Hannah was a Phlebotomist who started at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in 2021, her compassion, kindness and resilience touched everyone she met.

She made such an impact on her co-workers sharing all of her adventures and positive attitude , she was someone who truly listened, who made people feel seen and valued. In the face of her own battle she didn’t withdraw, she rose. She found purpose beyond her pain, pouring her strength into raising her awareness for appendix cancer selling her Tough Lady #DELEY Strong candles and donating proceeds to the Northern Cancer Fund.

She was strong but had a rare glow of someone who made the world, gentler, warmer and better. Though her time with us was far too short, her impact will echo in the lives she touched the love she gave and the legacy and compassion she leaves behind.

A Celebration Of Life will be held Tuesday, June 10, from12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Goods and Co. 251 Red River Rd. Our thoughts go out to her family for their loss. As a sign of respect and mourning, TBRHSC flags will be put to half mast on Tuesday June 10.

Obituary via Everest of Thunder Bay

Hannah Jeannene Deley
June 23, 1999 – May 21, 2025

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hannah Jeannene Deley, who left this world far too soon at the age of 25, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Hannah was born, completing our family and joining her big brother Ben. Hannah was determined and ready for adventure from day one. She was “our little miracle”.

Hannah attended Vance Chapman School.  Her zest for life and joy of friendship evident from the start. As Hannah started high school at Superior CVI, she played basketball and started Competitive Cheerleading.  She enjoyed cheerleading, excelling at the sport, and was able to attend a National tournament with the Dynamite Cheer Allstars in Sherbrooke Quebec. Hannah was a hard worker.  She started working at the Italian Hall first.  She also worked at Shell full serve gas station, taking pride when she connected with one of the customers, usually the seniors.  Hannah had a big heart and a large capacity for empathy.

Hannah attended Confederation College in the phlebotomist program. A great match to Hannah’s caring nature. Upon graduation, she worked at Life Labs for a short time, until she was hired by Thunder Bay Regional Hospital where she worked until her leave due to illness.  

Hannah lived her life with unmatched vibrancy, courage, and compassion. She was tenacious. A free spirit with an adventurous soul, Hannah found joy in every corner of life — from hiking winding trails and traveling to new places, to dancing freely at concerts and festivals. Her love for adventure was only matched by the love she had for those around her, including her loyal dog, Ozzy, who never left her side.

Hannah was a beacon of strength. From the moment of her cancer diagnosis, she faced her battle with the heart of a warrior — always with grace, courage, and unwavering hope. Her fierce determination inspired everyone who knew her.  Demonstrated by her candle fundraiser bringing awareness to Appendiceal cancer. Her generosity and kindness left a lasting mark on every life she touched.

She shared a rare and beautiful love with her soulmate, Jordan Owca, who remained her rock and her light through every chapter of her journey. Hannah was also the deeply loved daughter of Peter Deley and Lisa Johnson Deley, and a cherished sister to Ben Deley and Michelle Tallon Deley. 

Hannah is survived by her devoted families, countless aunts, uncles and cousins, her large and loving circle of friends, and all those whose lives were made better simply by knowing her. She is pre-deceased by many generations of loved ones, friends and family, of note Hannah’s stepfather Frank Vidotto, Jean “Nanny” Johnson, Grandma Irene Daggett, and Aunt Cindy Wright. Hannah’s compassion, laughter, and fearless zest for life will never be forgotten.

Many thanks to all the medical teams and caregivers in Thunder Bay and Toronto who supported Hannah, Jordan and the family throughout each stage of her illness, including the doctors and staff at Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care and St Joseph’s hospice. Your thoughtful care and compassion will not be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 10 at Goods and Co. Market, with family and friends gathering at 12:30 p.m. and Tributes beginning at 1:00 p.m. Parking is available in the parkade across from the Market. 

Though her time with us was far too brief, Hannah’s legacy of love, strength, and joy will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her.  

In keeping with the spirit of paying it forward, something Hannah believed in strongly, please consider donations to Thunder Bay Humane Society or the Salvation Army in lieu of flowers. Consider volunteering for the Cancer Society. With much appreciation. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.

