As you are aware, each year the hospital recognizes the exceptional work of the nurses employed at our organization through the celebration of National Nursing Week (May 12-18). Please take the time to acknowledge a colleague or peer that you admire.
Below are a few suggestions for peer recognition, in addition, awards and bursaries that staff can be can nominated for. These individuals will be individually recognized during National Nursing Week.
Pita Land, a Mideast Urban Kitchen, has partnered with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre by joining our Affinity List! To show their appreciation for our staff they are offering a 10% discount.
Located in Thunder Bay at 611 Arthur St. West, Pita Land offers a taste of the Middle East that goes beyond the ordinary. The Pita Land menu includes only the very best in Middle-Eastern favourites, such as shawarma, tabouli, fattoush, and falafel, reminiscent of old world traditions and made with the modern, urban customer in mind.
To view their full menu, please visit: https://pitaland.ca/menu-pita-land
To view the full Affinity List please visit: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/departments/human-resources/employee-recognition
April 1st, 2025 marks the 22nd anniversary for Oncology Nursing Day in Canada. The theme, “Striving for the Summit: Empowering Oncology Nurses Towards Excellence” emphasizes the dedication of oncology nurses in providing exceptional care, advancing research, and making a lasting difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.
It is a day to recognize the incredible role oncology nurses play in our national health care system. Cancer affects people of all genders, nationalities and age groups. Oncology nurses are on the front lines of cancer treatment, care and research.
There are few specialties in the nursing profession where nurses have the privilege to practice, teach, lead and impact patients and families with an illness across the entire disease trajectory. Oncology nursing affords nurses this opportunity, to care for patients from prevention and screening, diagnosis and assessment, treatment, symptom management and support, survivorship, and palliative and end of life care, helping patients to meet their goals of care along the way. Even during difficult times, oncology nurses are inspired by the patients and families they care for.
We encourage our community, region and all Canadians to join us in showing appreciation and thanks to all of our oncology nurses for their commitment, passion, and dedication to patient and family centred care.
Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.
We are starting to see the actual signs of spring upon us, with longer days and a sense of renewal and vitality on the horizon. Spring is a season of new beginnings, synonymous with renewed energy and hope. As we embrace the changes that spring brings, let us also embrace the opportunities. There are a lot of new things happening within our Hospital and Health Research Institute and I hope you feel positive about the future ahead.
Preparations for the cardiovascular surgery project are progressing as we ready our site for the construction activities set to commence on March 31, 2025. Given the scale of this project, logistical challenges are expected, and some disruptions will inevitably occur. As we adjust our parking arrangements and clinical operations to accommodate these activities, we kindly request your patience and understanding. We are continuously monitoring our parking situation and traffic flow on our campus to ensure safety and accessibility for everyone. We do know all of this change creates inconvenience and challenges for our patients, families, visitors, as well as our staff. Thank you for your patience as we work through and adapt. I would like to extend gratitude to the project team for their ongoing efforts to support us all.
As we work to bring improvements to ways in which we access health information, PocketHealth is now live and is providing secure access to medical imaging for both patients and providers. We are pleased to be offering this innovative digital platform where patients can retrieve their own diagnostic imaging, be informed of medical decisions and have greater involvement in their own healthcare journey. Providers benefit from streamlined access to critical imaging data, enhancing the efficiency of diagnostics and treatment plans.
By bridging the gap between patients and medical professionals, PocketHealth enables us to be more responsive, transparent, and efficient, ultimately improving the overall quality of patient care.
As well, the technology will provide our staff who typically have to manage these requests, more opportunity to support direct patient care needs.
Over the last several months, I have taken part in many of the Quality Huddles happening around our Hospital. These forums provide clinical and non-clinical areas opportunity to share team successes, opportunities for improvement and discuss safety and quality issues. To date, it has been a great experience to be a part of and I am amazed at the number of staff engaged in the topics. It is evident that this corporate initiative is providing a forum where all staff can feel they are contributing to our safety culture and driving quality work within all areas. Thank you for all your work and improvements.
There is always something to celebrate and at the Research and Innovation Week at Lakehead University, Dr. Christopher Mushquash, Vice President Research at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Chief Scientist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute received the Distinguished Researcher Award. This award is the highest honour conferred by Lakehead University for research and scholarly activity and is only given to a scholar once in their career for research and scholarly activity sustained at a high level over a period of at least one decade. Congratulations to Chris and all of our distinguished researchers and those supporting this work.
As always, I welcome your feedback — about this blog or anything else on your mind. Feel free to reach out to me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I appreciate hearing from you.
