Share on behalf of Patient and Family Centred Care

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We are happy to announce that the Patient Family Centred Care (PFCC) Department has a new Patient Advocate.

Joanita Nakimuli has recently been hired as the 0.5 FTE Patient Advocate. Joanita has a background as a Registered Nurse working in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Emergency Department and on 2B, as a Clinical Scholar on medical units, and has previous working experience with PFCC as the Discharge Transition Lead. She is excited to take part in this new role, where she can directly impact patient experience and help ensure the voice of the patient is heard. Joanita will be working alongside Victoria Marks, who has been a Patient Advocate with PFCC since 2019.

The role of the Patient Advocate is to listen, acknowledge, and address patient and family concerns, helping them to navigate the complex health care system. Patient Advocates take a helping role in improving the quality of the patient’s care and experience at TBRHSC l by ensuring and facilitating safe, timely and quality care.

The Patient Advocates are available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..

Anyone requiring the services of the Patient Advocate can reach them by calling the Patient Advocate office directly at 807-684-6211.

During the month of December, all staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers are invited to celebrate the holiday season by participating in one (or all) of this year’s Holiday Cheer Week events.

Dazzle your ears with the wonderful sounds of live piano, brass, and drumming throughout the month. Performances will be held near the Cafeteria, so consider dining in the area to enjoy the music.

Celebrate Winter Solstice on Friday, December 12, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Room 202C of the Medical Centre. An Elder will be present to share teachings, stories, and songs to honor the longest night and welcome the return of the light.

Attend our Wellness Workshop on Managing Holiday Stress, on Wednesday, December 17, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Auditorium A (3rd Level). Join speaker Kalie McIntosh, Registered Psychotherapist, as she explores the challenges of managing stress during the holiday season and discusses methods to stay grounded, protect your mental health, and cultivate a more joyful holiday experience. Cookies and refreshments will be offered to attendees.

There are many different holidays celebrated in and around December and throughout the year, and it is important to acknowledge and respect all faiths and spiritual traditions. Dress in your holiday best and decorate your work space for a chance to win prizes! Individual and team submissions are allowed.

Holiday attire must align with guidelines/requirements based on specific professions and any decorations must follow safety, Fire Code CPO-01 and IPAC precautions.

Celebrate the spirit of giving and donate to our in-house Patient Clothing Cupboard. Donations of new men’s and women’s socks and underwear are specifically requested.

All paid staff will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 50 $100 grocery gift cards with 10 draws being made each day of the week.

The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is looking for donations this holiday season to fill some stockings and spread cheer to our elderly patients in need.

Donations can be dropped off in Volunteer Services from Tuesday, December 2, to Friday, December 19.

Requested Items:

Word search books, combs, hair brushes, lip balm, toothbrushes, toothpaste, fuzzy socks, slippers, hats, and mittens.

ACO has extended their TBRHSC Christmas Employee Plan to make shopping even easier this year! Extended to December 15.

Enjoy the convenience of the TBRHSC Christmas Employee Plan where your purchases automatically come off your pay-cheque over a two year period.

Shop until December 15, 2025 at acoservices.ca or view the catalogue on the following link: https://www.flipsnack.com/acoservices/employee-purchase-plan-extended-catalogue-2025

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The Cancer Centre Systemic Therapy Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is proud to support the Children’s Aid Society’s 17th Annual Christmas Wish Campaign this holiday season.

Our team has sponsored five children, ages 3 to 16, who receive services through Dilico and the Children’s Aid Society. Each child will receive a personalized Christmas Wish Bag filled with essential items, clothing, toys, and gift cards selected to meet their unique needs and interests.

For many of these children, this may be the only gift they receive during the holidays.

Our staff are grateful for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful tradition and to help bring joy and comfort to children and families in our community.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) invites an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary physician leader to serve as the next Chief of Staff (COS) — a pivotal leadership role at one of Ontario’s most innovative and community-focused academic health sciences centres.

This unique 0.6 FTE leadership position allows the successful candidate to maintain clinical practice while shaping the future of care across Northwestern Ontario.

WHERE WORLD-CLASS CARE MEETS NORTHERN SPIRIT

TBRHSC serves the vast and diverse population of Northwestern Ontario with a mission grounded in research, innovation, education, and exceptional patient care. The organization’s 2026 Strategic Plan prioritizes equity, diversity, inclusion, patient experience, staff experience, research, and sustainability.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the Chief of Staff ensures medical excellence, high professional standards, and a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Champion safe, high-quality, patient- and family-centred care.
• Lead medical credentialing, discipline, performance, and professional standards.
• Chair the Medical Advisory Committee.
• Participate in key Board committees.
• Influence strategy and organizational priorities.
• Foster collaboration with Department Chiefs and regional partners.