Curious how our workplace is doing? Check out the leaderboard to see our progress! If you haven’t signed up yet, there’s still time to join—start logging your active commutes and help boost our total kilometers.

There are some great prizes up for grabs this year! The more often you replace your car with a sustainable commute, the better your chances of winning. Each week, five lucky participants will win a $50 e-gift card.

Visit the FAQ page for prize details and start logging your commutes today!

Did you know that nearly half of Thunder Bay residents live within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from work? And almost 50% of rush hour trips are under 5 km—yet many people still drive gas-powered cars for these short distances.

This week, why not replace one of those short trips with a sustainable commute? Whether it’s walking, biking, or taking transit, it’s an easy way to reduce emissions and support a healthier community.

Let’s make every commute count!

TBayOntheMove.ca

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As construction on the Cardiovascular Surgery Program advances, the final staging and setup of the construction area will begin Thursday, June 12. Changes to Hospital access are highlighted below and will be in place for the duration of the construction period.

Major Impacts

Road Closure

A portion of Ron Saddington Way (main roadway through the front of the Hospital) and the roadway to the Medical Centre front entrance (current temporary pick-up and drop-off location) will be closed. There will be no thoroughfare along the front (west side) of the Hospital until further notice.

Pick Up and Drop Off Area

The new pick-up and drop-off area will be located in the Fish (A3) parking lot (see map).

Hospital Access

All patients, visitors, and staff can still enter the Hospital via the West Entrance.

Please refer to the map showing Hospital access and the areas closed for construction.

For the safety of all patients, visitors, and staff, please respect and follow all construction fencing, barricades, safety notices, and wayfinding signage. Construction areas will be clearly marked, and access will be strictly limited to authorized personnel only. We kindly ask that everyone use designated walkways and remain vigilant when navigating near the construction site.

Learn more about this transformative project and get the answers to some frequently asked questions about the construction and parking at TBRHSC.

We understand that these temporary changes may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to expand and enhance cardiovascular care services in our region.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to advancing patient care at TBRHSC.

Shared on behalf of Occupational Health and Safety

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Why should I report Disrespectful Behaviour?

Disrespectful behaviour often precedes bullying or harassment in the workplace.

Addressing incidents of disrespectful behaviour as soon as possible is an important preventative measure to reduce the risk of escalating behaviours.

What is the difference between Disrespectful Behaviour and Harassment?

Disrespectful Behaviour and Workplace Harassment are related concepts, but they differ in scope and severity.

Disrespectful Behaviour: Includes actions, words, or attitudes that show a lack of respect toward others (e.g., rudeness, dismissiveness, discourteousness, condescending tone, etc.).

Workplace Harassment: Involves ongoing behavior or comments that are clearly unwelcome and may relate to any protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code. This behavior is persistent, makes the workplace feel intimidating, and may include inappropriate actions or remarks aimed at a specific person or group.

How do I submit an Electronic Employee Incident Report?

Employees can access the reporting system by clicking on the Safety Reporting icon located on their desktop, or through the Quick Links section on the iNtranet home page and selecting the Employee Incident option.

Reporting Confidential Issues:

To report a confidential matter involving a co-worker or manager, select the Manager of Employee Relations as your Manager for report distribution purposes. Refer to policy HR-hr-07 (title of policy) for alternative reporting options.

Whistleblower Policy

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center has a Whistleblower Policy that provides protection to individuals acting in good faith if submitting concerns regarding questionable activity or compliance by employees and other stakeholders.

The policy applies to Employees, Members and Officers of the Boards of Directors, Professional Staff, Contractors, Learners and Volunteers.

Reportable activities include concerns of, but are not limited to:

• Non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; Suspected theft or fraud;
• Fraudulent reporting; Unethical behavior or practices; Questionable accounting, controls and auditing matters; Developing deals and/or accepting gifts for one’s own personal benefit/gain;
• Knowingly directing or counseling a person to commit an incident of wrongdoing;
• Failure to comply with the Hospital’s internal controls or policies;
• Circumventing the Hospital’s internal controls or policies;
• A retaliatory act against any party who, in good faith, reports a suspected violation or concern;  Any actions designed to have the effect of concealing any of the above.

