Pharmacy Technicians at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
Pharmacy Technician Day (October 21) recognizes the invaluable contributions made by Registered Pharmacy Technicians who work tirelessly to ensure patients receive their medications safely and accurately.
The role of a pharmacy technician is an integral part of any pharmacy operation, including Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. We appreciate all that our pharmacy technician team does for our patients, their families and staff. Please take this day to show your support for our pharmacy technician team.
After more than 30 years of dedicated service in the field of Occupational Therapy, Laura Swancar is retiring.
Laura began her OT journey in 1994 after graduating from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Occupational Therapy. Her path to this profession was sparked by a formative summer job in her hometown of Kenora, Ontario, where she worked with individuals living with mental illness. That experience inspired a deep respect for people’s stories and a desire to be part of a team that makes a meaningful difference in others’ lives.
Over the course of her remarkable career, Laura has brought compassion, professionalism, and a sharp sense of humor to every role she’s taken on. She began her career in pediatrics at the George Jeffrey Children’s Treatment Centre in Thunder Bay, working with children with learning disabilities. From there, she took on a wide variety of roles in Thunder Bay’s healthcare system, including:
Acute Neurosurgery and Medicine/Geriatrics at McKellar Hospital
Acquired Brain Injury, Hospice, and Complex Care at St. Joseph’s Hospital
Outpatient Neuro, Orthopedics/Hands, and the Foot Clinic
Acute Stroke Team and Regional Stroke Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Professional development and OT education through NOSM (formerly Health Sciences North)
Presenter at Canadian Stroke Congress (2016) on Post-stroke Depression
Presenter at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association Congress (2006) on Communities of Practice as a Model for Promoting Best Practice
Clinical presenter and preceptor for the McMaster NSS (northern studies stream) and NOSM
Laura is perhaps best known for her long-standing role as the Occupational Therapist on the Acute Stroke Team and Regional Stroke Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. She dedicated many years to this work and concluded her distinguished career as a valued member of this team.
Committed to continuous learning, Laura also earned a Graduate Diploma in Stroke Rehabilitation from the University of Alberta in 2014, further deepening her expertise in the field.
Throughout her career, Laura has been known for her deep commitment to treating the whole person, her collaborative spirit, and her belief that Occupational Therapy is about helping people return to what matters most in their lives. And of course, her colleagues will miss her warmth, her insight, and her contagious laughter.
In retirement, Laura looks forward to spending more time doing the things she loves: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, swimming in lakes, hiking, gardening, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, and beloved dogs.
Please join us in celebrating Laura’s incredible career and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter!
Photo (L-R): Selena Owen, Development Assistant, Events at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation; Brynn Roberts, Child Life Specialist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; Sarah Trimble, Spirit Halloween Store Operator; and Haley Werbowetski, Events Manager, celebrating the new partnership in support of Child Life Services.
This Halloween, staff and community members can help bring comfort and joy to children receiving care at our Hospital through a new partnership between Spirit Halloween and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. From now until October 31, donations made at the Spirit Halloween store in the Memorial Ave Walmart parking lot will go directly to Child Life Services, helping children and families navigate the stress of hospital visits through play, education, and coping strategies. With the support of our Child Life Specialists, children can feel safe, comforted, and most importantly, still like kids even during medical procedures.
You can get involved by donating at checkout, rounding up your purchase or giving $1, $2, $5 or more. Donations also come with fun recognition opportunities like writing your name on a star, receiving a bracelet, or being entered to win your costume. You can also use the coupon attached below to save 10% on your purchase, and Spirit Halloween will donate that same 10% back to the Foundation.
Let’s come together as a community this Halloween to make a difference for the children and families at TBRHSC.
Pictured (L-R): Susan Bale, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services Regional Indigenous Cancer Screening Lead, and Carol Wilson, Treaty #3 Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead
Last month, the North West Regional Cancer Program’s Prevention and Screening Clinical Services team partnered with the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre (GHAC) to host a Men’s Health Expo in Couchiching First Nation.
The goal was simple but important: to get men talking about their health.
Working closely with the GHAC, Treaty #3 Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead Carol Wilson, and Regional Indigenous Cancer Screening Lead Susan Bale, the event brought together men from 10 First Nation communities in the Rainy River District for a full day focused on health and wellness.
The day began with a traditional opening by the Broken Horn Drummers, followed by powerful guest speakers. Highlights included a colon cancer survivor story from Derek Kelly of Onigaming First Nation, presentations on traditional medicines and mental health, and a talk by Dr. C. Suartz, a urologist from Thunder Bay who spoke about prostate health and the importance of early screening.
TheGrand Council Treaty #3 Cancer Burden Report shows that colon cancer rates are higher among Treaty #3 men compared to other men in Ontario. To help spark conversations around colon cancer prevention and screening, a Jumbo Colon was on-site as an interactive walk-through to show how colon cancer develops and can be prevented.
It was an inspiring day of learning, sharing, and connection. The North West Regional Cancer Program is proud to continue working alongside First Nation partners to bring awareness to cancer screening as part of discussions around men’s health.
