Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by releasing its second annual report detailing the Hospital’s ongoing responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action.

“We are excited to announce the release of our year two report, reaffirming our commitment to the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This report highlights our progress in integrating cultural safety and inclusivity into our health care practices,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Patients are at the center of everything we do. Our ongoing initiatives demonstrate our commitment to enhancing health outcomes for Indigenous communities and delivering compassionate care to all. We look forward to continuing this vital work. Together, we can build a healthier future grounded in understanding and respect.”

This year’s report underscores TBRHSC’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action #24, which emphasizes the importance of providing cultural training for professional staff. This year the report showcases initiatives implemented by various departments at TBRHSC that align with 94 Calls to Action 10, 19, 23, 24, and 83. Additionally, it highlights the work accomplished through partnerships and provides a timeline of Indigenous health initiatives to date. 

“I am inspired and humbled by the collaborative work that has strengthened our shared commitment to these Calls to Action. Together, we have deepened our cultural safety training, expanded spiritual and healing practices, and supported the voices of Indigenous-led initiatives,” said Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Vice President, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion at TBRHSC. “This year’s report places a significant focus on Call to Action #24, including our goal to ensure that professional staff have the opportunity to complete cultural training. We also highlight several other cultural training initiatives, which reinforce our dedication to fostering a culturally safe and responsive community for all.”

To honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, TBRHSC’s Miskwaa Biidaaban department (Indigenous Collaboration) organized a series of events throughout September. These initiatives included the display of community panels from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, an engaging beading opportunity for staff, and an educational session featuring Elder and Residential School Survivor Peter Sackaney. As part of the report’s launch and in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the events served not only to recognize Survivors but also to remember those who never made it home.

“We support reconciliation and we are continually working towards creating an environment of inclusion, equity, and compassion at our Hospital. To demonstrate our progress, we are pleased to share our second annual report, which highlights progress to date on the Calls to Action,” said Patricia Lang, Chair, TBRHSC Board of Directors. “Reconciliation begins with acknowledging the truth, and we are dedicated to creating an environment that provides care for each patient and family in a way that resonates with them.”

Read the report below:

Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

This morning, as I walked up the stairs and looked across main street I saw so many staff in orange shirts. It struck me how powerful it is when so many of us pause together, to reflect on reconciliation. Today, as we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we release our second annual report on the Calls to Action. The report highlights important steps forward, but the real progress comes from moments like today, when we pause, share and honour Indigenous knowledge in our daily care.

Over the past year, reconciliation has come to life in many ways across our Hospital. Staff have worked with local Indigenous partners to create spaces for traditional healing. Professional staff have joined cultural safety training and applied it to patient care. Volunteers have supported community events that strengthen relationships outside our walls. These efforts remind us that reconciliation is not a single event. It is ongoing work that takes all of us, every day, to ensure patients and families feel respected and understood. I hope you have time to read the latest progress report available here.

Earlier this month, I attended the Employee Giving Luncheon, and it was uplifting to see so many staff come together in support of our Hospital. The stories shared that day stayed with me. One staff member described how giving was their way of saying thank you for the care their child received years ago. Another said it was their chance to be part of something bigger than themselves. These personal reflections show that generosity at our Hospital goes well beyond financial support. It builds a culture where kindness, compassion and shared purpose define who we are.

Many of you have also noticed the cranes and construction fences as the Cardiovascular Surgery Program continues to reshape our grounds. While construction can be disruptive, it is a visible sign of change that will bring lasting benefits to our region. We are not only building new space, we are recruiting world-class clinicians, physicians and specialists who are drawn to the vision of delivering advanced cardiovascular care right here in Northwestern Ontario. You can read more about some of the professional staff that are joining our Hospital here. The combination of new facilities and new talent is creating momentum that will transform care for patients who, until now, have often had to travel far from home for needed care.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to reflect on the impact of this disease on so many lives. Here at our Hospital, the commitment to breast cancer care runs deep. Clinical teams support patients through difficult treatments, researchers explore new approaches, and volunteers provide comfort and encouragement along the way. Awareness matters, but what sets this Hospital apart is action, the daily work you do to ensure that patients and families feel supported at every stage of their journey. Thank you for all that you do. Whether you are at the bedside, in a lab, supporting patients behind the scenes, or volunteering your time, your dedication makes a difference. I welcome your thoughts on this blog or anything else on your mind. Please reach out to me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I value the opportunity to hear directly from you

The Clinician Teacher Certificate (CTC) Program is a two-year program you can complete at your own pace. The CTC provides targeted training opportunities for preceptors to expand their clinical teaching skills and explore new teaching strategies. Please see attachment below for more information or reach out to CEPD@nosm.ca.