For more information on the Whistleblower Policy, please visit this link:

https://informed.tbrhsc.net/getattachment/Policies/General-Manual/Administration/ Administration-Policies/Whistleblower-Policy-(ADMIN-19)/ADMIN-19-Whistleblower- Policy-Aug-2023.pdf

As we close the third year of our Strategic Plan 2026, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect upon one our five strategic priorities – Patient Experience. To ensure that patients and families across Northwestern Ontario receive the highest quality health care, we are reaffirming our commitment to our philosophy of patients at the centre of everything we do. Vital to this is understanding the patients’ health care experience. We have embraced opportunities to capture patient experience information as an integral part of enhancing the overall care experience for patients and families. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) was the first in Ontario to introduce a text message-based patient experience survey – a more modern, accessible approach to capturing the patient experience. Another initiative supporting the patient experience is a hospital-wide commitment to reducing stigma in health care. Our anti-stigma campaign involves raising awareness of what stigma is, how it is a barrier to care and providing opportunity for staff to actively participate in anti-stigma efforts. By implementing these initiatives, we aim to create a positive experience for patients, families, and staff, and cultivate an environment where there is empathy, compassion and respect in every patient and family encounter.

In other work enhancing the patient experience, frontline staff at TBRHSC continue to show their commitment to patients and families by submitting ideas and funding applications to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grant program. This program allows staff to apply for the grants to buy some of the “little things” that are not funded through regular channels. Their innovative ideas for small changes make a big impact on patient care. Last month, 74 grants totalling $139,265 were announced for patient care upgrades at TBRHSC for 2024-2025. Thank you to the staff who submitted applications for their creativity and commitment to making the care experience at TBRHSC better for patients and families.

Last month, we celebrated Indigenous Nurses Day (May 12) and National Nursing Week (May 12 to 18) by recognizing the hard work and dedication of our nurses. Nurses make up the largest group of employees at TBRHSC and these recognition events provide an opportunity to celebrate their clinical excellence, compassion and professionalism. Part of the recognition events included awards and bursaries specifically for nurses at TBRHSC. The dedicated nurses at TBRHSC work tirelessly, and I want to express my sincerest gratitude to all nurses for their incredible contributions in providing exceptional care to patients here in Northwestern Ontario.

To improve patient care for the region, TBRHSC has been working with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at University Health Network (UHN) to co-develop a cardiovascular surgery (CVS) program at our Hospital. We are in an exciting stage of the project, where 76,000 square feet of space will be renovated and expanded to accommodate a new comprehensive CVS program that will allow TBRHSC to complete vital cardiac procedures, reduce wait times for urgent and elective procedures and ensure timely access to essential services in the region. Construction activities have begun on the northwest side of the main Hospital building, and it is exciting to see the progress being made. Keep an eye on our social media pages for construction updates.

Before the Board breaks for summer, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Board members for another year of service. Your leadership, dedication, and passion are paramount to improving health care for the patients and families of Northwestern Ontario.

In closing, I wish you a safe, and healthy summer.

Patricia Lang
Chair, Board of Directors,
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Happy Pride Month! Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is proud to fly the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag and celebrate the diversity and resilience of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community throughout the month of June. We recognize the ongoing inequities faced by gender and sexually diverse individuals, particularly within the health care system. TBRHSC’s Pride Working Group, representing the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Steering Committee, will host events throughout the month to encourage everyone to celebrate Pride and foster a more inclusive future for 2SLGBTQQIA+ patients, families, staff, and community members.

TBRHSC is committed to integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into our patient care, as emphasized in our Strategic Plan 2026. Please join us in celebrating diversity and togetherness this Pride Month!

What does the 2SLGBTQQIA+ acronym stand for?

Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, as well as other A identities, such as Aromantic, and Agender. The plus sign represents all other gender and sexually-diverse individuals who may describe their identity using other terminology. Below are definitions for each identity represented in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ acronym.

