I would like to begin my first report of 2025 by expressing gratitude to our incredible staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners for their hard work over the holidays. The holiday season is typically a very busy time for our Emergency Department and with the influx of respiratory illnesses, these past couple of months were no exception to previous years. Thank you for your dedication to providing the highest quality care to the people of Northwestern Ontario.

As mentioned, the Hospital has seen an increase of respiratory illnesses within our Inpatient Clinical Units and respiratory-related visits to our Emergency Department. As part of our commitment to keeping everyone safe, there are masking protocols in certain areas of our facilities. Masking is required by all staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers, and Essential Care Partners/Care Partners (ECPs/CPs) when entering a patient room in all Inpatient Clinical Units and when in the Emergency Department. Masks are available at all of our public entrances on the sanitizing stands.

Another key component to reducing the spread of illness is hand hygiene. Washing your hands with soap and water or by using hand sanitizer helps reduce the spread of disease. All patients, visitors, staff and volunteers are asked to wash their hands when entering the Hospital, or make use of the hand sanitizer dispensers available throughout the facility.  We certainly appreciate your cooperation with masking and proper hand hygiene as together, both reduce the risk of spreading illness and help us keep the community safe.

The holiday season was also marked by the kindness and generosity of staff. Throughout December, departments came together to provide donations for those in need in our Hospital and community. Staff from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Informatics Team raised over $600 for our Hospital’s Patient Clothing Cupboard. The money will be used by our volunteers to purchase new socks and underwear for patients in need. The Emergency Department raised $3,700 for the Children’s Aid Society’s Holiday Hamper Program with additional cash donations to the Dew Drop Inn and the Regional Food Distribution Association. The Renal Food Cupboard, which is managed and maintained by members of the North West Regional Renal Program at our Hospital, collects kidney-friendly food items for renal patients throughout the year. This team continued their annual Christmas food drive campaign to support that collection, which was organized by the Health Care and EMS Prayer Chain and helped by donations from Renal Program staff. The willingness of staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers to contribute and support these initiatives has a significant impact on some of our most vulnerable patients, who rely on the food and clothing cupboards daily. A special thank you goes out to those who coordinated these collection drives, as their hard work and dedication in organizing such efforts not only make a difference in the lives of our patients but also inspire others to give.

December brought with it investments from the Ontario government to support sustainability and improve access to care. More than $14 million in funding was announced to support staffing and operations at our Hospital to address financial pressures while meeting the unique needs of the region’s population. This is an additional investment to the organization’s base funding, supporting both immediate needs and long-term improvements. The Province is also providing funds to build a new, state-of-the-art emergency mental health and addictions assessment and observation area, ensuring the Hospital is better equipped to deliver responsive and comprehensive care to those in crisis. Once opened, the new mental health area will include a new space designed to provide care in a safe and private setting for patients and their families, ensuring individuals in crisis have access to critical services quickly and close to home.

In addition, the month of January ended with a significant funding announcement from the Ontario government that will enable us to enhance cardiovascular surgery services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. The $93 million for infrastructure will allow us to establish a Cardiovascular Surgery Program. The overall project aims to revolutionize the landscape of cardiovascular care within our Hospital and deliver transformative impacts on the health and well-being of individuals throughout Northwestern Ontario. The addition of these critical services will hold immense significance, offering life-saving cardiovascular interventions that will improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for long-distance travel to other hospitals in our Province. The project will facilitate lasting enhancements in the quality of care, ensuring a better future for healthcare in our region

Thank you to all those who purchased tickets for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation’s 50/50 lottery, resulting in December’s record-breaking grand prize of $6,436,355. Proceeds from the 50/50 have funded many projects at our Hospital including an MRI retrofit, PET/CT scanner, renovations in the Emergency Department and Cancer Centre, and many other initiatives that improve closer-to-home care for everyone in our community. This past year the Foundation through your donations contributed $6.6 million to our Hospital – we are incredibly grateful. I would also like to recognize the generosity of The Hearts at Home Campaign and the funding raised for the Cardiovascular Surgery Project that will help support the project. The Foundation’s work makes a huge impact on health care for residents in Northwestern Ontario and supports the Hospital’s vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time.

Patricia Lang
Chair, Board of Directors
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

New equipment is enhancing patient participation in cardio sessions, thanks to Employee Donors like you!

Meet Victoria F., Kinesiologist (left), and Janey P., Registered Nurse (right), proudly showcasing the new finger pulse oximeters and digital scale purchased thanks to generous support from the Employee Giving Fund.

The digital scale has streamlined the intake process; meanwhile, having more finger pulse oximeters means more patients can use equipment simultaneously during classes—reducing wait times, eliminating hassle, and allowing for increased participation in cardio sessions.

Your donations truly make a difference in patient care — thank you!

If you have any questions about your Employee Donations, or would like to sign up, please contact: Ryan Moore @ extension 7112 | ryan.moore@tbh.net

If you are interested in joining the Employee Giving Committee, please contact Rob Srigley at robert.srigley@tbh.net.

On April 1st, 2023, Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Dibenjikewin Onaakonikewin (KIDO), also known as KI Family Law (English translation), was officially launched and became operational. This means that Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) is exercising jurisdiction over their own child, youth and family services for the community members of Big Trout Lake, wherever the residents may reside, On-KI and Off-KI, throughout Canada and internationally.

