Shared on behalf of Practice and Learning

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Please be informed that all employees now have access to Elsevier Clinical Skills, a leading evidence-based resource for clinical procedures. This resource can be accessed via an icon on your ZENworks Application Window.

Elsevier Clinical Skills provides staff with up-to-date, evidence-informed guidance to support safe and competent practice. The platform offers step-by-step procedural checklists, quick-reference summaries, high-quality instructional videos, and patient-education materials. These resources are designed to reinforce learning, support skill development, and promote standardization of best practices across clinical areas. The content is updated regularly to reflect current evidence and guidelines.

It is important to note that this resources augments Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) internal policies and procedures, and therefore they should remain the primary source of guidance for clinical practice. In situations where no internal policy exists, Elsevier’s Online Clinical Skills Resource may be used to support your understanding and guide you in completing the skill.

TBRHSC employees who wish to gain access to this resource from home can reach out to TBRHSC.LearningAndPractice@tbh.net to submit a request.

Boots on the Ground is a confidential, anonymous, 24/7/365 peer support line. This service offers anonymous peer support for first responders.

The phone lines are answered by trained volunteers who are active or retired from the following services: police, fire, emergency medical services, corrections, military, nursing, and emergency dispatchers/communications. Additionally, individuals outside of these professions can access this service as well, no one will be turned away. Boots on the Ground has provided phone support to many other front-line workers such as security personnel, humanitarian workers, the coast guard, border services, social workers, and emergency managers. Their vision is, “to reduce and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the First Responder community and positively impact as many lives as possible.”

To connect with Boots on the Ground, call: 1-833-677-2668

For more information, click here!

Our Long Service celebrations recognize milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of service.

Congratulations to everyone who is being recognized for 2026’s Long Service. Your dedication, commitment, and years of service have made a lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve. Thank you for the expertise, compassion, and pride you bring to your work every day.

An influenza outbreak has been declared over on 3C Surgical Inpatient, as of Monday January 12, 2026. 

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.

For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.

A respiratory outbreak has been declared over at TBRHSC Transitional Care Unit- Cedar Unit-300 North Lillie St N. as of Sunday January 11, 2026.  

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.

For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.

Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital and Facility Services

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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)
• Parking information and Hospital map
• Hotels offering preferred rates
• Ways to share feedback
• And much more!

The resource is now available in both print copy and electronic format on the Hospital’s website.

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

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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.

There are a variety of new certificate courses available for Winter 2026.

To checkout the available courses, click here!

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.