2S	Two-Spirit	A culturally specific identity describing Indigenous individuals whose gender, spiritual, or sexual identity includes both male and female spirits. The term honors gender and sexual diversity and emphasizes the ability of Two-Spirits to navigate both worlds and hold male and female responsibilities in their communities. While the concept of Two-Spirit individuals has existed among Indigenous Peoples for generations, the term niizh manidoowag, meaning “two spirits,” was first proposed in 1990 by Elder Myra Laramee.
L	Lesbian	Refers to women or non-binary individuals who are attracted to people of the same or similar genders
G	Gay	A person who is sexually and/or romantically attracted to people of the same sex or gender identity
B	Bisexual	A person who experiences attraction to individuals who share their gender identity, as well as individuals whose gender is different from their own
T	Transgender (Trans)	The term Transgender refers to individuals who cross or transcend the culturally defined boundaries of gender. Individuals who identify as Trans often feel that their gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. This occurs to differing degrees for each Trans person
Q	Queer	An umbrella term used to describe one’s identity in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, including more complex experiences of gender identity and expression, sexuality, and attraction
Q	Questioning	The process of learning about one’s gender identity and sexual orientation. This process may occur over a single period, episodically, or throughout one’s lifetime
I	Intersex	Individuals for whom chromosomes, hormones, or anatomical sex characteristics fall outside of the conventional classifications of male or female
A	Asexual, Aromantic, Agender	Asexual: A person who experiences no sexual attraction and/or interest in sexual activity. Asexual can also be used as an umbrella term to describe those with varying degrees of sexual attraction and desire, including demisexual and graysexual Aromantic: A person who experiences little to no romantic attraction to others Agender: A person whose gender identity is experienced as being neutral, or having no gender
+	Other sexual and gender identities	Inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies

To learn more about the history of Two Spirit folks, please go to: https://www.theindigenousfoundation.org/articles/the-history-of-two-spirit-folks

To learn more about 2SLGBTQQIA+ identities, please go to Egale Canada at: https://egale.ca/awareness/terms-and-definitions/

History of Pride in Canada

On May 14, 1969, Canada decriminalized homosexuality, following the introduction of Bill C-150 by then Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. The bill received royal assent the day before the Stonewall Uprising began in New York City, on June 27, 1969.

The Stonewall Uprising was a significant turning point for 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights in the US, but Canada has its own unique Pride history. The first gay liberation march, known as the “We Demand” March, was held on Parliament Hill on August 28, 1971, the second anniversary of the enactment of Bill C-150. This was followed in 1973 by Canada’s first Pride events, which were held in several Canadian cities.

Over the proceeding decades, Canada continued to make strides toward 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights. From amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms the Canadian to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, to becoming the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Despite this progress, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals continue to face inequities and discrimination that impacts their health and wellbeing, which is why it remains critical to continue to advocate for change.

To learn more about the history of Pride in Canada, click here to see a timeline, or go to: http://www.queerevents.ca/queer-history/canadian-history-timeline

What do the colours of the Pride flag represent?

The Pride flag is one of the most recognized symbols of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. First created by Gilbert Baker in 1978, the original Pride flag featured eight colours: hot pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, blue, and purple.

Since its inception, the Pride flag has undergone many changes. This includes the removal of the pink and turquoise stripes, followed by the addition of black and brown stripes to represent communities of colour, with black also representing the lives lost during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Light blue, pink, and white were subsequently added to represent the Trans community; and a purple circle on a yellow background represents the Intersex community.

The current Pride flag is the Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride flag, which was developed in 2021 by Valentino Vecchietti. The six rainbow colours represent:

1. Red: Life
2. Orange: Healing
3. Yellow: Sunlight
4. Green: Nature
5. Blue: Serenity
6. Purple: Spirit

To learn more about the history of the Pride flag, please go to the Human Rights Campaign at: https://www.hrc.org/resources/lgbtq-pride-flags

Today, childhood cancer care closer to home became a reality for families living in Northwestern Ontario with the launch of two new Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) programs at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). Expansion of the POGO Satellite and Interlink Nursing programs at TBRHSC was made possible thanks to funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Health.

