The past year brought another series of remarkable stories and accomplishments in patient and family-centred care at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC). As we look back on 2025, we are revisiting some of the most impactful and widely read stories of the year. Together, they highlight the incredible work happening across our health sciences community and the unwavering dedication of our care teams to delivering exceptional care for every patient, every time.

Building Care Closer to Home: Construction Officially Underway for Hospital’s Cardiovascular Surgery Program

TBRHSC broke ground on its new Cardiovascular Surgery Program, a first for Northwestern Ontario. The $93 million initiative will bring urgent and elective heart surgeries closer to home, sparing around 300 patients annually from traveling to southern Ontario. Developed in partnership with the University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, the program will feature 14 new inpatient beds, a six-bed coronary care unit, a state-of-the-art surgical suite, and expanded outpatient services. Construction on over 76,000 square feet of new and renovated space is expected to be completed in 2027, marking a major milestone in improving cardiac care across the region.

Read more HERE.

Paediatric Emergency Transport Team in motion across Northwestern Ontario

TBRHSC launched a dedicated Paediatric Emergency Transport Team (PETT) to provide specialized transport for critically ill newborns and infants across Northwestern Ontario. In partnership with provincial transport teams and ORNGE, PETT is improving access to urgent care and significantly reducing wait times for patients in remote and Indigenous communities. Previously, infants often had to wait for transport teams from southern Ontario or Manitoba, delaying critical care. The team, which includes a registered nurse, a respiratory therapist, and support from a paediatrician, will eventually operate 24/7, ensuring infants receive timely care at tertiary centres. Supported by new equipment funded by the generosity of donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and a matching contribution from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, PETT represents a major step forward in harmonizing pediatric care across the region, with plans to expand services to older children in the future.

Read more HERE.

Exploring Careers in Health Care: Thunder Bay’s Open Doors Career Showcase

On October 8, TBRHSC hosted its Open Doors Career Showcase, welcoming over 300 attendees ranging from high school students to individuals exploring new career paths. The event offered a hands-on look at the wide variety of careers available in health care, including clinical, technical, and administrative roles. Over 30 hospital departments participated, providing information, answering questions, and leading guided tours of areas such as Diagnostic Imaging, Rehabilitation Services, and Medical Device Reprocessing, as well as interactive simulations in the Hospital’s Simulation Lab. Attendees gained firsthand experience of the health care environment and discovered opportunities they may never have considered. Praised for its organization and impact, the event showcased TBRHSC’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of health care professionals, with plans to make the Career Showcase an annual event.

Read more HERE.

Enhancing Patient Communication in Northwestern Ontario

In 2026, hospitals across Northwestern Ontario will roll out a first-of-its-kind SMS and email patient notification system, aimed at improving communication and reducing missed appointments. The “Opt-In” program, part of the Central Waitlist Management Project, will send real-time reminders and preparation instructions for surgical and diagnostic imaging appointments across 12 regional hospitals, including TBRHSC, Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre, and Lake of the Woods District Hospital. By streamlining communication, reducing no-shows, and encouraging patients to take an active role in managing their care, the initiative is designed to improve system efficiency and equity in access to services. Integrated with a fully-digital, regionalized intake system, the campaign represents a major step forward in patient-centered care, enabling seamless coordination across surgical sites and diagnostic services while safeguarding privacy. With a goal of reaching an 80% opt-in rate within two years, this innovative program reflects a broader commitment to modernization, accessibility, and innovation in Northwestern Ontario’s health care system.

Read more HERE.

Indigenous Students Attend Hospital Career Experience

Over 60 students from school boards across Thunder Bay were on-site at TBRHSC on November 19 to explore many different health care career and volunteer options. In its fifth year, Kinomagai Akosii-agamong Anokiiwin (previously known as Indigenous Career Experience) is dedicated to inspiring Indigenous youth by providing essential insights into diverse health care career opportunities and by building relationships with TBRHSC. A significant aspect of the program is connecting with high school students before they make final decisions about post-secondary education. Through hands-on learning experiences, it ignites their enthusiasm for pursuing a future in health care. Additionally, the initiative supports the recruitment of Indigenous professionals within the health care sector. The departments that participated — the Operating Room, Medical Device Reprocessing Department, Nutrition and Food Services, Maintenance, Miskwaa Biidaaban, Interprofessional Education, and Volunteer Services — played a vital role in making this day a valuable and fun learning experience for the students.

