International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually on September 23, during the International Week of Deaf People. This day is an opportunity to bring awareness to the Deaf community, Deaf Culture, and the importance of protecting the human rights of all sign language users.

Throughout the world, there are over 70 million Deaf people using more than 300 sign languages. Sign languages are fully realized visual languages with unique grammatical structures that use handshapes, movements, and expressions to convey meaning. Sign languages may be an individual’s first language, with their country’s official language being their second language. In Canada, this may include American Sign Language (ASL) and English, and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) and French.

Accessing Sign Language Interpretation Services

Do you need Sign Language Interpretation Services for your patient? Below you will find options for accessing Sign Language Interpretation.  

LanguageLine

InSight Video interpreting offers interpretation services by medically trained interpreters, in 140 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), which is available 24/7.

To access ASL interpretation services using InSight Video interpreting services, please use your unit/department iPad, and follow the instructions posted in the InSight Video Interpreting quick reference guide. The guide can be found here.

Remember to have your unit-specific Secured Access Code prior to initiating services, as the interpreter will ask you for this information. If you do not have your unit’s Secured Access Code, please request this from your Manager.

It is important to establish a stable internet connection; to do this, please ensure that your iPad is connected to TBRHSC’s WiFi, rather than free WiFi options. To connect an iPad to TBRHSC’s account, please contact the Help Desk at: 807-684-6411.

*Please note that there is a fee for service

Canadian Hearing Services

Canadian Hearing Services offers On-demand Quick Access Interpreting as well as Emergency Interpreting for various sectors, including healthcare.

Video-remote sign language interpreting is available 24/7 in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ). To learn more about these services, visit the Canadian Hearing Services website.

To access emergency sign language interpretation through Canadian Hearing Services, please contact them at:

Phone: 1-866-518-0000

Email: urgent@chs.ca

Text: 416-712-6637

*Please note that there is a fee for service, and manager approval may be required. Please give priority to the LanguageLine service, and use Canadian Hearing Services as an alternative if LanguageLine is unavailable, or in other exceptional or emergency circumstances.

To learn more about the International Day of Sign Languages, please check out the United Nations’ website.

To learn more about how to work respectfully with Sign Language Interpreters, please go to the Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters website.

To enhance Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC), Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has transformed the ICU waiting room into a more welcoming and comfortable space. This thoughtful redesign features new furniture, vibrant paint, and the inspiring integration of student artwork from Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School. By fostering an inviting environment, TBRHSC aims to support families during challenging moments while celebrating local student talent. The artwork will be refreshed annually or semi-annually, ensuring a dynamic and engaging space for all who visit.

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tncc-trauma-nursing-core-course-november-2025-tickets-1712163269429?aff=oddtdtcreator

Exciting News – We’re Upgrading Our Help Desk Call Centre Platform!

Mark your calendars: September 30th is the big day.

We’re rolling out a brand-new Help Desk call centre platform designed to make your Help Desk experience smoother, faster, and easier. Thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation as we make this exciting transition.

Why You’ll Love the New Platform

• One Number, Anytime: No more guessing which number to call. Just one line, available day or night for local or toll-free calling.

Local: 807-684-6411

Toll-Free: 1-888-291-9636

• Smarter Call Routing: Early identification helps us connect you with the right team.
• Future Self-Service Perks: Coming soon—chat support, self-service password resets, access to helpful documents, and knowledge articles.
• Major Incident reporting: Major incidents will be updated on the contact centre as soon as they are reported.

What to Expect When You Call

• Duo Phone Number:
  When you call the Help Desk, you’ll be asked for the 10-digit phone number linked to your Multifactor Authentication Duo account (usually your cell number). This helps us recognize you quickly! Don’t worry, you can always skip this step.
• Main Menu Options:
  Once identified, you’ll have clear choices right from the start:
  1. Get an update on an existing incident or service request
  2. Reset your password / unlock your account
  3. Report an issue (log an incident)
  4. Make a request (log a service request)

Have questions before launch? Reach out anytime: help.desk@tbh.net.

We are excited to share with you this month’s edition of our Healthy Benefits Newsletter, written by Selectpath’s Education Specialist, Emily Simpson. Each edition is packed with valuable insights and information designed to enrich your understanding and engagement with topics that matter to you. 

Additionally, EWSNetwork has provided Selectpath clients with their September 2025 Wellness Newsletter.

Shared on behalf of Quality and Risk Management

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There have been reports of bears on Hospital property near entrances. Please be mindful of your surroundings and remain on high alert while travelling within the hospital perimeter areas, especially near garbage cans.  While black bears are generally shy by nature and tend to avoid human contact (attacks are extremely rare), we still ask that staff, patients and visitors follow these precautions to stay safe: 

• If encountering a bear, do not approach the animal or attempt to feed it;
• When on property, arrange to walk in pairs or groups or contact TBRHSC Security (Tel. 684-6509) if an escort is required to walk to or from parking lots;
• Be aware of your surroundings and use an alternative door if you witness a bear at  the Hospital access points;
• Contact Security at 684-6509 if you should witness a bear on property;

 To learn more about bear encounters and prevention, please visit the following web link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise.

Effective immediately, the new hours of operation for Seasons Gift Shop at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre are:

Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday (CLOSED)