The second Clinical Cardiology and Critical Care Update is proudly presented in partnership by Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research and the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. This one-day conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. (breakfast and arrivals) to 4:30 p.m. A wide array of topics relevant to HCPs practicing in the cardiac critical care units as well as clinicians who manage patients with cardiovascular diseases will be covered across two streams of interactive learning. Visit the conference website for the full agenda and registration details.
The Screen for Life Coach has released its 2026 travel schedule with a new regional hub model designed to keep cancer screening accessible for communities across Northwestern Ontario. Operating from four hub locations between April and October 2026 will allow the Coach to continue providing uninterrupted screening services despite ongoing mechanical issues.
The Screen for Life Coach (Coach) is a mobile cancer screening bus that delivers breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening services in one convenient place.
“The current Coach is nearing the end of its lifespan after supporting cancer screening in Northwestern Ontario for 13 years,” says David McConnell, Director of the North West Regional Cancer Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “We understand the critical role the Coach plays in making screening accessible in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities where services may be limited. By adopting a temporary hub model as we wait for our new mobile screening bus, we’re able to bring screening services closer to home for communities in the region.”
The Coach will be screening in the following communities during the 2026 travel season:
Marathon (Wilson Memorial General Hospital), April 24 – May 24, 2026
Geraldton (Northern Horizon Health Centre), May 29 – June 15, 2026
Thunder Bay (location to be determined), June 27 – July 31, 2026
Dryden (Dryden Regional Health Centre), August 8 – October 5, 2026
Patients due for screening in the surrounding communities are encouraged to travel to the Coach for their appointment. Travel grants are available for those travelling 100 kilometers or more to access screening services on the Coach.
“Our schedule looks different this year but the screening services that we provide and our ability to screen remains the same,” emphasizes McConnell. “With less time spent travelling, we will be able to screen more individuals this season.”
Who should get screened?
Anyone who is eligible for breast, cervical, or colon cancer screening can visit the Coach. In Ontario, screening guidelines for average-risk individuals include:
Breast cancer screening: Women, Two-Spirit, Trans and non-binary people between the ages of 40 and 74 should have a mammogram every two years. Individuals aged 40 to 49 are eligible for breast screening on the Coach.
Cervical cancer screening: Anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 69 who has ever been sexually active should have a cervical screening test every five years.
Colon cancer screening: Individuals between the ages of 50 and 74 with no first-degree family history of colon cancer should complete a take-home colon screening kit every two years.
Screening on the Coach is available at no cost for those with a valid OHIP card. A doctor or primary care practitioner’s referral is not required for average-risk individuals within the recommended screening age ranges.
“This schedule is a temporary approach for this year as plans for a new cancer screening bus are underway that will include a more robust destination schedule, with the goal to be operational in 2027,” continues McConnell. “We look forward to sharing more updates as the launch date approaches, and we thank the public for their patience and understanding as we do our best to make screening accessible for the region.”
Booking is now open for the Screen for Life Coach’s 2026 travel season. To book an appointment for breast, cervical, or colon cancer screening on the Coach in any of the hub communities, call (807) 684-7777. For more information about the Coach, including answers to frequently asked questions about this travel season, visit tbrhsc.net/screenforlife
Each year, Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, one of the holiest months of the Muslim calendar. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 17 and conclude on March 19, with possible variation of dates based on the lunar calendar.
During the month of Ramadan, which commemorates the revelation of the Qu’ran, Muslims engage in practices such as fasting, reflection, spiritual devotion, and charity.
How to support patients during Ramadan
During Ramadan, fasting takes place from sunrise to sunset, and involves foregoing all food and drink for 11-17 hours each day, depending on the time of year in which Ramadan takes place. Although fasting is not always required for those who are sick, Muslim patients may still wish to fast. This may mean adjusting meal times to allow for religious observance.
Patients who are unable to, or choose not to fast, may still wish to engage in other observances throughout the month. Patients may also require transportation help to participate prayer observance.
Respectful Greetings
During Ramadan, respectful greetings include “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” which translate to “blessed Ramadan” and “generous Ramadan” in Arabic.
The conclusion of Ramadan is marked by the new moon, and the celebration of the festival of Eid-al-Fitr, which means “the breaking of the fast” in Arabic. Respectful greetings include “Eid Mubarak” and “Eid Sa’id,” which translate to “blessed Eid” and “Happy Eid,” respectively.
Multifaith Spaces
The Multifaith Centre is available for prayer, meditation, and sanctuary. We encourage all staff to be mindful and respectful of religious observance during Ramadan. There is also a Musallah available for staff near the Staff Wellness Room on Level 1. Please contact Spiritual Care for the code: TBRHSC.SpiritualCare@tbh.net
On behalf of TBRHSC, the Spiritual Care staff, along with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, wishes our colleagues and the Hospital community a blessed Ramadan.