Read more HERE.

TBRHSC Unveils State-of-the-Art Robotic Platform: The da Vinci Surgical System

On April 23, TBRHSC hosted a media preview of one of the Hospital’s most advanced technological additions. The da Vinci Surgical System is a cutting-edge robotic platform that enables surgeons to perform minimally invasive procedures with exceptional precision and control. By allowing complex operations through small incisions, it reduces recovery time and enhances patient outcomes. This milestone represents a major advancement for TBRHSC, equipping residents and faculty with state-of-the-art tools for safe, efficient, and precise surgery. Notably, the da Vinci robot is the first of its kind in Northwestern Ontario, giving patients access to world-class care right here at home.

Read more HERE.

TBRHSC Releases Second Annual Report on Progress in Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action

TBRHSC marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by releasing its second annual report on progress toward the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The report highlights initiatives focused on cultural safety, Indigenous health, and staff training, with particular emphasis on Call to Action #24, which calls for cultural training for professional staff. TBRHSC showcased collaborative projects across departments, Indigenous-led initiatives, and partnerships that enhance spiritual, healing, and culturally safe practices. TBRHSC’s Miskwaa Biidaaban department organized events throughout September, including community panels, beading sessions, and educational sessions with Elders and Residential School Survivors, honoring both survivors and those who never returned home. TBRHSC leadership reaffirmed their commitment to equity, inclusivity, and compassionate care, underscoring reconciliation as an ongoing effort to build a healthier, culturally responsive future for all patients.

Read more HERE.

AI-Powered App Revolutionizes Stroke Care

Stroke care in Northwestern Ontario faces unique challenges, including vast geographic distances, limited stroke specialist access, and variable transport infrastructure. Addressing these barriers demands breakthrough innovations that harness technology and data to improve patient outcomes and system efficiency. The Northwestern Ontario (NWO) Navigate Stroke application is a cutting-edge technological innovation developed to assist health care providers in Northwestern Ontario with efficient navigation of stroke patients to the most appropriate levels of care. This interactive digital tool integrates geomapping technology and machine learning algorithms to provide real-time decision support in navigating patients through the complex, geographically dispersed stroke care network of Northwestern Ontario.

Read more HERE.

New Program Launch – Complex Care for Kids Ontario

A new program dedicated to supporting children and youth with complex medical needs has launched at TBRHSC. Complex Care for Kids Ontario (CCKO) at TBRHSC is an outpatient program that aims to improve the care experience for children with medical complexity and their families by enhancing care coordination, continuity of care and effective communication between families and health care providers. Led by a nurse practitioner working in collaboration with a paediatrician, the program helps establish clear goals of care for patients and families and develops comprehensive medical care plans to facilitate the sharing of critical patient information. Additionally, the nurse practitioner works closely with tertiary children’s hospitals to maintain continuity of care.

Read more HERE.

Childhood Cancer Care Expanded to Northwestern Ontario

On June 4, 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 TBRHSC. Expansion of the POGO Satellite and Interlink Nursing programs at TBRHSC was made possible thanks to funding from the Ontario 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 (LHSC). 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.

Read more HERE.

Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

As the calendar year draws to a close, I find it the perfect time to reflect on the accomplishments achieved by each and everyone of the people that work within our Hospital and the Health Research Institute. Together and through mutual support, we have accomplished so much throughout the year and through it all, we have continued to provide excellent health care to those in need of our care services. 

As we approach the peak of the influenza and respiratory illnesses season, we know there will be challenges. However, we have had similar surges before and I have no doubt we will manage through these times that may challenge our capacity, our work and ourselves. To assist in preventing the spread of illness to our staff and patients, we are implementing stronger masking protocols that will be in effect starting today to protect us all. Please take the time to review the memo. I thank you in advance for your continued professionalism, dedication, and determination that you bring to your work – at the bedside and beyond.

Even during the most demanding and challenging times, we continue to make meaningful progress. Despite fiscal constraints and daily operational pressures, we push forward. Please know that your efforts are noticed and valued. Together we achieve more and our collective efforts lead to the best outcomes for patients.

When I look around our Hospital I see the notable enhancements to our care environments that reflect thoughtful decision-making and a continued commitment to maintaining safe, reliable, quality care. These improvements and the ones on the horizon will provide such benefit to patients, families, and staff.