Photo: (L-R): Bruno Tassone, Coordinator of ICU and Respiratory Services, Aaron Giba, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Shawn Jacobson, Registered Respiratory Therapist, Tasal Shinwarie, Student Respiratory Therapist, Morgan Chard, Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Registered respiratory therapists (RRTs) are highly skilled health care professionals with specialized expertise in the assessment, treatment, and management of patients with breathing and cardiopulmonary conditions. They play a crucial role in helping patients breathe easier and recover safely through their advanced knowledge and compassionate care.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), RTs are hard at work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, caring for patients of all ages across every area of the Hospital. From the Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department to the Operating Room, NICU, outpatient clinics, and even home care, RTs are an essential part of every team.
They respond to high-risk deliveries, traumas, and medical emergencies, provide support during conscious sedations and cardioversions, perform arterial blood gases and catheter insertions, and manage therapies such as non-invasive ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP) and high-flow oxygen. Their dedication and expertise help ensure the best possible outcomes for every patient, every time.
This Respiratory Care Week, we recognize our transport RTs for their dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Their work doesn’t stop at the hospital doors—it’s on the move, saving lives wherever they’re needed most.
Leadership Roles for RTs
Photo: (L-R) Jennifer Gadioma, Interprofessional Educator, and Bruno Tassone, Critical Care and Respiratory Services Coordinator.
Respiratory therapists use their skills and knowledge to take on various leadership roles throughout our Hospital. Darolyn Hryciw is the RRT Charge and her role consists of managing day-to-day operations, scheduling, and equipment and supplies management. Bruno Tassone is the Critical Care and Respiratory Services Coordinator. He is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Respiratory Care department, Regional Critical Care Response (RCCR) as well as the Medical Emergency Team. Jennifer Gadioma is an Interprofessional Educator. Within her role, she helps advance the practice of health care professionals’ organization wide by providing hospital-wide education. Shawn Jacobson is the Education Lead and he organizes all the education and clinical placements for the Respiratory Therapy students from Canadore College. Aaron Giba is the Professional Practice Lead for the Respiratory Department, and provides leadership and guidance in everyday practice as well as policy development and implementation.
Operating Room
Photo (L-R): Brittney Goral RRT and AA, Natalie Pyke RRT and AA , Sam Nigro RRT and AA.
The anesthesia assistant (AA) is an essential member of the Operating Room (OR) team. AAs are respiratory therapists who have an additional 18 months of training in advanced anesthesia skills in order to facilitate the administration of anesthetic services, both in an out of the OR. Within the OR, they assist with the setup and induction of anesthesia for more complex surgical cases. Their duties include advanced airway management, line insertion as well as assistance with epidural/spinal blocks, peripheral nerve blocks and difficult intubation protocols. AAs can prepare and administer a variety of anesthetic agents and manage stable patients under anesthesia while the anesthetist performs other duties within the OR. They also maintain and troubleshoot all anesthesia equipment and are often called upon to assist with anesthetic emergencies. They prepare the OR for malignant hyperthermia cases and are well-versed in the management of this rare but life-threatening emergency. Outside of the OR, AAs set up and assist with sedation cases in diagnostic imaging that require advanced monitoring and generally facilitate any off-service anesthetic duty. The introduction of AAs have allowed anesthesia services to expand at a time when anesthesia resources are very limited.
Outpatient Clinics, Stress lab, Pulmonary Function Testing Lab
Photo (from L-R): Loriana Manion, RRT (Stress Lab) and Dennis Poulin, RRT (PFT lab).
Our Respiratory Therapy team plays a vital role across several specialized areas, including the Stress Lab, Pulmonary Function Lab, and Outpatient Clinic. In the Stress Lab, they monitor patients during exercise or pharmacologic stress tests to evaluate how the heart and lungs perform under pressure, helping diagnose conditions like exercise-induced asthma or cardiac issues. In the Pulmonary Function Lab, RTs perform a range of lung function tests such as spirometry and lung volume measurements to assess breathing capacity and identify respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Meanwhile, in the Outpatient Clinic, Respiratory Therapists provide ongoing care and education for patients managing chronic respiratory conditions, ensuring they understand their treatments and maintain optimal lung health outside the hospital setting. Together, these services allow RTs to deliver comprehensive respiratory care that supports diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.
Paediatric Emergency Transport Team
Photo (L-R): Victoria Morabito, RRT and Taylor Dewal, RRT.
Respiratory therapists on our Paediatric Emergency Transport Team are the critical link between bedside and destination, ensuring patients receive expert respiratory care every step of the way. Whether traveling by ground or air, these skilled clinicians manage ventilators, secure airways, and monitor patients with precision and calm under pressure. Their expertise allows for seamless, safe transitions for our most vulnerable patients — infants and children — often in the most challenging environments.
This Respiratory Therapy Week, we recognize our transport RTs for their dedication, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. Their work doesn’t stop at the hospital doors—it’s on the move, saving lives wherever they’re needed most.
Each year, over 100,000 Canadians receive life-saving care in intensive care units, relying on the support and care of intensive care teams. This Canadian Intensive Care Week (October 20-26), we would like to celebrate and thank intensive care professionals nationwide, including the amazing ICU team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, for everything they do to help patients and families in their most critical moments.
