Shared on behalf of Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute
In follow-up to the appointment into the role of Vice President, Facilities, Capital Planning, Support Services, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of both TBRHSC and TBRHRI, please note the following transition of portfolios that will be effective February 24, 2025:
Support Services (Nutrition, Housekeeping and Laundry) will transition from Jeannine Verdenik, VP, People and Culture, to Justin Garofalo, VP, Facilities, Capital Planning, Support Services
TBRHRI CFO will transition from Dino Armenti, Director of Finance, to Justin Garofalo, VP, Facilities, Capital Planning, Support Services and CFO.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Jeannine and Dino who have diligently overseen the above portfolios during this interim period. Their guidance and support have ensured continuity of our operations and shown exemplary leadership.
Jessica Logozzo, VP, Strategy and Regional Transformation, will continue to oversee Information Technology and Information Services at this time.
We appreciate your support as we re-balance our operations.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
Please be advised that the respiratory outbreak has been declared OVER at TBRHSC-TCU (Transitional Care Unit) inpatient unit. All restrictions have been lifted.
Outbreak #2262-2025-00016
Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
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.
In collaboration with the existing provincial transport teams and ORNGE, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Paediatric Emergency Transport Team is drastically improving access to care and reducing wait times for patients in communities across Northwestern Ontario, so they can receive the emergency care they need as fast as possible.
The transport team will eventually operate 24/7 and will consist of one registered respiratory therapist (RRT) and one registered nurse (RN), supported by a paediatrician.
We’d like to introduce you to a couple of vital members of the PETT — Jordan, an RRT, and Michelle, an RN.
Name: Jordan Z.
Position: Transport Registered Respiratory Therapist
What is your role on the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team?
General duties that fall under the RRT role that is completed within the hospital (airway management, invasive and non-invasive ventilation management, oxygen therapy, etc.), second assist for Transport RN (intravenous line insertion, blood collection and testing, medication delivery, second check for medications, etc.), and extended advanced skills (intraosseous needle insertion, chest tube insertion, needle thoracentesis).
Why did you want to be a part of this team?
Being a part of a new program is always exciting and I wanted to be a part of it. Gaining enhanced skills that translate to my every day practice.
How does having a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to the team’s overall success?
Having a team filed with individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills contributes to the success of this program by giving alternate perspectives and ideas on patient care, and it broadens overall skillset which increases the ability to problem solve and adapt in high stress scenarios.
Photo: Jordan Z., a registered respiratory therapist on the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team.
Name: Michelle Lockhart
Position: Registered Nurse, NICU/PETT
What is your role on the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team?
As a registered nurse on the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team, my role is to provide critical care to paediatric patients during transport to and from various health care facilities. This involves assessing the patient’s condition, managing any medical needs, and ensuring their safety throughout the journey. We may be transporting a patient from TBRHSC to a tertiary paediatric hospital for specialized care, transporting them back from the tertiary centre, or transporting them to TBRHSC from a rural or northern hospital or nursing station. I work in a team with a registered respiratory therapist to stabilize the patient and provide interventions like administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and performing or assisting with life-saving procedures as needed.
Why did you want to be a part of this team?
I wanted to be a part of this team because I’m passionate about providing specialized, life-saving care to critically ill or injured neonatal and paediatric patients, and I thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Working on this team allows me to use my skills to make a tangible difference during critical moments. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with a dedicated group of health care professionals, with the added challenge of delivering complex care outside of a traditional hospital setting. Most importantly, I’m motivated by the chance to support both the children and their families during some of their most vulnerable moments, ensuring they feel safe and cared for during transport.
How does having a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds contribute to the team’s overall success?
Having a team of individuals from diverse backgrounds greatly contributes to the team’s overall success by bringing different perspectives, experiences, and skill sets that enhance problem-solving and decision making. Diverse teams are better equipped to identify and adapt to the unique needs of patients, improving patient care and family interactions.
Photo: Michelle Lockhart, a registered nurse on the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team.
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 (ECG) – capturing heart rhythms to assist in diagnosis
Echocardiography (Echo Lab) – using ultrasound to assess heart function
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
Cardiology Technologists 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!
Members of the Paedatric Emergency Transport Team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
A new team dedicated to transporting neonates and infants has started performing patient transfers at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).
In collaboration with the existing provincial transport teams and ORNGE, TBRHSC’s Paediatric Emergency Transport Team (PETT) is drastically improving access to care and reducing wait times for patients in communities across Northwestern Ontario, so they can receive the emergency care they need as fast as possible.
Prior to establishing this team, infants in need of emergency care had to wait at hospitals or health centres for transport teams from southern Ontario or Manitoba to be transferred to Thunder Bay or other tertiary centres. TBRHSC’s dedicated team will have a positive impact on timely access to care for infant patients across Northwestern Ontario – particularly for remote and Indigenous communities – and will help save the lives of some of Ontario’s youngest patients.
“This dedicated transport team provides specialized care that supports the unique care needs for the paediatric population of Northwestern Ontario,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC, CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “This vital service will improve health outcomes for newborns and infants requiring urgent or emergent care when transport to a tertiary care centre is needed.”
