Do you need a French interpreter for your patient? Not sure what your options are? Here you will find information for several services that offer French Language interpretation. 

French Language Interpretation Services

Interpretation services are available to patients in all clinical units and departments at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) through several options. TBRHSC encourages the use of free, local interpretation options before using paid phone and video options. Below you will find interpretations services that connect French-speaking patients to their healthcare providers.

French-English Interpretation by TBRHSC staff members

The Hospital maintains a list of staff who are able to provide French-English interpretation services, in order to enhance the quality and accessibility of health services for the Francophone population, and ensure timely communication between patients and their healthcare providers.

To request translation services from a French-speaking staff member, you can download the “List of Hospital staff who interpret for patients in English/French” from the Intranet at: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services

* Please note that staff availability varies

L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay

L’Accueil francophone’s main focus is to offer interpretation services between French-speaking clients and healthcare professionals. They provide quality interpretation services in a confidential and professional manner.

L’Accueil francophone’s interpretation services are available onsite, virtually, or by telephone, and are funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, and are therefore offered free of charge.

To arrange French interpretation services, please contact L’Accueil francophone as soon as possible in advance of your patient’s appointment in order to guarantee availability:

Phone: 807-684-1940

Toll-free: 1-844-202-2370

Email: interpretation@accueilfrancophone.com

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

To learn more about L’Accueil francophone’s services, please see the attached brochure (available in French and English). The brochure can be found here: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services/documents/accueil-francophone-brochure

L’Accueil francophone via the Ontario Telehealth Network

L’Accueil francophone also offers French Language interpretation in real time via the Ontario Telehealth Network, connecting regional patients with their healthcare providers. Services can be accessed in the community by phone, at a hospital using the OTN system, and from home using a computer or tablet. 

Instructions on how to schedule French Language Interpretation Services via OTN can be found here in French: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services/documents/otn-french-interpretation-services-fr  and in English: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services/documents/otn-french-interpretation-services

InSight Video Interpreting by LanguageLine

InSight Video interpreting offers interpretation services by medically trained interpreters, in 140 languages.

Availability varies, but is generally Monday – Friday, early morning to late evening hours, with the most common languages available on weekends.

To access InSight interpreting services, please use your unit/department iPad, and follow the instructions posted in the InSight Video Interpreting quick reference guide. The guide can be found here: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/interpretation-services/resource-documents/insight-quick-reference-guide

Remember to have your unit-specific Secured Access Code prior to initiating services, as the interpreter will ask you for this information. If you do not have your unit’s Secured Access Code, please request this from your Manager.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

Over the phone interpretation

Phone interpretation services provided by medically trained interpreters are available in 140 languages. Most languages are available 24/7.

To access phone interpretation services, please follow the instructions outlined in the Over the Phone Interpretation quick reference guide. The guide can be found here: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/interpretation-services/resource-documents/signage-for-client-id-and-access-code-tbrhsc

Remember to state the language you require for interpreting services, and have the Hospital client ID number and unit-specific Secured Access Code prior to initiating services, as the interpreter will ask you for this information. If you do not have your unit’s Secured Access Code, please request this from your Manager.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

Multicultural Association

Face-to-face interpretation services are offered by the Multicultural Association. A limited number of languages are available, and hours of service are typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Pre-booking is preferred.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

To learn more about interpretation services at TBRHSC, please access the Interpretation Overview on the Intranet: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/interpretation-services/resource-documents/interpretation-overview

If you have any questions about French Language Services, please contact Rae-Anne Robinson, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator at: 807-684-6396.

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Last week, members of the media had the opportunity to step inside the Simulation Lab at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the beating heart of hands-on health care learning. This immersive environment gives students, physicians and other health care professionals the opportunity to practice realistic clinical scenarios, strengthen their skills and build confidence in a safe setting designed to bring health care education to life.

The event featured a simulation demonstration showcasing “Charlie,” an advanced simulation mannequin made possible through a significant investment from donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. The demonstration also highlighted a HALO (High Acuity Low Occurrence) event, illustrating how the skills developed in the Simulation Lab can translate into real-world, life-saving action.

Special thanks to Dr. Aaron Ruberto, Simulation Medical Lead and ICU Physician; Dr. Rosie North, Simulation Medical Lead and Chief of Emergency/Trauma Services; and Leanne Baird, Simulation Program Manager for leading the event and showcasing the important role simulation plays in preparing health care professionals to deliver safe, high-quality care.