One of the most significant milestones ahead is the completion of the Cardiovascular Surgery Program (CVS) expansion. This mega project represents advancement in regional care and helps to bring life-saving surgery closer to home. This initiative goes beyond the building infrastructure – it will elevate the care we offer to communities and families across our region. This is an important step toward improving care access and equity for Northwestern Ontario.

At the same time, we are advancing essential capital equipment renewals and implementing important updates to our Emergency Department Triage area. When completed, the space will improve patient flow and provide access to a more private and safer care area, which is foundational for optimal care.

The new year ahead will have its unknowns, and we remain mindful of the need to use our resources responsibly. We will continue to move forward with focus and shared purpose, committed to providing high-quality care for the communities we serve. Thank you for your dedication and perseverance.

I have no doubt that the year 2026 will be filled with hope, determination, and a sense of resilience that will lead us closer to our vision of “Exceptional care for every patient, every time.” 

As always, I welcome your feedback about this blog or anything else on your mind. You can reach me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I appreciate hearing from you.

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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A respiratory outbreak has been declared at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Transitional Care Unit – Cedar Unit, 300 North Lillie Street North as of Monday December 30, 2025. All restrictions are in place. Please share this information with the appropriate staff. 

As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. All patients identified as having an exposure to this outbreak will require isolation with appropriate additional precautions. 

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.

Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, Vice President, Patient Experience, Chief Nursing Executive & RVP, Regional Cancer Care

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Due to current surveillance data demonstrating increasing activity of respiratory infections, including influenza and other respiratory viruses on our Inpatient Clinical Units and Emergency Department, masking requirements will increase to Mandatory Masking – Stage 3, effective December 29, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.

Please note that as of December 29, 2025, all Staff Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and Essential Care Partners (ECPs)/Care Partners (CPs) must wear a Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering all Inpatient Clinical Units and when in the Emergency Department.

Please see the following details on masking requirements:

1A Inpatient Units

• All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners, Volunteers and ECPs/CPs must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times while on units 1A Medicine, and 1A Acute Oncology. This includes when entering a patient room and when within the 1A clinical area.

All other Inpatient Units

• All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners, and Volunteers must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering all clinical departments.
• All ECP/CPs must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times when entering all clinical departments.

Emergency Department

• All Staff, Professional Staff, Learners and Volunteers must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times in the department.
• All Patients and ECPs/CPs accompanying a patient must wear a minimum Level 3 procedure mask at all times in the department.

Public communication and signage will be provided to support the above requirements. Further communication will occur on this topic as required.

If you are a staff member who has been ill, please review the Occupational Health and Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-OH-34) before returning to work. This will help ensure you meet all necessary criteria for a safe and appropriate return.

Acute Respiratory Infection Self-screening Checklist:

Respiratory symptoms:

• New or worsening cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or congested nose
• Shortness of breath
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue/muscle aches

Other Indicators:

• Tested positive for a respiratory virus
• Close contact with a confirmed case (self-monitor and mask)

Thank you for your commitment to keeping our patients, staff and Hospital safe. If you have any questions, please ask your manager or reach out to Infection Prevention and Control at 684-6094 for further details on best practices.

Shared on behalf of Tram Dao, Interim Director, Quality and Risk Management

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I am pleased to announce that Michelle Allain has accepted the position of Interim Manager, Quality and Risk Management, effective January 12, 2026.

Michelle brings more than thirteen years of experience as a Bioethicist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Care Group. Throughout this time, she has supported leaders, staff and physicians in navigating complex clinical, legal and operational issues. This work has directly contributed to quality improvement, risk mitigation and patient safety initiatives aligned with the Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

Michelle’s experience involves leading and co-leading various committees, including serving as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Research Ethics Board, developing corporate ethics decision-making tools, contributing to Just Culture implementation, supporting policy development with operational and reputational risk considerations, and mentoring colleagues in academic and healthcare settings. As the organization prepares for the next Accreditation on-site survey in May 2026, Michelle’s experience supporting eight Accreditation Canada cycles will be invaluable.

Michelle’s systems-thinking approach and collaborative leadership style will continue to be a strong asset to the Quality and Risk Management portfolio. Please join me in congratulating and welcoming Michelle to her new role.