With this new team, Northwestern Ontario patients aged newborn to 12 months who require urgent or emergent care at a higher level than is in their community, will be transported by PETT and brought to the accepting hospital, depending on their needs. The transport team will eventually operate 24/7 and will consist of one registered respiratory therapist (RRT) and one registered nurse (RN), supported by a paediatrician.
“The specialized Paedatric Emergency Transport Team ensures that infants in the North have access to advanced care when they need it,” states Crystal Edwards, Director of Women and Children’s and Mental Health Programs at TBRHSC and Director of the Transport Team. “This effort brings us closer to harmonizing health care in Northwestern Ontario with the rest of the province. It will allow for relationship-building and shared skills and knowledge between the team and the regional hospitals and remote nursing stations. We are grateful for the support of our partners to make this a reality.”
To support PETT and its operations, a second paediatric transfer deck — used for transporting patients safely and efficiently — was recently added thanks to the generosity of donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and a matching contribution from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. While one paediatric transfer deck was already in operation, a second deck was needed to ensure the team can respond to even more critically ill children. To complete this deck, the Health Sciences Foundation successfully fundraised for two essential pieces of equipment: a ventilator and a defibrillator.
The Paediatric Emergency Transport Team will be implemented in phases, starting with coverage to stabilize and transfer newborns and infants up to 12 months of age, with the future plan to transport a larger paediatric population.
Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, Vice President, Patient Experience, Chief Nursing Executive and Regional Vice President, Regional Cancer Care
As we move ahead with the next phase of our scheduling system upgrade, I am pleased to announce the official launch of Andgo Smartcall and Shift Prebooking for all areas managed by the Staffing Office. The go-live date is March 3, 2025.
What This Means for You:
Starting March 3, the Staffing Office will no longer call staff about available shifts.
Shift notifications will be fully automated through Andgo, making it easier and faster to stay informed.
You will be able to update your notification preferences and bid on available shifts directly through Andgo.
To ensure you are prepared for the change, drop-in information sessions are scheduled to walk you through the features and benefits of Andgo. Please refer to the attached list for session dates and times — these sessions will help you navigate the system with confidence. Additionally, look out for roaming education on your units between February 18–28, where our team will be available to answer any questions and guide you through the transition.
We are also excited to share that the Mental Health Program and Women and Children Program are pilot units, experiencing Andgo before the full rollout. We are eager for the rest of the units to get started, as Andgo will give you more control over your scheduling and shift bidding, streamlining the entire process.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to your supervisor, visit the Andgo Resource Page, or contact a member of the Andgo Implementation Team.
Thank you for your continued support and excitement as we roll out this innovative new system.
Shared on behalf of Chris McNaughton, Administrative Manager 2A/2B/2C and TCU
I am pleased to announce that Rachel Lyon has accepted the position of Patient Care Manager, 2B Medical Inpatient Unit effective March 24, 2025.
Rachel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, making her an excellent fit for our team. Rachel graduated from Lakehead University in 2019 and began her nursing career on 1A, working both on Medicine and on 1A Oncology, after completing her Chemotherapy/Biotherapy course through the Desouza Institute. Rachel went on to complete the Complex Malignant Hematology Course, also offered through the Desouza Institute.
After her time as a Registered Nurse on Oncology, Rachel became the first Coordinator on 1A, assisting both on the unit, and with the Complex Malignant Hematology (CMH) Clinic. She assisted with the day-to-day operations of the unit and worked closely with the Cancer Centre by supporting the team with patient admissions and follow-up appointments upon discharge.
Rachel is currently the Acting Manager on 1A where she has developed excellent leadership skills that will be invaluable in her new role. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our team and patients we serve.
Please join me in welcoming Rachel to her new role.
Photo (L-R): Louisa Gosgnach, Manager of Seasons Gift Shop & Victoria Kerr, Recipient of the 2024 Season Gift Shop Volunteer Award
Congratulations to Victoria Kerr!
We are thrilled to announce that Victoria Kerr is the recipient of the 2024 Seasons Gift Shop Volunteer Award. Victoria has been an invaluable volunteer with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) since 2019, and this award is a testament to the profound impact she has made through her dedicated service.
Victoria’s tireless commitment to the HELP program embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. Through her compassionate contributions, she has not only made a tangible difference in the lives of many but has also inspired others to join in this meaningful work.
The Seasons Gift Shop Volunteer Award includes a generous $1,000 monetary gift, sponsored by Seasons Gift Shop, which raises funds to support TBRHSC. This gift is meant to honor Victoria’s outstanding efforts and to support her continued education. As the award highlights, education plays a crucial role in the development of quality healthcare, and we hope this contribution will help Victoria further her studies.
Victoria plans to use the award to pursue her education in the Medical Radiation Technology (MRT) program, taking another step toward a bright future in health care.
Once again, congratulations, Victoria, and thank you for your exceptional dedication to making a difference!
As part of our commitment to keeping staff engaged and informed on our Strategic Plan 2026, Strategy and Performance is sharing updates in alignment with the identified priorities: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Patient Experience, Staff Experience and Research, Innovation, & Learning.
The February 12, Operational Updates and Strategic Planning Meeting featured an update on Staff Experience – Interprofessional Collaboration Strategy presented by Michelle Addison, Director, Health Professions & Collaborative Practice.
Visit the Strategic Plan 2026 page on the Hospital’s corporate intranet, where these presentations, along with other resources can be found.
