It’s Stroke Awareness Month, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is proud to celebrate 10 years of Code Stroke. This milestone highlights the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to deliver timely, life-saving care for stroke patients in our region. Today, on the final day of Stroke Awareness Month, we’re honoured to spotlight Peter Hayes, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Emergency and Trauma Services and the Emergency Department. Peter’s expertise, compassion, and commitment have played an invaluable role in advancing stroke care at TBRHSC and improving outcomes for patients and families in our community..
What role do you/your team play in Code Stroke? I’m part of the implementation and education of stroke best practice and processes within the Emergency Department at TBRHSC.
What is unique about your role/team’s role? We are the front door to acute stroke care and life saving interventions.
How does your role/team impact stroke patient care? Our team responds to the emergent needs of the acute stoke patient and their family at a life threatening/life altering time to provide immediate assessment and intervention to minimize the risk of patient morality and functional disability.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession as it relates to Code Stroke/stroke care? The reward comes from seeing the Emergency team provide effective and time-sensitive, efficient care required to promote the best possible patient outcomes.
It’s Stroke Awareness Month, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 10 years of Code Stroke. As we mark this milestone, we’re highlighting the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to deliver timely, effective care for stroke patients. Meet Michelle Richardson, RN and Clinical Informatics Specialist. On this final day of Stroke Awareness Month, we recognize Michelle’s invaluable contributions and her commitment to enhancing stroke care in our community.
What role do you/your team play in Code Stroke?
I create/manage changes to PCS interventions and order sets in Order Entry to align with documentation requirements and updates to PPDOs and MDs.
What is unique about your role/team’s role?
I work behind the scenes building and updating what frontline workers use to document and order for code stroke patients.
How does your role/team impact stroke patient care?
Staff are able to document and enter orders in a concise and timely fashion.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession as it relates to Code Stroke/stroke care?
It is rewarding to know that I have made it easier for staff to enter their Code Stroke orders and documentation. Staff are very busy and being able to save them a few minutes is great. It gives them more time to care for their patients.
The 3rd Annual Operating Room (OR) vs. Diagnostic Imaging (DI/X-Ray) softball game was a smashing success on June 25th! With energy high and the friendly rivalry stronger than ever, staff from both departments at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre came together for an exciting afternoon of competition, camaraderie, and a whole lot of laughs.
This year’s game was especially anticipated, with the series tied 1-1 — the OR took the win in year one, and DI came back strong in year two. With bragging rights on the line, the OR team clinched a hard-fought victory, 25–19, in a game full of great plays and great company.
But beyond the score, it’s the friendly banter, team spirit, and hallway chatter before and after the game that truly makes this event a highlight of the year.
Both teams can’t wait for the next rematch — and with the series now 2–1 in OR’s favor, you can bet DI will be training hard for a comeback.
Managers who are responsible for departments located in an external building must update their Emergency Response Guides (see templates attached) by July 25, 2025 (ensure you recycle previous versions of the policy/Guide). Please submit a copy to TBRHSC.EmergencyPreparedness@tbh.net
Managers to ensure that the updated policy is added to their area’s emergency binder and that all workers review the policy, as well as the Emergency Response Guide and posters (attached), for applicable departments.
Policy changes:
Minor edits such as a title change to VP, Facilities, Capital Planning, Support Services & CFO, updated contact numbers, etc.
Added reference to the departmental Emergency Response Guides under Sec. 5.1.1
Added instruction for Switchboard to email their Manager and Supervisor with the date/time of any notification from APEX Security regarding alarms at 290 Munro St. under Sec. 5.1.1
Process Reminders:
Contacting 9-1-1 is the primary response action for the majority of emergencies occurring in an external building (e.g., confirmed fire, violent person, medical emergency, missing child, etc.)
Response areas in external buildings are required to maintain a sister unit partnership with a department inside the Hospital (980 Oliver Rd), in order to communicate emergency information between their respective sites and provide support to each other as needed.
Emergency colour code policies, as well as Lockdown Alert and Alert-99/Alert 99 Trauma, are specifically designed for emergencies occurring at the Hospital (980 Oliver Rd) and contain instructions specific to hospital operations, and do not apply to external buildings.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net)
Thank you,
Ryan Sears, Director, Capital & Facility Services (Executive Sponsor)
It’s Stroke Awareness Month and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 10 years of Code Stroke. We are highlighting the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to provide timely and effective care for stroke patients. Meet Carolyn Rubin, Charge Technologist of CT and the CT Technologist team.