Your saved browser passwords are going away!

Well, not exactly—but close. Soon, Hospital browsers will no longer store usernames and passwords.

Why?

Passwords saved in browsers are easy to steal. To strengthen cybersecurity, this feature is being disabled.

What do I do?

1. Back up your passwords. In Help Desk Self Service, search “export passwords” for step-by-step guides.
2. Use Imprivata Single Sign-On (SSO). SSO will securely manage your corporate passwords, works on all standard devices, and keeps your access when computers are replaced.

When is this happening?

• Starting today, browsers will stop prompting to save new passwords.  
• Removal of existing passwords will be set for October 6
• Imprivata SSO implementation will start October 6 through December, stay tuned for information from the Help Desk for your department dates and times.

Important

SSO does not auto-fill every site by default—it must be configured. Please tell the Help Desk which sites you need supported during your SSO implementation.

Please note: SSO applies only to corporate systems such as Smartsheet, Helpdesk Self-Service, Virtuo ESS, UKG, Outlook Web Mail, etc.

The French Language Training Reimbursement Program is funded by the Ministry of Health and coordinated by L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay. The program is available to health care professionals in Ontario who:

• Want to improve their French language skills;
• Are proficient in French at a level above beginner; and
• Have direct contact with patients, clients, families or the public in a health care environment.

Eligible employees may receive a reimbursement of their tuitions fees, up to a maximum of $300.00.

For more information regarding eligibility and requirements for reimbursement, please refer to the below documents which can be accessed via the Human Resources iNtranet page under Employee Resources:

• French Language Training Program Information – provides basic information about the program and the approved providers;
• Fact Sheet – provides information about eligibility and requirements for reimbursement;
• Conditional Eligibility Form – must be completed and submitted by interested employees prior to registering for classes.

Any questions concerning the above can be addressed to Chantal Després, Resource Person for the French Language Training Program: Telephone: 1-807-697-0881 / 1-888-382-6452 e-mail: cdespres@accueilfrancophone.com.

September 29 is World Heart Day. Created by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day informs people around the globe that cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the world’s leading cause of death claiming 18.6 million lives each year, and highlights the actions that individuals can take to prevent and control CVD. It aims to drive action to educate people that by controlling risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided.

In honour of World Heart Day, the 2C Cardiology and Stroke team (📷) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is wearing red, to remind people of the importance of taking charge of their heart health.

To learn more, visit https://world-heart-federation.org/.

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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An outbreak of COVID-19 has been declared at TBRHSC, Inpatient Unit AMH, as of September 27, 2025. All restrictions are in place.

Outbreak #2522-2025-00078.

Please share this information with all appropriate staff. Thank you. 

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

Cruising for a Cure – Jeep Raffle officially launches September 26, 2025! This one-of-a-kind 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition in Tuscadero Pearl (pink), valued at over $160,000 was generously donated by Lakehead Motors in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Every ticket sold supports the Northern Cancer Fund, with 100% of proceeds staying right here in Northwestern Ontario. Tickets start at $25—grab yours at www.cruisingforacure.ca.

Shared on behalf of Blake Rathje – Manager, Strategic Sourcing & Distribution

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On September 25, 2025, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) launched a national strike following the announcement from the government on Canada Post’s transformation plan. Effective immediately, the Mail Room will cease mail delivery to Canada Post. Mail can still be delivered using the following options:

• Time sensitive items requiring same day delivery or outside of Thunder Bay, will be sent via Purolator (note – Purolator will not deliver to PO boxes);
• Items within Thunder Bay, requiring delivery within a 2-3 day window will be sent via local Courier.

If mail was picked up from your department today, Friday September 26, 2025, it will be held in the Mail Room until Canada Post resumes service. If you had urgent mail in this pick up, please come to the Mail Room to retrieve it or to discuss the alternate solutions as mentioned above. 

Canada Post will not process or deliver mail and parcels for the duration of the national strike, and some post offices will be closed. Service guarantees are suspended for items already in the postal network. Canada Post has notified customers that their scheduled pickups have been cancelled. No new items will be accepted until the national disruption is over. 

All mail and parcels in the postal network will be secured and delivered as quickly as possible once operations resume. However, a national strike of any length will impact service to Canadians well after the strike activity ends. Processing and delivery may take some time to fully return to normal. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact myself or Jennifer Svane at Jennifer.svane@tbh.net ext. 6202.