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.
What Does it Mean to Me?
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.
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:
A short photo session in your work environment
A brief quote about your role, experience, or what inspires you
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.netor 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.
Starting the week of April 20, 2026 the public washrooms on the second and third floors will be getting painted. One washroom in each area will remain open for use during the painting.
Any questions or concerns please contact Jeff MacDonald. jeffrey.macdonald@tbh.net.
Reflections From the Front Lines provides our health care professionals with an opportunity to share stories and experiences about their role in providing exceptional care for every patient, every time.
We feature these each month during our Town Hall — a virtual venue designed to keep staff, professional staff, volunteers and leaners informed about what’s happening at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.
Check out our previous episodes below (or on the Hospital’s YouTube channel), and be sure to tune in to future Town Halls for more stories.
In this episode, we hear from Lesley Robertson, one of the Medical Laboratory Assistants and a Phlebotomists on our Laboratory team. Lesley shares two patient stories that illustrate how all members of the Laboratory team work tirelessly to support our Hospital’s programs and services by providing quality results for timely diagnosis and treatment.
In this episode, we hear from Matthew, a Pharmacist, and Kristi, a Pharmacy Technician, from the Renal Department’s Pharmacy team. Matthew and Kristi share a patient story that illustrates how care coordination can help deliver care closer to home and why it is so important for patients and their families.
In this episode, we hear from Casey Ruberto, a kinesiologist with our Cardiac Rehab program. Casey shares how connecting with patients and providing empathy, compassion and respect in everything we do, leads to positive outcomes.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to connect with Judy Martinsen, a Patient Flow Operation Coordinator at our Hospital. Judy shares a pair of compelling patient stories from behind the scenes of Admitting and patient flow.
In this episode, we hear from James Stevenson, a member of the Security team here at our Hospital. James shares a touching story about how he helped contribute to a positive outcome for a patient in Adult Mental Health.
In this episode, we hear from Savanna Boucher, Indigenous Care Coordinator and Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator who will share a story about the positive outcome they saw when they incorporated Traditional Medicine into a patient’s care plan.
Desiree Towedeo, Indigenous Care Coordinator, shares a story about how she provided culturally safe care to a patient that led to improved health outcomes during their stay, and how meaningful her role as an Indigenous Care Coordinator is to her.
In this episode, we hear from Megan Valente, Coordinator of Volunteer Services. Megan shares a patient story that highlights a new initiative and showcases how volunteers play a crucial role in the patient experience.
In this episode, we will hear from Michelle Opaski, a Mammographer who works on the Screen for Life Coach. Michelle shares a patient story that highlights how bringing cancer screening services closer to home allows individuals to prioritize their health and detect cancer early.
In this episode, we hear from Nikki Cooper, and Kelti Matson – both Registered Nurses from the Peritoneal Dialysis Renal team. Nikki and Kelti have a patient story that highlights how providing education, compassion, and respect, along with cross-department collaboration, allowed for exceptional patient care.
In this episode, Lyllian Stavropoulos, Co-ordinator of Specimen Collection and Dispatch in Laboratory Services at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
In this episode, Ashley Hill, a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department, speaks about her experience with the cultural safety training called, Repairing the Sacred Circle. Repairing the Sacred Circle was designed, developed and launched by N’doo’owe Binesi at St. Joseph’s Care Group in 2022 with the support and guidance of the Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin – Elders Council.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Laura Power, an ObGyn at our Hospital. Dr. Power provides us with a look into the interprofessional and comprehensive care available at the Maternity Centre for patients in Thunder Bay and across the region.
In this episode, Mike Heerema, the Critical Care Staffing and Wellness Coordinator in our Intensive Care Unit, tells us about the Tokens of Love initiative for patients and families.
In this episode, we hear from Jessica and Jolene from the Regional Cancer Program at our Hospital.
In this episode, Danielle McLean, a Registered Nurse from the Intensive Care Unit at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
The Medical Device Reprocessing Department at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, packaging, and dispersing the tools needed for surgeries and other procedures in the Operating Rooms and throughout the Hospital.
A significant behind-the-scenes transformation is underway at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), with a major renovation and expansion of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD).
MDRD is a vital service that underpins every sterile medical procedure. The project aims to strengthen patient safety, improve care quality, and increase capacity as surgical volumes and complexity continue to rise.
MDRD is being redeveloped into a modern, purpose-built space designed to meet today’s rigorous health care standards. Planned upgrades include expanded and reconfigured work areas to streamline the flow of instruments from decontamination to sterilization, as well as the installation of advanced washers, sterilizers, and automated cart systems.
New technologies will also be introduced, such as real-time instrument tracking, barcode scanning, and digital documentation. In addition, upgraded air handling systems will enhance ventilation, pressure control, and infection prevention.
Despite the scale of the project, the department will remain fully operational throughout construction. Work is being carried out in carefully planned phases within the existing Hospital to ensure uninterrupted service.
