Shared on behalf of Andrea Raynak, Director, Nursing Practice and Learning

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I am pleased to announce that Rachael Schaffer has accepted the position of Manager, Practice and Learning.

Rachael earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakehead University in 2013 and brings a diverse range of clinical and leadership experience to the role. Her career began with the Nursing Resource Team and the Emergency Department, alongside serving as a Clinical Instructor at Lakehead University. She later transitioned to public health, where she served as a Professional Practice Lead, overseeing practice standards and quality assurance across various regulated health professionals. In this role, Rachael played a pivotal role in enhancing the practice of regulated health professionals and spearheading multiple continuous quality improvement initiatives. Most recently, Rachael has been the Manager of 2C Cardiology, Stroke, and Outpatient Vascular Services, where she has demonstrated collaborative leadership and strong advocacy for both her team and patients.

Rachael holds a Master of Public Health with a specialization in Gerontology and has completed Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training in continuous quality improvement. She is also currently pursuing a second master’s degree, the Master of Science in Healthcare Quality at Queen’s University.

We are confident that Rachael’s academic background and professional experience will significantly contribute to advancing health professions practice and learning across our organization.

Please join me in warmly welcoming Rachael to our team.

It is National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Larissa Warywoda, a Registered Nurse at our Hospital.

Larissa has been a nurse for over six years and has dedicated her career thus far to supporting both patients and fellow nurses in the field of mental health. Currently serving in an interim role as Nurse Champion for the Forensic Mental Health Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, she provides mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities to both new and experienced nurses.

As a new committee member on the Hospital’s Nursing Practice Council, Larissa brings a vital perspective to the committee, advocating for initiatives that enhance patient care and support frontline staff. A committed lifelong learner, she is an active member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), a Best Practice Champion, and a member of the Hospital’s Mental Health Awareness Committee. She is also pursuing her CNA certification in mental health, reinforcing her dedication to excellence in psychiatric nursing.

Beyond her professional role, Larissa is deeply involved in her community where she serves as President of the League of Ukrainian Canadians – Thunder Bay Branch. She is passionate about cultural preservation and fostering community engagement.

Larissa values the ever-evolving nature of nursing and the continuous opportunities for growth it provides. Whether in the hospital or the community, she remains committed to making a meaningful impact.

Last week marked Mental Health Awareness Week, with the Mental Health Awareness Committee hosting daily events to celebrate.

The week started with opening ceremonies that included Drumming and Smudging ceremony to start the week off in a good way. The engaging “Lunch, Learn, and Laugh” session offered insights and plenty of laughter. Dynamic discussions with the Brief Intervention Treatment Team provided invaluable perspectives on mental health. The Performing Arts Show showcased fantastic talent and collected donations for the Hospital’s clothing cupboard. There were 12 performers and 150 people in attendance. The week concluded with a Rest and Relaxation Hour that included coffee and therapy dogs to help everyone unwind.

Thank you to all those who participated!

As a reminder, there is currently a call out to join the Substance Use and Addictions Education Working Group. You can submit your inquiries/interest to: tbrhsc.substanceuseandaddictions@tbh.net by Tuesday, May 20, 2025. More information here.

As National Nursing Week continues at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we asked some of our nurses to help celebrate by sharing a shout-out to their exceptional colleagues. Hear what they had to say!

Excerpts from nomination letters below

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Ben consistently goes above and beyond in welcoming, mentoring, and guiding students through what can often be a challenging time in their educational journey. He creates a learning environment that is not only supportive but also inspiring, encouraging students to ask questions, reflect critically, and grow in confidence

His ability to balance clinical excellence with patient-centered care while also taking the time to teach and support students is truly admirable. Ben ensures every student feels valued, included, and empowered to learn and contribute to the team.

Feedback from students frequently highlights his approachable nature, patience, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Students have expressed how their time with Ben has helped solidify their decision to pursue nursing and inspired them to model the same compassionate and professional behaviour.

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Ben is a true star when it comes to teaching and educating new staff and students. He is patient, confident, and kind with learners, creating an environment that allows them to grow and flourish in their education and nursing journeys. He is approachable, and with clear communication skills able to demonstrate effective abilities at letting learners know how to get better at their skills and nursing abilities. Ben fosters a sense of greatness in all the students and new hires he works with, regardless of ability when they come to him. We on 2A are grateful to have him as part of our preceptorship team, and I know learners are grateful for experiences with him as well. He does a tremendous job teaching all while creating an environment that is conducive to growth, confidence, and stronger nursing assessment skills.