We recognize the exceptional work undertaken by the multidisciplinary team in our ICU, which includes physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, critical care nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists and social workers. They work together to help patients recover from serious injury or illness. They see patients at a time when they are most vulnerable and provide essential care and life support with compassion and professionalism. Join us in thanking these health care professionals for everything they do!
This National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week, we celebrate our Maintenance and Facilities staff at TBRHSC.
Health care plant maintenance, planning and engineering staff are the in-house professionals responsible for facilities management, planning, development and maintenance of complex health care systems, equipment and facilities. Our health care facilities rely on these staff to provide the necessary skills and resources to develop and manage the environment of care within our organization in an efficient manner and with the patient in mind.
October 19-25 is National Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week, and it is meant to recognize and honour the plant, maintenance, planning and engineering staff on behalf of all who benefit from them.
Please join us in thanking these staff members for their contributions in maintaining a safe, secure and functioning environment for our Hospital.
From October 20 to 25, we recognize Spiritual Care Awareness Week, a time to reflect on the importance of spiritual well-being as part of holistic health care. Spiritual Care supports patients, families, and staff of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. It reminds us that healing is not only physical, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual. This year’s theme is Honouring the Many Paths to Healing.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we honour the diverse spiritual traditions that bring comfort and strength to those in our care. This includes multi-faith support, chaplaincy, and Indigenous traditional spiritual care, such as access to Elders, smudging, traditional medicines, and ceremonies that promote balance and connection to spirit.
Recognizing and respecting spiritual diversity strengthens our shared commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. By walking alongside each person on their healing journey, whatever their faith or path—we uphold the values of respect, dignity, and belonging for all.
L to R: Cory Hoogsteen – Spiritual Care Coordinator, Annette Klement – Traditional Wellness Coordinator.
Meet the Spiritual Care Team!
Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator.
Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator
The Traditional Wellness Coordinator supports Indigenous patients, families, and staff by ensuring access to traditional and spiritual care within the hospital. Working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and health care teams, the Coordinator helps create a culturally safe environment that supports the whole person — spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical.
This role bridges traditional knowledge with modern medicine, ensuring Indigenous patients and families feel respected, supported, and safe in their healthcare journey.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate traditional and spiritual care services.
Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partners.
Provide cultural safety education and training.
Organize cultural events and ceremonies.
Support patients and families during sensitive times.
Works with patients, family, and staff who are in crisis, struggling with illness, injury, loss or change.
Aims to help individuals make sense of their suffering, finding purpose and meaning in life and relationships.
Provides service to any faith group and people with no faith background.
Engages with people in Spiritual Distress, or existential crisis. This experience is often expressed through questions like “Why is this happening to me?”
Connects patients with Religious leaders in the community.
On-call Spiritual Care associates are available 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. weeknights, and 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. weekends and holidays. Please call Switchboard.
Available Spiritual Care spaces: Multi-Faith Room, Spiritual Care Lounge, Spirit Garden (between 1A and 1B) and Musalla.
TBRHSC’s IPAC team. Front row (L-R): Stephanie Erickson, Manager, Brenden Stefanato, Infection Control Practitioner (ICP) Amanda Petryna, ICP, Lisa Gibbon, ICP, Sheena Hamilton, ICP, Trish Madigan, Clerk. Back row (L-R): Nancy Maijala, Infection Control Coordinator, Sierra Pasternacki, ICP, Danielle Miller, ICP, Nicole Donio, ICP Not pictured: Nicole Boire, ICP, Vanessa Masters, ICP, Craig Kozlowski, Director, Corporate Patient Flow.
National Infection Control Week is October 20 to 25, 2025 – a time to remind everyone about the importance of Infection Prevention and Control and a time to celebrate, the work accomplished by each and every member of IPAC Canada. The teams’ efforts and passion keep health care providers, patients, students, volunteers, and visitors safe in a wide variety of health care settings and a broad range of activities.
To celebrate IPAC will have a table set up in the cafeteria area each day with information, games, treats and chances to win prizes. Come out and meet the IPAC team.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 16 years of Sharing and Caring Together, taking place from October 20 to 24. A collaboration between our Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) and Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) department, this week-long event celebrates the hard work and dedication to advancing the patient experience at TBRHSC.
PFAs are volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge, and personal experiences of care, to help the Hospital understand what working is well and where there are opportunities for improvement. Their involvement is integral to shaping a truly patient-centered approach.
This year’s event will feature a variety of engaging activities, including educational lunch-and-learns and coffee rounds, where PFAs and staff will share stories and insights. The week concludes with a full-day exhibition, showcasing the work of departments from across the Hospital, and how they bring the principles of patient and family centred care to life.
This event is thanks to the hard work of our PFAs and our community donors. A heartfelt “thank you” for their support and overwhelming generosity, which have been vital in ensuring the success of this year’s Sharing and Caring.
This week is an important opportunity to reflect on the power of patient-centered care, celebrate our achievements, and continue building on our efforts to improve the patient experience at TBRHSC.