For childhood cancer patients and their families in the Northwest, much of their care is provided at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. The establishment of the POGO programs at TBRHSC means fewer trips to London and more time at home with their support network of family and friends and less disruption to school and work.

“It was important for us to be at Thunder Bay Regional for the launch of these POGO programs,” said Drago and Shanley Pavletic of Thunder Bay, whose son was treated at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. “We know firsthand what it meant to be away from home while our child was in treatment. Now, parents won’t always have to leave their jobs or split their families apart. You can’t put a price on that kind of peace of mind.”

POGO now coordinates childhood cancer care at nine Satellite Clinics in community hospitals across the province. The multidisciplinary healthcare team in the POGO Clinic at TBRHSC includes doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and social workers, and provides a range of high-quality pediatric cancer services.

The POGO Interlink Nurse will be assigned to families at diagnosis, connecting them to services they need, whether in the hospital or community. The POGO Interlink Nurse may also visit the child’s school to share information about the child’s cancer journey with teachers and the child’s or their sibling’s classmates.

“POGO programs provide wrap-around care and support to children and families from diagnosis to treatment to survivorship, and, when needed, end-of-life care,” said Lauren Ettin, POGO CEO. “Expansion of the POGO Satellite Clinic and Interlink programs to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre signals meaningful change for local families and fulfills an important objective of Ontario’s five-year Childhood Cancer Care Plan, to bring care closer to home. We are honoured to partner with the incredible teams at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre to meet the needs of children with cancer and their families in Northwestern Ontario.”

“We are proud to join the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) as an official Satellite Clinic,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI). “This designation marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of care for children and families facing cancer in Northwestern Ontario. Through this partnership with POGO and the Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, we will be able to offer more comprehensive and coordinated care closer to home. Our interdisciplinary teams, including a dedicated Interlink Nurse, will guide families through every stage of the pediatric cancer journey—reducing travel burdens, supporting continuity of care, and helping to improve health outcomes. Most importantly, children can now receive specialized treatment right here in Thunder Bay, enabling families to remain together during a challenging time.”

“The launch of the POGO Satellite and Interlink programs at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is a significant milestone for childhood cancer care in northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Alexandra Zorzi, head of paediatric hematology and oncology at Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). “At Children’s Hospital, we are dedicated to extending our specialized care and support to families in this region. By bringing these vital services closer to home, we help to ensure our young patients receive the same high-quality care they would at Children’s Hospital, but within their own community. This initiative not only alleviates the physical and emotional strain on families, but also strengthens our mission to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across the region.”

In video remarks, Minister of Health Sylvia Jones spoke on behalf of Premier Ford and the entire government saying, “I would like to congratulate the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario, along with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, as you launch your POGO Satellite Clinic in Thunder Bay. This marks an important milestone with the expansion of world-class childhood cancer care in Northwestern Ontario. Thank you again to POGO and all your partners for everything you do to support children impacted by childhood cancer and their family.”

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About Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO)

Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) works to ensure that everyone affected by childhood cancer has access to the best care and support. POGO partners to achieve an excellent childhood cancer care system for children, youth, survivors, and their families and healthcare teams, in Ontario and beyond. POGO champions childhood cancer care, and as the collective voice of this community, is the official advisor to Ontario’s Ministry of Health on children’s cancer control and treatment. POGO is a non-profit organization with charitable status, here for kids with cancer, for now, for life.

About Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), a 425-bed academic specialized acute care facility, is a national leader in Patient and Family Centred Care. As the only tertiary care provider in Northwestern Ontario, we provide comprehensive services to a population of over 250,000 residents in a region the size of France. Effectively addressing the health care needs of patients and families has earned us both Innovation Awards and Leading Practice Designations. As an academic health sciences centre, we teach the next generation of health care providers and advance medical research. Patients benefit from interprofessional teams of dedicated health care providers and access to leading-edge medical technology and clinical trials. To fulfill its teaching and research strategic goals, TBRHSC is supported by Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) as a not-for-profit and independent research corporation. TBRHRI is the research arm of TBRHSC and seeks to lead research to improve the health outcome of the people of Northwestern Ontario and beyond.

