Over 40 clinics across Northwestern Ontario are taking part in the Cervical Screen-a- thon this April!
If you’re due for cervical screening, now’s a great time to book. Call 807-684-7777 to make your appointment, and visit tbrhsc.net/screenathon to learn more and see all participating locations.
During National Volunteer Week 2026 (April 19-25), Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation are celebrating the dedicated volunteers who help enhance the patient and family experience every day. This year’s theme from Volunteer Canada, Ignite Volunteerism, recognizes the power of volunteerism to inspire connection, compassion and community impact.
Knowing that their contributions are valued and meaningful gives volunteers a strong sense of purpose and dedication. Whether offering a listening ear to an inpatient, serving a cup of tea to someone receiving chemotherapy, or providing a warm welcome and wayfinding assistance at the main entrance, each act of kindness contributes to the overall wellness of our community — today and for future generations.
Volunteers play an important role in supporting patient and family centred care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They serve in many capacities, including as Hospital and Foundation volunteers and as Patient Family Advisors (PFAs).
At the Hospital, volunteers support patients and families in a variety of ways. Some serve in patient-facing roles on inpatient units, while others assist outpatients through hospitality and transport services. Volunteers also provide administrative support, help in reception and greeting roles, assist with fundraising through the Seasons Gift Shop, and share their talents through music and gardening programs.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Hospital, visit www.tbrhsc.net and explore the Join our Team section to apply online and learn more. You can also email TBRHSC.Volunteering@tbh.net or call 807-684-6267.
Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) are volunteers who draw on their personal healthcare experiences to share valuable perspectives on how hospital services affect patients and families.
PFAs help ensure that the patient voice is heard. As partners in care, they provide input into the policies, programs and practices that shape the services our Hospital delivers. By working alongside staff and healthcare providers, PFAs help us better meet the needs and priorities of our patients, families and community.
To learn more about becoming a Patient Family Advisor, visit www.tbrhsc.net and go to Join our Team, call 807-684-7322, or email TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net.
Volunteers are also essential to the success of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They support the Foundation by providing administrative assistance, helping with special events, and selling raffle tickets at locations throughout the region.
To become a Foundation volunteer, call 807-345-4673 or email volunteers@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organizations and an essential link to the community. Their generosity, compassion and commitment help make the patient and family experience better in countless ways.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026, we thank all of the volunteers who make a difference every day. This week, and throughout the year, we recognize the collective impact of volunteerism and the many ways volunteers help strengthen and connect our community.
Thank you, volunteers!
As we celebrate Indigenous Nurses Day (May 11), we want to recognize the significant contributions of Indigenous nurses to the healthcare industry. As the opening day of National Nursing Week, it sets the tone for a week of appreciation, reflection, and recognition of nursing excellence.
In honour of this special day, we would like to highlight the achievements of Indigenous nurses and their home communities. Their expertise and dedication have significantly impacted the lives of many patients and their families, inspiring others and raising awareness of the critical role that Indigenous nurses play in promoting wellness and healing for Indigenous communities.
If you are an Indigenous nurse/nursing student, or there is an Indigenous nurse on your team who you would like to highlight, we would love to hear from you! Please share your experiences, challenges, successes, or quotes as a health care provider by Friday, May 1. The submissions will be featured at a booth on Indigenous Nurses Day, and will include a photo of the nurse or student along with the information they provide. If you are interested in participating, please send your email and phone number to Annette Klement.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to health care. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Please send your experiences to Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Lead at Annette.Klement@tbh.net.
Accreditation Canada surveyors will be visiting Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre from May 11-14, 2026 to assess how well we are providing safe and effective care that aligns with national standards.
Accreditation involves everyone at TBRHSC. We all play a role in delivering the highest standards of care to our patients, and families — each and every day.
For more information and resources, visit the Accreditation 2026 page on the corporate intranet page.
This week, we proudly celebrate Laundry and Linen Appreciation Week, honoring the dedicated team members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support patient care throughout our Hospital.
Each day, our Laundry and Linen staff ensure that patients receive clean, safe, and high-quality linens. From carefully washing and sanitizing to managing inventory and distribution, their efforts are vital to upholding the highest standards of hygiene, comfort, and infection prevention.
Join us in celebrating and appreciating these invaluable team members who help keep our Hospital running smoothly every single day.
A long time volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been recognized for more than three decades of service with the dedication of a space that has quietly supported patients in need.
During a special gathering attended by staff, volunteers, and community members, Sonja Aldrich was commended for her 30-plus years volunteering with the Hospital, culminating in the official naming of “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard.”
The Clothing Cupboard provides essential items such as underwear, socks, tops, pants, footwear, and seasonal outerwear to patients who may not have access to appropriate clothing when they are discharged from the Hospital. The initiative ensures individuals can return home with dignity and comfort.
Megan Valente, Operations Coordinator of Volunteer Services at TBRHSC, highlighted the importance of both the program and Aldrich’s role in its success.
“This space represents compassion in action,” Valente said. “Sonja has poured her heart into ensuring patients are cared for in ways that go beyond medical treatment.”
Over the years, Aldrich has taken an active, hands-on approach to maintaining the Clothing Cupboard’s inventory. She regularly visits thrift stores to source quality clothing at low cost, builds relationships with retailers, and seeks out opportunities to maximize donations.
“Today has been a joy and an honour,” said Aldrich. “But honestly, I am so grateful to be able to help support patients in their hour of need. These past decades of volunteering with the Hospital. I have seen first hand that a little kindness goes a long way.”
“It truly reflects patient and family centred care by offering dignity and respect at a vulnerable moment,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Something as simple as clean, well-fitting clothing can restore confidence and help patients feel ready to return home.”
Crocker Ellacott noted that Aldrich’s work reflects a broader understanding of patient care that includes emotional and personal well-being alongside clinical treatment.
In recognition of her dedication, the Hospital formally unveiled the newly named “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard” during the event.
“Thirty years of service is an incredible milestone,” said Crocker Ellacott. “But what stands out most is the compassion and creativity Sonja has brought to her work. She has made a lasting impression at the Hospital, and a difference in the lives of patients.”
Accreditation Canada surveyors will be visiting Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre from May 11-14, 2026 to assess how well we are providing safe and effective care that aligns with national standards.
Accreditation involves everyone at TBRHSC. We all play a role in delivering the highest standards of care to our patients, and families — each and every day.
For more information and resources, visit the Accreditation 2026 page on the corporate intranet page.
There will be weekly trivia questions related to the Accreditation survey. Test your knowledge here: Accreditation Trivia: April 20 – April 26
Shared on behalf of Jennifer Gadioma, Interim Manager, Practice and Learning
We are launching a recruitment initiative to highlight all health professions at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
As part of this, we are creating an updated recruitment brochure and are looking for representatives from all disciplines to be featured.
Participation includes:
This is a great opportunity to represent your profession and support recruitment efforts across the organization.
If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out to Jennifer Gadioma, Interim Manager Practice and Learning at jennifer.gadioma@tbh.net or Zahra Limkhedawala, Recruitment Specialist, Human Resources at zahra.limkhedawala@tbh.net
This month’s Town Hall took place on Wednesday, April 15 via Microsoft Teams. See below for a video recording of the session and a copy of the presentation slides.
If you have questions you would like answered, please send them to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net and we will do our best to address them at a future Town Hall.
If you’d like to access a recording or presentation from a previous Town Hall, visit the archive.
Thank you for your commitment to staying informed and engaged.