Bill C-92, an “Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families”, is the catalyst for KIDO’s official status to exercise its jurisdiction for its children, youth and families. Bill C-92 is Canada’s legal framework recognizing the inherent right of Indigenous self-government over children and family services. The inherent right to self-government is affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.

KIDO, the “KI Family Law” has a vision is to create healthy self, healthy family, and healthy community. The emphasis of service is on family healing and maintaining connections within families and the community of Big Trout Lake. KIDO’s mission is that our dibenjikewinan (families) can raise our awaashishag (children) and oshkaadizag (youth) in healthy homes.

If you have concerns for the well-being of a child or youth with a parent or an elder who is a KI member please make a referral to KIDO for support. KIDO offers 24/7 services. Please call the number listed below as soon possible. If you are unsure which community the patient or family is from, any call to a child protection organization will fulfill your duty to report requirement.

1-833-982-KIDO (5436)

KIDO must respond immediately or as soon as reasonably possible. KIDO has the legal authority to ensure the well-being of KI members. KIDO employees will always wear their Staff ID badges when responding to emergency calls.

For more information, please visit: www.kido209.ca

Throughout the month of February, we are featuring our cardiac program teams at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, in recognition of their incredible work helping cardiac patients from across Northwestern Ontario.

February is Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health. In recognition of this important month, we are shining a spotlight on the dedicated teams who tirelessly deliver outstanding cardiac care across our Hospital. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment to improving patient outcomes play a crucial role in ensuring healthier hearts in our community.

Cardiovascular Perfusionists are integral members of the operating room team, working alongside skilled cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure seamless surgical procedures. Their role involves expertly managing cardiopulmonary bypass, a critical process that relies on the sophisticated heart-lung machine and a range of specialized equipment designed for the cardiac operating room. With precision and care, these professionals maintain and monitor the patient’s blood circulation and oxygenation, allowing surgeons to perform life-saving interventions.

The future Cardiovascular Surgery Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre represents an exciting opportunity to elevate patient care, requiring four dedicated cardiovascular perfusionists who will provide high-quality support around the clock. Aligning with our One Program Two Sites model, we are proud to have one fully trained cardiovascular perfusionist making a meaningful impact at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. Additionally, two other individuals are diligently pursuing their studies at the renowned Michener Institute of Education at the University Health Network (UHN). Our final candidate is actively completing the application process with the Michener Institute, and we look forward to the hopeful news of their acceptance into the 2025 academic program, which will further empower our vision of delivering exceptional care to every patient, every time.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these extraordinary team members for their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions, which will significantly enhance the health and well-being of our region. Their commitment not only reflects their professionalism but also underscores the compassion and care they bring to every interaction, making a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.

Each year in February, Canada observes Black History Month—a time to honor the significant achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. It also serves as a moment to reflect on the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Black people in Canada, while reaffirming our commitment to dismantling the power structures that perpetuate anti-Black racism. This observance encourages us to work toward a more inclusive and equitable future for Black Canadians.

The United Nations has declared 2025 as the beginning of the “Second International Decade for People of African Descent,” acknowledging that while some progress was made in the first decade, inequities and anti-Black racism continue to persist. The second decade renews calls for social justice and emphasizes the needs to take concrete actions towards change.

Throughout the month of February, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator, in collaboration with the EDI Steering Committee, will showcase the contributions of Black Canadians to our healthcare system, highlight local community events that celebrate Black culture, and share a curated list of books by Black authors that reflect on anti-racism and the ongoing fight for equity.

Did you know? February was officially recognized as Black History Month in December 1995, when the motion was passed unanimously in the House of Commons. The Senate officially recognized February as Black History Month in 2008.

Have you ever wondered about the significance of the colours used during Black History Month?

You may have noticed that Black History Month often features black, red, green, and gold/yellow. These colours are derived from the Pan-African Flag—a black, green, and red flag that was created by Marcus Garvey in 1920; and the red, green, and yellow of the Ethiopian flag. These colours symbolize the resilience and liberation of Black people, and each colour holds special significance:

• ⚫Black: Represents Black skin, and the resilience of Black people.
• 🔴Red: Represents the blood of those who have been lost throughout history to enslavement, colonization, and other forms of violence.
• 🟢Green: Represents the rich greenery of Africa.
• 🟡Yellow: Represents Ethiopia, the only African country that evaded colonization. Yellow therefore denotes optimism, justice, and equality.

Are you interested in community events honouring Black History Month?

Check out the list below to see what is taking place throughout February. Please note this list will be updated as more events are announced. Are you aware of Black History Month events that we do not have listed? Feel free to submit event links for consideration, by email, to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net

Black History Month: Tuwii Business Market
Where: Goods & Co – 251 Red River Road, Thunder Bay
When: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information: https://allevents.in/thunder%20bay/tuwii-black-owned-business-market/200027710656619

Black History Month: Tuwiii Gala Dinner
Where: Goods & Co – 251 Red River Road, Thunder Bay
When: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
For more information: https://allevents.in/thunder%20bay/tuwii-black-owned-business-market/200027710656619

To learn more about Black History Month, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html