“The upgrade is necessary to keep pace with evolving sterilization standards and increasing surgical demand,” says Phil Thompson, Director, Support Services. “Since the facility first opened, requirements for cleaning and reprocessing medical equipment have advanced significantly. The need for expansion is further driven by the introduction of new cardiovascular surgical services, which will require highly specialized instruments to be processed quickly and in strict compliance with national standards.”
The enhanced MDRD will enable the Hospital to handle higher patient volumes while meeting or exceeding current regulatory requirements.
Once complete, the new MDRD will operate as a highly organized, 24/7 environment with a clear, one-directional workflow. Instruments will move seamlessly through each stage, from decontamination and inspection to sterilization and storage.
Key features will include a closed-loop system connecting directly to surgical suites via dedicated elevators for clean and soiled equipment, as well as clearly separated zones to prevent cross-contamination. Negative air pressure will be maintained in soiled areas, with positive pressure in clean zones.
Automated systems for washing carts and instruments, improved storage solutions, and flexible design elements will support both current operations and future growth.
Cardiovascular surgery is among the most complex and resource-intensive areas of care, requiring large volumes of specialized instruments that must be meticulously processed within tight timeframes.
The expanded MDRD will increase processing capacity, maintain reliable turnaround times, and support the specialized equipment needed for cardiac and vascular surgeries. The upgrade is essential to ensuring the long-term success and safety of the cardiovascular surgery program.
As part of the project, the department will grow from approximately 7,750 square feet to 11,060 square feet—an increase of more than 40 percent. The added space will allow for improved workflow, additional equipment, and future expansion.
Renovations are being carried out in multiple stages to avoid disruptions to patient care. Initial renovations to surrounding support areas are already underway and are expected to be completed by spring 2026.
Following that, portions of the MDRD will be temporarily relocated to allow for phased upgrades within the department itself. Full completion of the project is anticipated in early 2028.
While much of this work happens out of public view, its impact is felt in every sterile procedure. This expansion ensures that TBRHSC teams have the tools, space, and systems they need to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality care, now and into the future.
Employee Donors are Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre staff who donate through payroll deductions, helping to fund Hospital equipment & upgrades in the area that means the most to them. We’ll be featuring some of the incredible Employee Givers in the Employee Donor Spotlight!
Today: Barbara Leblanc from the Laboratory. When asked why she gave, she answered:
“I am a lab technician, and I have worked in the lab for over 27 years and have started giving back at McKellar Hospital. I feel pride in where I work. Contributing financially feels like I am investing in my own team, patients, and community. Also, it is a great tax break come tax time.”
Thank you to Tbaytel, who matches annual Employee Donor contributions up to $7,500!
Are you already an Employee Donor and want to be featured in the Spotlight? Let us know, and you’ll receive a coffee card donated by Robin’s and a gift card donated by Sleeping Giant Biscotti!
Administrative Professionals Day (April 22) recognizes and celebrates the work of executive assistants, administrative assistants, clerks and other office professionals for their contributions to the workplace.
We’re calling on all administrative professionals in the Hospital and Health Research Institute to submit a high resolutionphoto of you or your team to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net by Tuesday, April 21at 4:00 p.m. These photos will be shared on the Daily Informed Newsletter and the Hospital’s socials to help celebrate this year’s edition of Administrative Professionals Day. Please include a caption with your name(s), title(s) and department.
This April marks one year since the launch of the Bridge Northwest Program — a significant milestone in our shared journey to bring Meditech Expanse to Partner Organizations across Northwestern Ontario.
Since our regional kickoff in April 2025, the Program has steadily progressed from a planning and design stage into the system build – which is underway across all Expanse modules with hundreds of dictionaries and thousands of individual pieces of clinical content being reviewed.
A Regional Effort
At the center of all this work are the people making it possible. Our Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), working group members, and local teams continue to be the driving force behind this transformation. Representing every organization, discipline, and care setting, they bring invaluable knowledge, experience, and perspective to ensure that what we are building reflects the realities of healthcare across Northwestern Ontario. Their contributions — alongside the engagement of front-line staff, professional staff, and leaders — are what make this a truly regional effort.
Participation by the Numbers
850+ individuals from the 12 Partnering Organizations have been involved to date – including 80+ professional staff and 100+ executives.
40+ Working Groups & governing bodies are currently standing.
250+ Events /Meetings have been attended by Bridge Northwest’s Change Management Team.
Technical Readiness
Device selections and infrastructure walkthroughs were completed across the 12 Partner Organization’s hospitals and care facilities.
These sessions brought Bridge Northwest teams directly into care environments to engage with frontline staff, professional staff, and leaders. By walking through real workflows and care spaces together, teams gathered practical insights that are shaping how devices will support care delivery in a way that is efficient in day-to-day realities.
5000+ device items are being ordered and configured over the summer.
Deployment of devices will begin later this Fall.
Keeping Momentum
As we mark this one-year milestone, we can also think about the year ahead of us. In the coming months, the Program will be focused on completing the system build, and carrying out testing, training, and preparation activities for Go-Live.
Together, we’ve built strong momentum in our first year. Together, we will continue building a connected future for care across Northwestern Ontario.