Michelle can be reached at Michelle.Allain@tbh.net or extension 6251. Michelle’s office will be located in room 3007.

Bioethicist Coverage

I am pleased to inform that Katherine Stewart will be providing Bioethicist coverage effective January 12, 2026, while Michelle is covering the Manager, Quality and Risk Management role. Katherine is not new to this role and has provided this coverage before. We are pleased she has accepted this interim position. Please also join me in congratulating and welcoming back Katherine to this role.

Katherine can be reached at Katherine.Stewart@tbh.net or through switchboard.

This year, the Adult Mental Health Unit came together to make the space feel festive and welcoming for our patients. Staff put in an incredible amount of time and care decorating the unit with many hand-made decorations, with a special focus on creating a warm, inclusive environment during the holiday season.

One particular meaningful moment came on a day when a patient was struggling. Our ward clerk noticed they were having a difficult time and, after connecting with the patient’s primary nurse, an idea was shared: would the patient like to help with some artwork for the unit? Knowing the patient had artistic skills, the team invited them to participate in painting the windows. From there, other patients were also invited to help. 

The artwork that emerged was beautiful and more, importantly, it became a source of pride and accomplishment for the patients. Moments like this remind us that healing can happen in many forms, and that creativity, compassion, and teamwork can make a lasting difference. 

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Our Hospital’s smallest patients are showing their holiday spirit! With the help of our dedicated care team, some of our smallest patients were dressed in festive holiday outfits, bringing smiles to families and staff alike. These moments are powerful reminders of resilience, love, and the strength of littlest patients and their families.

We are grateful to the parents of the newborns and staff for letting us share these wonderful photos.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre works tirelessly to ensure families are supported while separated from their babies.

A big THANK YOU to the NICU staff for taking the photos and creating this festive holiday scene.

We all play a vital role in helping to advance our strategic priorities and in achieving our vision of Exceptional care for every patient, every time. In order to increase awareness and help everyone understand how we are progressing on Strategic Plan 2026, we have developed and are distributing these quarterly strategic initiative highlights.

The full list of each “Quarterly Strategic Initiative Highlights” can be found on the intranet.

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In our high-pressure environment, clear communication and patient trust are critical to safety. To strengthen person centred communication across our organization, we are expanding on the established best practice of NOD (Name, Occupation, Do). To foster more meaningful patient staff connections, enhance trust, and promote a compassionate and empathetic care environment, PFCC proposed expanding NOD to NODDING (Name, Occupation, Do, Develop trust through Interacting, Noticing, and being Genuine).

This is a core patient safety tool. Building patient trust quickly is proven to improve patient compliance with care plans, help reduce errors and preventable readmissions. The alignment with existing practice increases the likelihood of successful implementation. It reduces resistance to change, promotes consistency, and makes it easier for staff to integrate enhanced empathetic behaviors into their routine workflows.

NODDING offers a scalable and practical tool to embed these values across the organization and elevates what is already known, fostering sustainability and long-term engagement.

What’s next: Implementation will begin with a pilot in a selected unit to evaluate feasibility, staff engagement, and impact on patient experience. Insights from the pilot will be used to guide refinements and inform broader organizational rollout.

Shared on behalf of St. Joseph’s Care Group

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The Showcase of Health Research is an annual event highlighting research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives that advance the health and well-being of Northwestern Ontarians. The event features podium and poster presentations, along with opportunities to network and engage with health professionals, researchers, analysts, students, and scientists from across the community and the region.

The 2026 Showcase of Health Research is free to attend, and a lunch will be provided. However, registration capacity is limited and fills every year, so we encourage early registration to secure your spot.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Register: cahr.sjcg.net/registration
Learn more about the Showcase of Health Research: cahr.sjcg.net/about-showcase

Please share this invitation with coworkers, colleagues or others who may be interested in attending.

Want to Win a $1500 Prepaid Mastercard?

The 2026 Employee Recognition Week is approaching fast starting February 27, 2026, to March 6, 2026.

All employees are automatically entered to win the big prize, but there are more ways to get extra entries.

You can get an extra entry for the following initiatives:

1. iCare Impact Awards Nominees and Nominators
2. Long Service Recipients
3. Flu Vaccine Participants
4. Those who complete their e-learning by December 31, 2025

The winner will be announced on the Daily Informed Newsletter and the Hospital’s social media pages on Friday, March 6, 2026.