Excerpt below from nomination letter

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Jassy Moores has been a contributing member to the Maternal Newborn team since 2014. She is a reliable resource with lots of experience, often mentoring and guiding colleagues and students alike. She advocates for and continually strives to exceed the standards of nursing.

Jassy recently completed her 2nd year in the Honours Bachelor of Science Nursing Program. Despite these educational demands, she has continued to demonstrate her commitment to her peers and patients by taking on additional projects on our unit to improve practice and unit workflows. This promotion of consistency and safety in patient care is something that Jassy continually role models. She is an excellent nurse with a keen eye for detail and safety. Her high energy and upbeat attitude definitely create a positive atmosphere, both in and outside of the workplace. She advocates, supports and communicates like a true leader and deserves this support towards furthering her education.

It is National Nursing Week and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is highlighting a few of our nurses and their achievements. Meet Sheilah Madelozo, a Registered Nurse at our Hospital.

Sheilah Madelozo’s journey to becoming a nurse began at a young age. Even in grade school, she knew nursing was the career she wanted to pursue. Sheilah credits the inspiration for the career from both her passion and her family. “My family took care of each other with deep compassion and without their support, I would not be where I am as a nurse.”

Sheilah began her nursing career in the Philippines in 2007, with her first job in the Emergency Room. Working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment helped her develop valuable skills and gain the hands-on experience she needed to grow.

As she advanced professionally, new opportunities led her to Thunder Bay, where Sheilah now works on the Surgical Unit. “I truly enjoy my job,” says Sheilah. “The patients make it so rewarding, and no two days are ever the same. The variety, challenges, and ability to make a difference keep me motivated and passionate about what I do.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the path I’ve taken, from my early days in the Philippines to where I am now, and I remain committed to providing care with compassion and dedication.”

Infection Prevention and Control is excited to announce that Terry Fode is the winner of our Hand Hygiene week draw for a $25 gift card. Congratulations! And thank you to all staff who entered.

Thank you for your ongoing patience as the terrazzo flooring repair work progresses through the main lobby. The next phase of terrazzo repair work will be completed on the south side of the Main Lobby, from Admitting to the Pre-Admission Clinic. 

Work will begin the evening of Tuesday, May 20 and continue through to Saturday May 24. Per previous, work will be occurring overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., and fencing will be placed around the work area for the duration of the timeframe to protect the area and equipment, and to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors.  Fencing will be removed and immediately moved to the next area on Sunday, May 25.  

Please see the map attached below.

IMPACTS

Patient Billing & the Cashier’s Office:

• Door at the Main Lobby will be inaccessible.  Services will be relocated to ONE of the Admitting interview rooms.  Signage will be posted.
• Staff access to the department internally will not be impacted

Pre-Admission Clinic (PAC), ECG & Outpatient Lab:

• Patients can continue to check-in at the reception desk per usual but ALL patients will check in at the desk on the Robin’s facing side. 
• Patients can wait to be called in the seating in the main lobby
• Staff will call patients from the Fracture Clinic side and bring patients in via the Fracture Clinic to the PAC, ECG and OP Lab room
• Both Parking Pay Stations will be relocated adjacent to the Cancer Centre reception doors 
• Public TTY phone will also be relocated adjacent to the Cancer Centre reception doors 
• ATM will be removed for the duration (an alternate ATM is located at the bottom of the Grand Staircase at the Cafeteria)

There are NO impacts to:

• Staff access door to Admitting and Patient Billing & Cashier’s Office will remain fully accessible 
• All three Admitting interview rooms will remain accessible (with one being used by the Cashier’s Office, per above)
• Information Desk and Security desks will remain open and fully accessible  
• Fracture Clinic access is not impacted

If you have any questions, please contact myself or Darin Pretto in Maintenance at x.6205 or darin.pretto@tbh.net.

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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Due to the Measles epidemic in Southern Ontario, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center has initiated a screening process, to be completed at all points of registration.

As Measles has now become more widespread throughout Ontario, when conducting measles screening, areas in Southwestern Ontario (where outbreaks and increased cases have been identified), the whole area should be considered high-risk. 

Thunder Bay is not considered high-risk at this time, as per discussion with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. However, exposures may have occurred in relation to the Measles case that was identified last week. 
Please have screening areas consider the above when utilizing the Measles screening tool.

Please share this information with the appropriate staff. The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence. 

For more information, contact: Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.