We are launching a new open feedback portal called “What Matters to You?,” designed to identify fast, actionable ideas to improve your day-to-day work.

The focus is on small pebbles, the changes we can implement in the short-term.

Scan the QR code on the poster below and let us know:

• One thing that would improve your workday.
• A small change we can implement soon.
• Point out a process, tool, or practice to reduce friction.
• What we should start, stop, or continue doing for more joy and well-being.
• How you’d like to receive updates.

Suggestions will be shared with the Staff Advisor Committee.

Thank you for helping us make meaningful, quick-win improvements!

If you have questions please reach out to Human Resources or any Staff Advisory Committee member.

The Employee Giving Program is looking for enthusiastic employee donors to join its committee.

Working alongside staff from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, committee members help guide decisions on medical equipment purchases funded through employee donations. This is a great opportunity to help make a meaningful difference in patient care at our hospital and in our community.

The time commitment is minimal, with only 2-3 meetings scheduled throughout the year.

If you are interested in becoming a Committee member or would like more information, please contact:

Laura Andricciola
Executive Coordinator
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4

Tel: 807-684-7276
Email: laura.andricciola@tbh.net

Shared on behalf of Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, TBRHSC, and CEO, TBRHRI

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Over the past year, I have informed you about this HSSP (a multi-year plan for achieving financial and operational stability for the hospital sector, to enable continued high quality, connected and accessible care) work in my Blogs and through Town Halls. As we move forward with the next steps, I wanted to continue to keep you informed and let you know what we are about to engage in with designated supports from the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health.

Through our Hospital’s balanced budget plan submission, we put forward some strategies to support budget reduction where it did not impact quality, access or care programming to patients locally and regionally. Although these plans were well accepted and we were deemed as an efficient hospital, we continue to have financial burdens because of historical funding allocations not meeting our funding needs as a tertiary academic health sciences centre, and revenue increases not keeping up with inflationary/expenditure growth.

What we do know is that TBRHSC provides quality care that is accessible to Northwestern Ontario. We also know, through our preliminary HSSP review, that we are:

• An efficient hospital when benchmarked against our peers
• A Top performer in emergency and acute care operational efficiency
• A Top performer in administrative efficiency
• The only regional tertiary and academic hospital and a central hub to foundational care in Northwestern Ontario
• A critical organization to the Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario Health sector and crucial to a strong economy
• A hospital and region with needs that are higher, as driven by geography, patient complexity, burden of disease in the North and higher operating costs

Late last week, we were made aware that the Ministry of Health has procured support with BIG Healthcare (consultants) to help support Hospitals path to further their HSSP work and help the hospital sector balance.

To that end, we will work to demonstrate our quality, efficiency, and access while informing on the North’s unique and different landscape that does not have the same supports and resources as other areas of our province.

This overall process is still being worked out, including timelines and what this will involve day to day. For now, we will maintain our commitment of quality care and access.

Thank you for all you do and for supporting beyond your responsibilities. We see the incredible care and dedication you bring day in and day out in the name of ‘Exceptional care for every patient, every time’. We thank you, for your understanding as we undertake this work, and I look forward to being able to update you on next steps as I am able.

Medical Affairs is pleased to announce that Dr. Hamed Alsagga has joined the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as an Anesthesiologist with the Department of Anesthesia & Pain Management.

Dr. Hamed Alsagga brings extensive clinical experience and subspecialty expertise in cardiac anesthesia, complemented by broad experience across a wide range of complex surgical and clinical settings. Dr. Alsagga completed a Clinical Fellowship in Cardiac Anesthesia at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, following advanced clinical fellowship training in Anesthesia at Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He previously completed a Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as his Saudi Board of Anesthesia training at King Fahad Medical City. He holds an MBBS from King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and is eligible for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Anesthesiology examination.

Throughout his career, Dr. Alsagga has developed expertise in cardiac anesthesia and the perioperative management of patients undergoing complex surgical procedures. His clinical experience spans general, regional, neuro, thoracic, vascular, obstetric, pediatric, trauma, transplant, congenital, bariatric, abdominal organ transplant, and robotic surgery. He also has expertise in ultrasound-guided regional blocks, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and invasive hemodynamic monitoring. In addition, Dr. Alsagga has demonstrated a strong commitment to medical education and research, contributing to simulation-based and clinical skills teaching at the University Health Network and Western University. His research includes studies examining cardiac surgery outcomes, echocardiographic assessment, perioperative complications, delirium, pain management, and critical care.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Hamed Alsagga as he joins Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. We look forward to the expertise, experience, contributions, and collaborative approach he will bring to our patients, colleagues, and the broader healthcare community.

