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 

Shared on behalf of Andrea Raynak – Director, Nursing Practice & Learning

Please be advised that Nursing Practice will be launching a new initiative on February 19, 2025, focused on the integration of an acuity tool.

Integrating a nurse-led acuity tool enhances patient care by providing real-time, data-driven insights into patient needs, improving resource allocation and optimizing staffing levels to ensure timely and effective interventions. As such, nurses will now include a patient score (auto populated with the completion of the acuity tool) at the end of each shift as part of the shift summary, which will be used in the transfer of care.

Due to this change, the nursing shift summary will no longer be available in the notes section of the Electronic Medical Record (EMR). The shift summary is completed as an intervention in the EMR.

For information on how to access the “Shift Summary & Acuity Tool” intervention, please see the information on the PDF below.

Thank you for your support on moving this initiative forward.

Dr. Alexandra Bastiany, Interventional Cardiologist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

The award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Dr. Bastiany has made history in Canadian medicine by becoming the first black woman to practice as an Interventional Cardiologist. As a role model, she is actively committed to addressing racial and gender inequities in health. She was the inspiration for the doll “Dr. Alex”, a cardiologist in her image, and aims to encourage young girls to believe in their dreams and to consider careers in science. Her exceptional career demonstrates that diversity and inclusion are essential to advancing medicine.

Congratulations Dr. Bastiany, on this incredible achievement, and thank you for your continuing work towards equity in health care.

“To any student from the minority, never tone yourself down. Do not lose sight of who you are. To those of you who ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to survive, spread your wings. Speak up. Stand up.”

Dr. Alexandra Bastiany