(L to R): Adria, Katelyn, Nolan, Amy, Kevin, Debbie. Carolyn
What is your position at the hospital?
My name is Carolyn Rubin and I am the Charge Technologist of CT. I have been in this role for almost as long as the Code Stroke, and was an integral part of setting up the CT portion.
What role does your team play in Code Stroke?
The CT technologists are responsible for performing the Code Stroke CT imaging within 10 minutes of Code Stroke being called. We are regulated, trained professionals who are responsible for obtaining the CT images.
How does your team impact stroke patient care?
These images are vital in deciding the treatment for stroke patients. We perform a non-contrast brain scan to determine whether it is a hemorrhagic or embolic stroke; this contributes to treatment decision-making. We then perform a perfusion scan of the brain to assess blood flow, which helps identify areas with reduced blood supply. The last set of CT images is a carotid angiogram to look for occlusions (clots). This imaging is essential to determine whether or not the patient is a candidate for EVT. This imaging has a significant impact on deciding the stroke patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
What is the most rewarding aspect of yourprofession as it relates to Code Stroke/stroke care?
It is gratifying to know that we are an essential part of such an important team.
Are you confident in how to respond in the event of a small fire? Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher could make all the difference.
We’re offering two Fire Extinguisher Training sessions on Wednesday, July 9 for all staff. These quick, hands-on sessions will teach you the basics of fire response and how to safely operate an extinguisher.
Who should attend: All staff are welcome
When: Wednesday, July 9 at 1:00 p.m. or Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. Each session is approximately 30 minutes long.
Where: Parking Lot – The Lane between Turtle and Moose
How to Register: To sign up for one of the sessions contact Marina White via email at marina.white@tbh.net
Let’s stay prepared together. Your safety matters.
Health care is a fundamental human right, and ensuring that every community has access to safe and affirming care is essential. Many groups, including the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, continue to face significant barriers such as discrimination, stigma, and inequitable access to care, leading to poorer health outcomes. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can move towards creating a health care environment that truly respects and meets the diverse needs of all individuals. Understanding and addressing these disparities are crucial steps in building a system that fulfills everyone’s unique health care requirements.
The resources below offer a foundational understanding of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, along with practical tips on how to be an effective ally and provide culturally sensitive care.
Pronoun Usage Guide
Egale Canada
If you’ve ever wondered about why pronouns are important and how to use them respectfully, this comprehensive guide from Egale Canada covers commonly used pronouns, neopronouns, and shares allyship tips. You can find the guide here.
Components of Human Identity
Egale Canada
No matter what terms a person uses to describe their identities, we all possess the following four components of human identity: Gender Identity, Gender Expression, Attraction, and Assigned Sex. This includes people who do not identify as 2SLGBTQI. The Genderbread Person is a helpful visual tool for understanding these components. You can access the resource here.
How Do We Talk About It? Combatting Anti-2SLGBTQI Hate
A Guide For Having Difficult Conversations
Egale Canada
Anti-2SLGBTQI hate is on the rise in Canada. This guide is designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to have difficult conversations to address anti-2SLGBTQI hate, and spread awareness of the issues facing trans and gender-diverse people across Canada. You can view the guide here.
Tips on how to practice 2SLGBTQ+ allyship & Responding with Allyship
Egale Canada
Have you ever witnessed discriminatory behaviour towards member of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, but were unsure of what to do? These articles offer valuable insights on how to address discrimination, and act as an ally toward the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.Both resources can be found here.
Minus 18
If you want to learn more about how to use pronouns and do so in a fun way, check out this interactive website.
Courses
2SLGBTQ Foundations
Rainbow Health Ontario
This self-directed virtual course consists of seven modules, designed to build your foundational knowledge for providing care to 2SLGBTQ+ people. Open to all, it’s a prerequisite for other RHO courses. available virtually in both English and French. This course, and others are available here.
Removing the Barriers—Making Your Organization 2SLGBTQ Friendly
Rainbow Health Ontario
This course is designed to help you learn to create inclusive, affirming services for 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Examine existing policies, materials, and culture using an intersectional and anti-oppressive framework. This course, and others are available here.