The annual mandatory E-Learning courses for 2024-2025 are now offline. Learning modules for 2025-2026 will be launched shortly. Stay tuned to the Daily Informed Newsletter for more information!
Shared on behalf of Justin Garofalo, Vice President, Facilities, Capital Planning and Support Services & CFO
I am pleased to announce that Pascal Rivest has accepted the position of Manager, Decision Support and Case Costing, effective April 7, 2025.
Pascal has been serving as the Interim Manager Decision Support and Case Costing, providing steady leadership and valuable support to his team. With over a decade of experience as a Decision Support Consultant at the Hospital since 2010, he has developed a deep understanding of data analytics, case costing and financial decision-making in Healthcare. His expertise, combined with his strong analytical skills and commitment to excellence, has made a meaningful impact on our organization.
Beyond his technical knowledge, Pascal is known for a collaborative approach, enthusiasm and dedication to continuous improvement. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen the Decision Support and Case Costing team and contribute to the Hospital’s ongoing success.
Please join me in congratulating Pascal on his new role!
Shared on behalf of Dr. William Harris, VP, Medical and Academic Affairs
I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rosamaria North to the interim position of Medical Director, Emergency Department, effective March 31, 2025. Dr. North has previously served as the Medical Lead, Emergency Department Operations and is current a co-Medical Lead of Simulation. Dr. North has demonstrated exceptional leadership in clinical, operations and academic work.
The ED Medical Director is a collaborative leadership role working within a dyad model alongside the Program Administrative Director. Together, they drive high standards of care, operational excellence, and quality improvement in the ED.
The primary responsibility of the ED Medical Director is clinical quality, performance targets, operational planning, and ensuring services align with Hospital goals and evolving community/regional needs.
While having joint responsibilities with the Department Chief to ensure high standards of medical care, the Medical Director bears the primary responsibility for program specific quality targets, indicators, and performance metrics relevant to individual programs such as Pay for Results [P4R] and the Clinical Decision Unit [CDU].
Please join me in welcoming Dr. North to her new role.
Starting Monday, March 31, several key areas around the Renal Entrance and Main Entrance will be impacted as part of the Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS) Construction project. These changes are essential for the expansion and improvement of our Hospital. Please take note of the following important updates:
All patients, visitors, and staff can access the Hospital via the West Entrance during this period (please refer to the map). Please follow all posted signage and instructions for a safe and efficient experience.
Summary of Construction during this Period:
For everyone’s safety, please adhere to all construction fencing, barricades, and safety signs. The construction site will be clearly marked, and all unauthorized personnel are restricted from entering construction areas. We encourage everyone to use designated walkways and stay alert while navigating around the construction zones.
We recognize that these changes will impact patients, visitors, and staff, and we appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work towards expanding cardiovascular care services in our region.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to improving patient care at TBRHSC.
National Indigenous Languages Day, celebrated on March 31, is an opportunity to appreciate the linguistic diversity within Indigenous cultures. This Day emphasizes the importance of revitalizing and preserving Indigenous languages, which are vital to cultural identity and community connections.
In Canada, languages like Anishinabek (Ojibwe), Mushkegowuk (Cree), and Anisininew (Oji-Cree) demonstrate unique vocabulary and grammar, reflecting the rich histories and cultures of their communities.
Within the Ojibwe community, there are some common words and phrases that showcase the beauty and significance of the language. Here are a few:
| Four Sacred Medicines | Asemaa – Tobacco Giizhik -Cedar Wiingashk – Sweet Grass Mashkidewashk/Bashkodejiibik -Sage |
| Four Directions | Waabani – East Zhaawani – South Ningaabii’an – West Giiwedin – North |
| Seven Grandfather Teachings | Zaagi’idiwin – Love Dabasendizowin – Humility Zoongide’ewin – Courage Nibwaakaawin – Wisdom Debwewin – Truth Manaaji’idiwin – Respect Gwayakwaadiziwin – Honesty |
| Common Phrases | Miigwech – Thank you Indinawemaaganidog – All of my relatives Mino-Bimaadiziwin – The good life |
Celebrating National Indigenous Languages Day not only honors these languages but also encourages individuals to learn and incorporate them into their daily lives, ensuring the preservation of Indigenous cultures for future generations.
To learn more:
The Ojibwe People’s Dictionary – https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/
James Vukelich Kaagegaawaw – https://www.youtube.com/@james.vukelich/featured
Recommended Reading: Vukelich Kaagegaawaw, James. The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings. James Vukelich, 2023