystems and the planet are deeply interconnected,” says Dr. Galway.

Building on the successes of her first term, Dr. Galway and her interdisciplinary team are co-constructing place-based solutions that prioritize the perspectives and experiences of marginalized groups. By promoting both environmental sustainability and social justice, Dr. Galway aims to build a more resilient and equitable future for all.

Dr. Galway was renewed for a five-year term.