Intro to Gender-Diversity – Expanded
Trans Care BC
An introductory, non-clinical course is designed for anyone working or volunteering within health care and social services. It explores key concepts related to gender diversity, and provides simple strategies for creating affirming services for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse individuals. This non-clinical course. For more information or to register, click here.
Videos
United with Pride: 2SLGBTQIA+ Intersectionality in Healthcare
Women’s College Hospital
In 2024, Women’s College Hospital hosted its first ever Pride panel, featuring esteemed panel members from the Office of Indigenous Health in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at U of T, Pride Toronto, and Family Practice Health Centre. This virtual panel explored the challenges and triumphs intersectional members of the Queer community experience within our localized health system. To view the panel, please use the link below:
The Indigenous Doctor Helping Trans Youth
Context
Alberta, Canada. Doctor James Makokis identifies as “two-spirit” – a term used by and for indigenous LGBT+ people in North America who identify with both masculinity and femininity, and which harks back to pre-colonial third gender roles. On the First Nations reservation of Kehewin Cree Nation, Dr Makokis spends much of his working life supporting other “two-spirit” people, particularly transgender teenagers, many of whom face persecution within their own communities.
One patient Alec, has been seeing the Doctor for a month now and is in the early stages of transitioning from female to male. In addition to hormone therapy the treatment sees Dr Makokis utilise traditional indigenous teachings, drawing Alec away from depressive feelings and towards self-acceptance. This sense of inclusivity and belonging is encapsulated by a two-spirit sweat and talking circle hosted by Dr Makokis. Two-Spirit attendees share their stories in the warmth of a teepee and a new community is formed.
Rainbow Health Ontario’s 2SLGBTQ Health in Focus podcast is a podcast features interviews with experts in the field, to share knowledge about health and health care systems and 2SLGBTQ folks. A list of their episodes can be found below, and all episodes can be accessed here.
Episode 1: The Current State of 2SLGBTQ+ Medical Education
Episode 2: Rural Health for 2SLGBTQ+ Patients and Providers
Episodes 3 & 4: Countering Anti-Trans Hate for Healthcare Providers
Episode 5: Cancer Screening for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities
Episode 6: Intimate Partner Violence in 2SLGBTQ+ Relationships
In Dialogue
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Episode 16 of the podcast, Transforming Health: Inclusive, Personalized Care, Features Dr. Jordan Goodridge, a family physician specializing in 2SLGBTQIA+ health and HIV care. Dr. Goodridge speaks about creating inclusive spaces; continuous learning to better support all patients; and individualizing care for better health outcomes.
Instagram
Delia Sosa is an intersex, transgender, nonbinary, and gendfluid medical student, activist, and educator. Their work focuses on creating inclusive, accessible, intersectional spaces for trans and intersex people. You can view their content on Instagram @enbydelia
Many children and youth need loving, supportive foster parents and families to provide a safe place when they can’t live at home. Dilico foster parents come from all ages, backgrounds, and a variety of life stages. They are caring, loving, team-orientated individuals who lead healthy lifestyles and are committed to making a positive difference for a child.
It takes a community to raise a child.
Learn more about how to become a foster parent on July 7 when staff from Dilico Anishinabek Family Care will be on site to provide a presentation and answer your questions.
When: July 7, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: In-person in ICP Main Room 2171 OR via WebEx
If attending in person, please RSVP by Thursday, July 3 to Michelle Towell at michelle.towell@tbh.net or extension 6527.
Thank you to those who have completed the HSO Global Workforce Survey and congratulations to this week’s prize winners:
Kristine, Health Records – $50 Gift Card to Gear Up for Outdoors Miao, Payroll – $50 Gift Card to Waterfront District Jody, Stroke Program – $50 Gift Card to Cheese Encounter
Don’t miss your chance to win one of our weekly prizes, including 6 months free parking
Once you have completed the survey, use the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSO to enter into the prize draws (your name will stay in for the remaining draws).
A reminder that the survey closes July 18, 2025, or until a minimum response rate of 50% is achieved.
Read about the incredible collaborations and opportunities to build the future of research in our Health Research Institute, Hospital, and region in the 2024-2025 TBRHRI Annual Report.
