Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital and Facility Services
This memo serves as reminder that only toilet tissue is to be flushed in Hospital toilets or drains. No other materials, including but not limited to paper towels, wipes – even those labeled as ‘flushable’, gloves, hygiene products, or other items, are to be disposed of through the Hospital’s sewer system.
Recently, we experienced a major sewer line backup that resulted in operational disruption, including the temporary relocation of patients, and significant mitigation efforts. Investigations determined that improper items flushed into the system were the contributing factor.
To protect patients, maintain a safe environment, and avoid future disruptions, please ensure you are following proper disposal procedures. Appropriate trash and biohazard receptacles are available throughout the facility. If you require additional receptacles, please reach out to your direct Manager/Supervisor or Housekeeping.
The Communications and Engagement team is pleased to provide the latest version of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Patient Care Resource.
This guide is designed to help patients, families, and care partners quickly find the information they need when accessing Hospital services or visiting our facility. It brings together helpful details from departments across the Hospital, including:
Specialized programs (e.g., Indigenous Care Coordinators, Hospital Elder Life Program)
Support services (e.g., Patient Advocate, Spiritual Care, Ethics Support)
On-site amenities (e.g., Wi-Fi, mail service, Flavours Cafeteria)
To arrange for pick up or delivery of print copies for your area, please contact us at TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net. Kindly note there are limited print copies available, so if able, please direct patients to the electronic version first.
For more information, or to provide feedback or input for next year’s edition of the Patient Care Resource, please reach out to a member of the Communications and Engagement team.
Please encourage patients and families to use the Patient Care Resource to learn more about the programs and services available and how we provide exceptional care for every patient, every time.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
Please be advised that the Influenza outbreak has been declared over on 3A Surgical Inpatient unit of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center as of Thursday January 8, 2026.
All restrictions have been lifted. As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.
For more information, contact: Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.
On December 24, the HELP Program spread a little holiday cheer to our elderly patients this season by handing out thoughtfully prepared Christmas stockings filled with comfort and care. The effort was made possible through the generosity of both staff and volunteers, who donated a wide variety of items to ensure each stocking felt personal and festive. From practical necessities to small treats, every contribution reflected a shared commitment to making the holidays brighter for seniors who might otherwise go without.
Adding to the spirit of giving, Turn-Key Communications made a generous donation which allowed for the purchase of juice and cookies. These treats were delivered with the stockings and warmly received by patients and their loved ones. Turn-Key Communications support helped transform a simple gesture into a joyful holiday moment, complete with smiles and gratitude. The HELP team looks forward to making this an annual event.
The Influenza A outbreak has been declared over on 2A unit as of today, January 7, 2026. All restrictions have been lifted.
Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.
We are excited to share the updated 2026 menus for the Deli and Taco Bars, as well as the everyday grill offerings (see below). On top of these great choices we have our Sodexo To Go (STG) cooler, fully stocked with fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks, and sweet treats. We also carry a wide variety of candy and chocolate bars.
Please check in with our cafeteria staff to learn more about our limited-time offers and meal deals—we look forward to serving you in the new year!
The Holiday Hand Hygiene prize draw has been temporarily paused while the Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) team addresses more urgent operational matters.
Hand hygiene remains a critical patient safety practice, and staff are reminded to continue following IPC-2-12 Effective Hand Hygiene policy, including:
Before patient contact
Before a clean or aseptic procedure
After body fluid exposure risk
After patient or patient environment contact
Thank you for your continued commitment to excellent hand hygiene. Updates on the prize draw will be shared once it resumes.
Nominees are submitted by their peers to honour their hard work and dedication to providing Exceptional care for every patient, every time!
Here is what each category stands for:
Strategy in Action Award (Senior Leadership Council to select and the Board of Directors to endorse)
Awarded to a team or initiative, which has contributed to a strategic project and/or initiative that made an impact on the patient and/or staff experience at TBRHSC.
Vision Award (Senior Leadership Council to select and the Board of Directors to endorse)
Awarded an individual or team who has contributed to our vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time. This individual or team is an outstanding contributor to our mission and vision and consistently exemplifies our values.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award
Awarded to a member or members of the hospital community who contributed to a strategic initiative that embodies the goal of “we all belong”. This individual or team embeds diversity in all they do and ensures the provision of a culturally safe experience to staff and/or patients.
Patient Experience Award
Awarded to a member or members of the hospital community who contributed to a strategic initiative that embodies the goal of “empathy, compassion and respect in every encounter”. This individual or team embeds empathy, compassion and respect into their interactions with others, is focused on quality, and is an expert in caring for patients with complex needs.
Staff Experience Award
Awarded to a member or members of the hospital community who contributed to a strategic initiative that embodies the goal of “this is where we want to work, grow and thrive”. This individual or team works diligently to ensure that staff experience a psychologically safe and just work culture, and supports the ongoing development of employees and leaders alike.
Research, Innovation, and Learning Award
Awarded to a member or members of the hospital community who contributed to a strategic initiative that embodies the goal of “prioritizing our research efforts”. This individual or team works to ensure that we support staff capacity and capability for research and success, and creates an environment supportive of research, innovation and learning.
Sustainable Future Award
Awarded to a member or members of the hospital community who contributed to a strategic initiative that embodies the goal of “ensuring our healthy future”. This individual or team embeds the principles of sustainability into their daily work and interactions with others.