Join the Healthy Living and Cancer Prevention & Screening Series on Thursday, March 5 at 2pm EST for a virtual presentation, ‘Stories and Screening: Colon Cancer and Kidney Health’.
Colon cancer survivor Norine Van Breda will share her personal story and the importance of colon cancer screening. Ramsey Broennle, Registered Nurse with the Northwest Regional Renal Program, will also provide an overview of the new Kidney Screening Program.
The Healthy Living and Cancer Prevention & Screening Series offers ongoing education and awareness about chronic disease prevention, cancer prevention and screening for Indigenous communities, partners and organizations throughout Northwestern Ontario.
No registration required. Click here to join the presentation on March 5.
The eReferral and Central Intake Playbook provides Ontario regions with a standardized framework to implement and scale eReferral and Central Intake (CI) models. It supports consistent, patient-centred intake processes that improve access, reduce wait times, and streamline referral pathways. This playbook guides Ontario Health regions and delivery partners (including hospitals, health care organizations, and community providers) in deploying eReferral and establishing Central Intake. It outlines the foundational standards, workflows, governance, and use of the referral management system (RMS) needed to support future digital integration.
Designed as a practical toolkit, it offers a structured approach to planning, readiness assessment, and implementation. While adaptable to local contexts, the framework aligns with provincial standards to ensure a seamless transition to integrated eReferral and Central Intake processes.
What’s Inside
eReferral and Central Intake Overview
Purpose and role of the tools in improving patient care
Key features that streamline referrals and communication
How the tools enable coordinated, integrated care across providers and settings
Central Intake Hub Implementation Guidance
Requirements for successful implementation
Roles and responsibilities of partners
Core processes and workflows for operating Central Intake hubs
Together, we are building a more connected, efficient, and equitable health system for all Ontarians.
Click here to read the eReferral and Central Intake Playbook.
Photo (L-R): Jonelle Czerwinski, RCT; Dawn Jacobson, RCT; Laura MacMillan, RCT; Dallon Lamarche, RCT; McKenzie Morningstar, RCT; Sydney Lemieux, ECG Technician; and Alyssa Harju-Ogima, ECG Technician.
On February 14, as part of Heart Month, we at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) recognize the dedication and expertise of our Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCTs) and Electrocardiogram (ECG) Technicians who play a vital role in the Cardiac Diagnostics Department.
RCTs are highly trained health care professionals who contribute to every aspect of cardiology, working in specialized areas such as:
Electrocardiography – capturing heart rhythms to assist in diagnosis
Pacemaker Clinic – monitoring and ensuring pacemakers are functioning properly
Stress Laboratory – conducting exercise and pharmacological stress tests to evaluate how the heart functions under exertion
Cardiac Catheterization Lab – assisting with pacemaker programming during device insertions
Holter Clinic – assessing heart rhythms for a period of time to help guide treatment
ECG Technicians at TBRHSC support clinical teams throughout the facility and keep the workflow running smoothly, which strengthens the entire department. These dedicated staff apply skill and precision to patient care every day.
Cardiology Technologists and ECG Technicians are integral to patient care, working alongside cardiologists and other health care physicians to ensure timely and accurate diagnose for heart patients across our region.
To become an RCT, you must first complete a Canadian Society of Cardiology Technologists (CSCT)-approved Cardiology Technology program and successfully pass the CSCT National Exam. There are many schools across the county with multiple delivery methods to suit most everyone’s situation.
RCTs are in high demand and there is the option of on the job training for those enrolled in an online program. To learn more about joining our team, please visit https://jobs.tbrhsc.net/.
Join us in celebrating our incredible Cardiac Diagnostics team and their dedication to heart health!
Sent on behalf of Chris McNaughton, Administrative Manager- 2A, 2B, 2C, and TCU
We are pleased to announce that Alyson Vescio has accepted the position of Temporary Full-Time Patient Care Manager for the 2B Medical Inpatient Unit.
Alyson brings nearly 15 years of clinical experience to this role and will officially join the leadership team within the Cardiovascular, Medicine & Renal Program effective April 7, 2026, while Rachel Lyon is on maternity leave.
Alyson has spent the majority of her career in emergency medicine. She began her nursing career on the Clinical Resource Team at Credit Valley Hospital before returning to Thunder Bay, where she has worked in the Emergency Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre since 2011. During this time, she developed strong expertise in acute care and later transitioned into the role of Patient Flow Coordinator on the 2B Medical Unit. In this capacity, she focused on improving patient flow, supporting timely discharges, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration.