As part of the Preceptor Recognition Program, Lisa Smith has been recognized as a preceptor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching and supporting others here at the Hospital. Read their nomination below, along with their perspective on what it means to be a preceptor.

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Name: Lisa Smith

Profession: Registered Practical Nurse

Department: Adult Mental Health

Nomination:

Lisa’s hard work, growth, and achievements deserve recognition. Lisa is a kind, thoughtful nurse and exceptional mentor to future staff. Kind, driven, studious, hardworking, dedicated, approachable, humorous.

Dedicated nurse, leader, preceptor, and full-time BScN student.

Here is what Lisa has to say about being a preceptor:

I love watching students gain confidence throughout their preceptorship and learn what practice styles work best for them. It’s rewarding to see their growth and watch them become more comfortable and confident in their practice.

As part of the Preceptor Recognition Program, Morgan Jansen has been recognized as a preceptor who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to teaching and supporting others here at the Hospital. Read their nomination below, along with their perspective on what it means to be a preceptor.

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Name: Morgan Jansen

Profession: Registered Nurse

Department: 3A

Nomination:

Morgan has been such a great preceptor to a new grad recently. She works tirelessly to ensure that the new grad is meeting the CNO standards, offers amazing constructive criticism, and has ensured patient safety is the number one priority. She has orientated this new grad through some very tough patient situations and just deserves to be recognized for all of the endless work that she does.

She is always approachable, displays patience and goes above and beyond to try and involve the new grad in as many situations as she can.

Her patience, willingness to take on a new grad, eagerness to teach, and enthusiasm set her apart as a preceptor.

Morgan has taken on the role of a preceptor very early on into her nursing career. She herself has only been working as an RN since June 2025!

Here is what Morgan has to say about being a preceptor:

What I enjoy the most about being a preceptor is seeing a learner/new grad nurse become more comfortable in their practice. I enjoy the conversations behind the care – why we make certain decisions, what can we do differently next time, and how to approach situations that may not have an obvious answer. What makes precepting meaningful is that it challenges me to reflect on my own practice and stay open to other perspectives.

What is World Patient Safety Day?

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day (WPSD), to take place annually on September 17. The primary objective of WPSD is to enhance the understanding of patient safety on a global scale. This significant day encourages stakeholders (including patients, families, health care workers, health care leaders, and policy makers) to work collaboratively towards co-designing health care policies and safety interventions that truly reflect the needs and preferences of patients and families.

WPSD 2026

World Patient Safety Day 2026 focuses on addressing one of the major health concerns affecting billions of people and accounting for 74% of deaths worldwide, namely non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non-communicable diseases are long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases that can affect people of all ages and often require ongoing care throughout life. Addressing NCDs is a global priority, reflected in the United Nations political declaration on NCDs and mental health, which calls for strengthened prevention and long-term management of NCDs. Achieving these commitments requires access to safe and quality care.

Globally, one in ten patients is harmed during health care, with around half of this harm being considered preventable. People living with NCDs are particularly vulnerable to harm due to the long-term nature of their conditions, ongoing treatment needs and frequent interactions with health systems. This repeated exposure increases the likelihood of harm over time. With some conditions, such as cancer, up to one in three patients experience adverse events during care. Many people also live with multiple chronic conditions, further increasing the risk of harm.

World Patient Safety Day 2026 is, therefore, focusing on safe care for non-communicable diseases, under the slogan ‘Safe care for life!’. It calls for multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder action to ensure that no one is harmed while receiving care for NCDs.

Objectives of WPSD 2026:

• Raise global awareness of patient safety challenges associated with NCDs across the continuum of care through a primary health care approach while considering disease-related factors, health system challenges and determinants of health that may increase the risk of harm.
• Promote the meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs and communities, in identifying safety risks and co-developing solutions with health practitioners, organizational leaders and policy-makers.
• Encourage stakeholders to integrate patient safety principles across NCD-related legislation, policies, strategies and programmes, with an emphasis on strengthening PHC-oriented health systems.
• Support health workers in strengthening patient safety practices such as safer diagnosis, medication safety and meaningful patient engagement.

Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay safe.

Find out more and watch a short video on ‘Safe care for life!’ here: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-patient-safety-day/2026#