About London Health Sciences Centre 
London Health Sciences Centre has been at the forefront of medicine in Canada for 145 years and offers the broadest range of specialized clinical services in Ontario. Building on the traditions of its founding hospitals to provide compassionate care in an academic teaching setting, London Health Sciences Centre is home to Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, Victoria Hospital, the Kidney Care Centre, two family medical centres, and two research institutes – Children’s Health Research Institute and Lawson Health Research Institute. As a leader in medical discovery and health research, London Health Sciences Centre has a history of over 65 international and national firsts and attracts top clinicians and researchers from around the world. As a regional referral centre, London Health Sciences Centre cares for the most medically complex patients including critically injured adults and children in southwestern Ontario and beyond. The hospital’s nearly 15,000 staff, physicians, students and volunteers provide care for more than one million patient visits a year. For more information visit www.lhsc.on.ca

The next phase of terrazzo repair work will be completed in two separate sections. 

Area #1 is being at the back of the 1/3 cafeteria.  Please refer to map “P6” below. This section of work will take place from June 10-19.

Area #2 will be in front of the Grand Staircase covering up the entrance to the Main Corridor. Please refer to map “P5B” attached below. This work will take place between June 12-15. 

Work will begin the evening of Tuesday, June 10 and continue through to Thursday, June 19. Per previous, work will be occurring overnight from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 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.  

IMPACTS

• Access will be detoured around for 2^nd floor departments (2A, 2B, 2C, Ambulatory Care, Renal & DI) for units south of the Grand Staircase. Appropriate signage will be posted. 
• Access to the 3^rd floor through the Grand Staircase and elevator in the main hallway will be detoured. Access will be rerouted to D stair case or Elevator Near AMH- Access to the 1^st floor by Elevator will be detoured to Elevator by AMH.- Access to back section of the Cafeteria 

Any questions, please contact Darin Pretto at darin.pretto@tbh.net.

Shared on behalf of Occupational Health and Safety

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In 2024 there were 871 incidents reported through the Incident Learning System. Of the 871 incidents, 283 were related to violence/harassment. This means that nearly 32% of all reported incidents involved violence or harassment towards our staff. Violence, in particular, is the single most reported incident type at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

1. Scan Your Environment Continuously

• Observe patient behavior: Pay attention to patients’ non-verbal cues, such as tense body language, clenched fists, or agitated movements. These could signal that the person is becoming agitated or may escalate into aggression.

• Look for changes in tone or behavior: Watch for sudden shifts in a patient’s mood, like rapid speech, loud talking, or disoriented behavior, which may indicate distress or a potential violent outburst.

2. Know Your Patients’ Risk Factors

• Review patient history: Before interacting with a patient, check their records for any previous instances of violence, mental health issues, or substance abuse. These are risk factors for aggressive behavior.

• Watch for triggers: Certain triggers, like pain, frustration with treatment, or a history of mental health crises, can cause patients to act out. Stay informed about specific patient needs or risks.

3. Recognize Early Warning Signs of Aggression

• Behavioral signs: Increased agitation, pacing, clenched jaws or fists, and erratic movements often precede violence.

• Verbal cues: If a patient starts to use threatening language, shout, or make demands in an aggressive manner, this could indicate the situation is escalating.

• Tension in the room: A sudden shift in mood or atmosphere, like a calm environment becoming tense or quiet, should trigger heightened awareness of potential risk.

4. Position Yourself for Safety

• Exit routes: Always be aware of your nearest exit and the layout of the space. Position yourself near an exit when possible, so you have an escape route if needed.

• Personal Alarms: Ensure you are wearing your personal alarm on every shift and that it is in good working order.

• Keep a safe distance: Stay at least an arm’s length away from patients who may seem agitated. This reduces the risk of physical confrontation and gives you more time to react.