More recently, Alyson has served as Operations Coordinator for Outpatient Medical Programs. She led the launch of the OPAT program and gained valuable experience in project development and implementation. Her work has included coordination of the Hospital to Home Program, Medical Transitions Clinic (MTC), Internal Medicine Clinics, and other outpatient services such as CCDC, Telemedicine, the Regional Bariatric Care Centre, and the Pediatric Healthy Living Program. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of complex medical care across the continuum.
In addition to her operational expertise, Alyson is a dedicated mentor to novice staff and students and consistently promotes a supportive and safe environment for learning and professional development.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Alyson to her new leadership role within the 2B Medical Inpatient Unit. We look forward to the continued strength and collaboration she will bring to the team.
It is important for Hospital staff to be able to acquire your contact information using the 411. The 411 is a “Self Serve” application which means users are responsible for managing their own contact records.
If you haven’t already done so, or if your information needs to be updated, please follow the instruction below.
Entering your name and contact information only takes a moment. Please log in to the application at https://411umgt.tbrhsc.net/ using your username and password.
If you have any questions regarding the self-serve 411, please contact Robert Srigley (Systems Specialist) at Robert.Srigley@tbh.net.
Welcome to the Affinity List Surnet Insurance – Degagne Insurance Solutions.
SurNet Insurance Group – DeGagne Insurance Solutions is a locally rooted insurance brokerage committed to providing trusted advice, personalized service, and insurance solutions designed to support individuals, families, and professionals throughout Northwestern Ontario.
Through this affinity partnership, eligible members can access preferred insurance options and professional guidance tailored to their unique needs, with the same integrity, transparency, and accountability that define our approach to quality customer service.
See our updated Affinity List for details on how to access this discount.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Regional Cardiovascular Program consists of highly skilled interdisciplinary teams who work together to provide care and support the needs of patients and families from across Northwestern Ontario for patients with conditions affecting the cardiac and vascular systems.
The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Regional Cardiovascular Program fosters the development and delivery of collaborative care across Northwestern Ontario, supporting the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with conditions affecting the cardiac and vascular system.
TBRHSC provides cardiovascular services including Cardiac Diagnostics (ECHO, Stress Testing, ECG, Holter Monitor Clinic), Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Pacemaker Clinic, Rapid Access Vascular Examination (RAVE) Clinic, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, alongside the dedicated cardiac and vascular units where patients received specialized care. Across these services, highly skilled interdisciplinary teams work together to provide care and support the needs of patients and families from across Northwestern Ontario throughout their care journey. The team consists of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, general and interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, cardiac sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers, medical radiation technologists, data specialists, clinical nurse specialists, registered cardiology technologists, ECG technicians, registered respiratory therapists, respiratory aides, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, physiotherapists, registered dietitians, pharmacists, clerical and administrative staff along with clinical leaders across the program. TBRHSC’s Regional Cardiovascular Program strives to promote collaboration, partnership, and equitable access to care in the North.
The team responsible for developing the new Cardiovascular Surgery Program is working with internal and external partners to bring cardiac surgery to Northwestern Ontario, strengthening our ability to provide specialized care close to home. This work builds on a partnership that began in 2014 with University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, using a “One Program Two Sites” model that supports shared standards, learning, and clinical expertise across teams. Phase 1 successfully introduced vascular surgery services at TBRHSC, and phase 2, now underway, focuses on launching cardiac surgery, creating new opportunities for staff growth, collaboration, and advanced practice.
“Our Regional Cardiovascular Program reflects our commitment to ensuring people across Northwestern Ontario can access high-quality, specialized cardiac and vascular care closer to home,” said Wayne Taylor, Director, Cardiovascular, Medicine and Renal Program at TBRHSC. “Through strong partnerships, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a clear focus on equity and collaboration, we are strengthening cardiovascular care across the region. The expansion of services, including the introduction of cardiac surgery, represents an important milestone for our organization and for the patients and families we serve, today and into the future.”
The expansion will include a new hybrid operating room, two operating rooms for open-heart surgery, a 14-bed Cardiovascular Surgery Unit, a six-bed Coronary Care Unit, a Cardiovascular Care Clinic and expansion of our Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) at TBRHSC. To support this expansion and the many people and families who access our services across Northwestern Ontario, the Program works closely with regional partners to promote collaborative design and equitable implementation across the region. Data guides quality improvement and service planning, supported by TBRHSC data specialists, while promoting evidence based best practice across the program. Together, the team is continuing to strengthen clinical services and regional presence to support exceptional care for every patient, every time.
