Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) will provide onsite training in alternative evacuation techniques (e.g. blanket drag) coordinated by Interprofessional Education and Emergency Preparedness.
No registration is necessary. Staff are invited to stop by January 21 between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Auditoriums A and B by for some hands-on learning.
Now that all TBRHSC and TBRHRI employees are using Microsoft Outlook, this is a great opportunity to ensure your email signature aligns with our corporate branding standards.
Please apply the appropriate signature template (by copying and pasting) to all tbh.net email accounts and customize it with your individual information.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute
Using a standardized signature helps ensure our communications to other staff, partners in health, and the community are professional, consistent, and reflective of our shared organizational identity.
The approved signature templates are also available in the Quick Links area of the main page of the corporate intranet under Tools/Training.
At this time, the corporate email signature template does not support the inclusion of additional elements (e.g., other logos, advertisements for events or initiatives). For more information or questions, please contact the Communications and Engagement team.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping maintain a polished and professional appearance in our email communications.
January 4 is National Ribbon Skirt Day. Indigenous Ribbon Skirts are vibrant symbols of identity, resilience, and tradition among Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island. Primarily linked to the Plains Indigenous communities, these skirts have evolved and are now embraced across various territories on the continent. Traditionally crafted from materials like cotton and leather, these skirts are adorned with colourful ribbons. These ribbons symbolize beauty, femininity, pride, and storytelling, conveying cultural significance through their patterns and colours, which often reflect family lineage and communal values.
For many people, wearing a Ribbon Skirt is a spiritual practice, especially during cultural ceremonies, powwows, and gatherings. It fosters a deep connection to ancestors and the spirit world while serving as an expression of resistance against colonial narratives, reclaiming Indigenous identity and challenging stereotypes.
The craftsmanship of Ribbon Skirts is an esteemed art form, requiring skill and creativity. The process involves selecting fabrics and intricately sewing colourful ribbons into unique designs that vary among communities. Traditional techniques are often passed down through generations, fostering community bonds and preserving cultural practices. Contemporary artists are innovating these designs, merging traditional elements with modern influences while respecting the Skirts’ cultural significance.
Indigenous Ribbon Skirts are more than garments, they embody a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and artistic expression. Worn and created with care, they serve as living symbols of identity and resilience, bridging the past with the present and representing the beauty and strength of Indigenous cultures.
The priority of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion identified in Strategic Plan 2026 ensures that the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre embeds equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations, providing a culturally safe experience for all patients and staff.
For more information on Ribbon Skirts, click here.
We are pleased to invite all staff to take part in our new cultural safety training session titled, “Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education Primer”.
The session will introduce participants to an insightful way of thinking about truth and reconciliation. It will be a reflective pathway for cross-cultural discussion and an entry point to create the necessary change for awareness and inclusiveness within Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Participants will be introduced to concepts such as colonization, race and racism, common stereotypes, and how these contribute to health inequities for Indigenous Peoples within the current healthcare system.
This is a free training session, there is no cost to attend. The session is 3 hours long and takes place in-person. We encourage all staff (including students, residents, volunteers, and PFAs) to participate and look forward to seeing you there.
Sign up today!
It’s a girl! The first baby of 2026 was born to proud parents Kaiyah and Chris at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at 3:21 p.m. on January 1. The little one has not yet been named as the family takes time to choose the perfect name.
The family welcomed their daughter, weighing 5 pounds, 8 ounces, marking a joyful beginning to the year.
Both baby and mother are doing well and enjoying these first precious moments together. The family will also receive a special gift generously donated by Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Volunteer Association to help celebrate this memorable occasion.
Shared on behalf on Crystal Edwards, Director, Women & Children’s & Mental Health Programs, Dr. Teresa Bruni, Medical Director, Women & Children’s Program
We are excited to announce that Noah DiFranco has accepted the position of Coordinator, Women & Children’s Program.
Noah has been a valued Registered Nurse at TBRHSC since 2020. He began his career with us in the Emergency Department, where he worked for four years before moving into the role of Lead for the Regional Paediatrics Program.
Along the way, Noah also broadened his clinical experience as a travel nurse in the United States, completing assignments in San Antonio, Portland, and Grand Marais. Through his work in emergency care, Noah developed strong clinical skills in fast-paced, high-acuity environments and discovered a deep passion for paediatric nursing. This passion, combined with his emergency medicine background, led him naturally to the Regional Paediatrics Program. In this role, Noah has made a meaningful impact, helping to advance the program and playing an important role in the development of a new service that will provide 24/7 virtual support to paediatric patients across our region.
Please join us in congratulating and warmly welcoming Noah as he steps into his new role, commencing in February 2026. During his transition from the Regional Paediatrics role, Noah will continue to support the onboarding of new Regional Paediatric nurses and contribute to the establishment of a comprehensive Regional Paediatric Response Team.
Renovations to the Level 1 Washroom (1582W), Staff Change Room (1583), and Kitchenette (1562C) are scheduled to commence the week of Monday, January 5, 2026, with an anticipated completion in April 2026.
These renovations will modernize and enhance the existing facilities, introduce an additional washroom, and incorporate accessibility improvements. These upgrades are designed to create a more comfortable, inclusive, and functional environment, supporting an improved experience for all staff.
Access to the Staff Lockers/Lounge (1562/1562B) will remain available throughout the renovation period. We kindly ask that staff remain mindful of the nearby construction activities and exercise caution while moving through the area.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to improve these shared spaces.
An influenza outbreak has been declared at TBRHSC 3C Surgical Inpatient Unit, as of Wednesday December 31, 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.
The Paediatric Emergency Transport Team (PETT) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) recently celebrated the one year anniversary of its first paediatric transport.
This highly skilled team is comprised of a Registered Nurse and a Registered Respiratory Therapist who travel aboard an ORNGE aircraft to retrieve children (primarily under one year of age) and transport them to a higher level of care, either at TBRHSC or a specialized children’s hospital.
Please join us in thanking this amazing team and all others involved in this initiative for their commitment, teamwork, and compassionate care.
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.