• Avoid being cornered: Try not to be placed in a position where you cannot quickly leave the area, especially when working with agitated patients.

5. Maintain Calm and Non-Threatening Body Language

• Avoid aggression in posture: Stand with an open posture and avoid crossing your arms or taking defensive stances. Keep your hands visible to show you are not a threat.

• Use a calm, soothing voice: Speak slowly and in a non-confrontational tone. Stay neutral and avoid raising your voice, which may escalate the situation.

• Eye contact: While maintaining eye contact can show that you are engaged, avoid staring, as this can be perceived as a challenge or threat.

6. Listen Actively

• Empathy: If a patient is upset, let them express themselves without interruption. Listen to their concerns and show empathy. Sometimes, simply feeling heard can de- escalate tension.

• Acknowledge their feelings: Use statements like, “I understand that you’re frustrated,” or “I can see that you’re in pain.” This can help calm the patient and open a line of communication.

7. Set Boundaries Early

• Assertive communication: If a patient starts to cross a line (e.g., using threatening language or becoming physically close in an aggressive manner), calmly and clearly set boundaries.

• Non-verbal cues: In addition to verbal boundaries, your body language should reflect calm authority and assertiveness. Keep your posture open but firm.

8. Stay Calm and Don’t Take It Personally

• Keep your emotions in check: If a patient becomes angry or hostile, stay calm and don’t let emotions drive your reactions. It’s important to separate the patient’s behavior from who you are as a person.

• Avoid reacting emotionally: If a patient is yelling or being verbally abusive, avoid responding with anger or frustration, as this can escalate the situation.

9. Work as a Team

• Alert colleagues early: If you notice a situation beginning to escalate, quietly notify a colleague or call for backup before things get out of control. Use the Hospital’s emergency codes to call for help if necessary.

• Team coordination: If you’re working with a team, ensure you’re all aware of the situation and prepared to act in unison if needed. Have a plan for managing a violent situation, including how to exit or contain it.

10. Know the Warning Signs of a Violent Outburst

• Physical cues: Look for clenched fists, rapid breathing, or a fixed gaze—these can indicate that someone is about to lash out.

• Verbal threats: Words like, “You better do what I say,” or “I’m going to hurt someone” are red flags. Take threats seriously, even if they seem like a bluff.

11. Use De-Escalation Techniques

• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention).

• Gentle Persuasive Approach.

12. Know Your Facility’s Protocols

• Code White ( https://informed.tbrhsc.net/getattachment/Policies/General-Manual/ Emergency-Plan/Code-White-Violent-or-Threatening-Person-(EMER-(1)/EMER-50- Code-White-Mar-01-2022.pdf
• Code Silver ( https://informed.tbrhsc.net/getattachment/Policies/General-Manual/ Emergency-Plan/Code-Silver-%E2%80%93-Active-Shooter-Armed-Intruder-(EMER/ EMER-190-Code-Silver-Active-Shooter-Armed-Intruder-Feb-6-2018.pdf )
• Code Purple ( https://informed.tbrhsc.net/getattachment/Policies/General-Manual/ Emergency-Plan/Code-Purple-%E2%80%93-Hostage-Taking-(EMER-130)/ EMER-130-Code-Purple_Hostage-Situation-Feb-6-2018.pdf )
• Workplace Violence Prevention Program ( https://informed.tbrhsc.net/ getattachment/Policies/General-Manual/Occupational-Health-and-Safety/ Workplace-Violence-Prevention-Program-(OHS-os-245)/OHS-os-245-Workplace- Violence-Prevention-Program-Apr-2024.pdf )
• Contacting Security – contact through switchboard or dial 6509 for security office

13. Report Incidents and Concerns

• Document threats or violence: Always report any incidents of violence, threats, or suspicious behavior to your supervisor, so the situation can be addressed and preventive measures put in place.

• Follow up: If you’ve observed a concerning situation, check in later to ensure it’s being properly addressed, and keep open communication with your team about ongoing risks. By staying aware of the environment, anticipating potential risks, and responding to aggression appropriately, you can help prevent violence before it escalates.