WHY THIS ROLE IS EXCEPTIONAL

REGIONAL IMPACT 

As Northwestern Ontario’s only tertiary referral hospital, serving a population of over 250,000 in a land mass the size of France, TBRHSC relies on its COS to influence care across rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

INNOVATION & GROWTH 

The hospital is investing in digital health, leadership development, academic partnerships, and long-term clinical services planning.

SUPPORTIVE LEADERSHIP CULTURE 

The COS joins a collaborative leadership team that values transparency, accountability, cultural safety, and progressive system change.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• MD with CPSO license 
• RCPSC or CFPC fellowship 
• Minimum 5 years of clinical leadership in a complex health system 
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills 
• Commitment to equity, cultural safety, and quality improvement 

JOIN US

If you are a compassionate, accountable, and visionary leader who believes in exceptional care for every patient, every time, we welcome your interest. You can reach Kevin Kirkpatrick by email kevin@averyprofessionalgroup.com or phone/text 905-447-2151

Avery Professional Group is proud to support Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in this important search.

Link to this career opportunity can be found HERE.

At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences, we are committed to fostering an environment where all patients, their families, staff, professional staff, volunteers, and learners are treated with dignity and respect, feel affirmed in their identity, and receive safe, equitable care.

December is a month marked by a variety of significant holidays celebrated across different cultures, and religious, and spiritual traditions. You can learn more about each of these dates below. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3)

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3, and was first established by the United Nations in 1992. This day highlights the importance of supporting the dignity and wellbeing of people with disabilities, and the ongoing need to advocate for accessibility and inclusion. 

Human Rights Day (December 10)

Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10, to commemorate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was formally adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The Declaration recognizes all human beings as having inherent dignity and worth, and fundamental rights that they are entitled to regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, or any other status that they may hold. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is considered a common standard throughout the world for protecting human rights.

International Universal Health Coverage Day (December 12)

Universal Health Coverage Day, held each year on December 12, marks the anniversary of the United Nations’ 2012 resolution calling for access to quality, affordable health care for all.

The day raises awareness of the urgent need for strong, equitable health systems—so that everyone, everywhere can get the care they need without financial hardship. It’s also a global call to action, urging countries around the world to invest in health, support vulnerable populations, and accelerate progress toward universal health coverage by 2030.

Hanukkah/Chanukah (December 14 – 22)

The Hebrew word Chanukah, also spelled Hanukkah, means “dedication.” Hanukkah is known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, and celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days—symbolizing resilience, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness.

Winter Solstice / Yule (December 21)

The Winter Solstice is significant for Indigenous Peoples, as it marks a time of renewal, reflection, and connection to natural cycles, including the return of longer days and the continuation of traditional practices. Many Indigenous Peoples celebrate Winter Solstice with community gatherings, feasts, storytelling, and ceremony. The Winter Solstice is also celebrated in other cultures throughout the world, including the Hopi people’s Soyal ceremony, and the Dongzhi Festival in China, and Yule in Pagan, Wiccan, and Druid traditions.

Christmas (December 25)

Christmas is the Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is also celebrated secularly by non-Christians.

Boxing Day (December 26)

Celebrated in Great Britain, and some commonwealth countries including Canada, the day after Christmas Day was traditionally celebrated as the day tradesmen and servants would receive gifts from their employers, and came to be known as Boxing Day. Boxing Day has since become synonymous with shopping and sporting events. (International)

Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African cultural holiday that has been adopted around the world including in Canada. First developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa celebrates history, values, family, community, and culture. The name Kwanzaa means “first fruits”—an agricultural celebration. Kwanzaa is celebrated annually between December 26 and January 1.

New Year’s Eve (December 31)
The evening before the first day of the new year, according to the modern Gregorian calendar.

If you have any questions, please contact the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee at: TBRHSC.EDISteeringCommittee@tbh.net.

The Comfort Promise: New Frontiers in Pain Care for Gynecologic Procedures

Presented by Dr. Rittenberg, Ms. Jennifer Spencer, Dr. Brenden Osborne and Dr. Deanna Buitenhuis
When: Tuesday, December 9
Time: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Where: In person (ICP Main Meeting Room 2178) and virtually (via Microsoft Teams)

As of Monday, December 1, the Telemedicine Department has moved to Room 1527 on Level 1, across from the Garden of Life courtyard by Professional Practice.  Access is directly on the main corridor – see map below.

Department telephone and fax numbers remain the same.