For more information, please reach out to Janet Sharun at janet.sharun@tbh.net.

Welcome to the first edition of the Bridge Northwest Quarterly Newsletter! This publication is a source for updates, highlights, and important milestones as our region transitions to Meditech Expanse. Stay up to date with ongoing news and updates by subscribing here: Contact – Bridge Northwest

Thank you to those who have completed the HSO Global Workforce Survey and congratulations to this week’s prize winner.

Adrienne, Surgical Day Care – $50 Waterfront District 

Don’t miss your chance to win one of our weekly prizes, including six months free parking! 

To complete the survey click here.

Once you have completed the survey, use the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSO to enter into the prize draws.

Once entered, your name will stay in for the remaining draws.

A reminder that the survey closes August 25, 2025 or until a minimum response rate of 50% is achieved.

Perkopolis is offering TBRHSC an exclusive deal for CNE 2025 — with up to 47% off admission and ride passes.

This limited-time offer is live now, with maximum savings available until August 14. It’s a great way to enjoy one of Toronto’s biggest summer events with friends or family.

Check out the poster below on how to register.

The Maternity Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) provides prenatal care for the residents of Thunder Bay and surrounding region. Our team is committed to providing evidence-based maternity care that is safe, respectful and culturally sensitive.

Self-referral can be made to be seen by a Nurse Practitioner, Family Medicine Physician, Social Worker, Kinesiologist, Dietician, and Lactation Consultant.

To be seen by an Obstetrician, a referral is needed from your primary health care provider or midwife.

During pregnancy, you are welcome to call the Maternity Centre to schedule an appointment with one of our prenatal care providers. All of our programs are accessible with your Ontario health card.

TBRHSC’s Maternity Centre welcomes the 126 babies born at our Hospital during the month of July. Congratulations on the new bundles of joy!

Find out more about our services by visiting https://bit.ly/TBRHSC-Maternity-Centre-info

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Javier Bonacina has joined the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a full-time General Cardiologist with the Department of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Bonacina earned his Medical Degree from the National University of Tucumán in Argentina. He holds specialty certifications in both Cardiology and Cardiac Electrophysiology, having trained at the National University of Tucumán and the National University of La Plata, respectively. Dr. Bonacina brings extensive experience in advanced cardiac electrophysiology, having completed a two-year Adult Advanced Invasive Electrophysiology Fellowship at McMaster University’s Hamilton General Hospital, where his work included electrophysiology lab procedures, cardiac device implantation, and arrhythmia clinics.

Dr. Bonacina served as an Electrophysiologist at leading medical centers in Argentina, including Yunes Clinic and Hospital Angel C. Padilla. He has presented at numerous national and international conferences and contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications on the topics of cardiac arrhythmias, electrophysiology, and heart failure.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, he is passionate about collaborative patient care and medical education, and is known for his commitment to advancing arrhythmia management and cardiac health.

Let’s all extend a warm welcome to Dr. Javier Bonacina!

Emancipation Day is observed annually on August 1, to mark the day in 1834 when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect—however, full emancipation for enslaved peoples in Canada would not be realized until several years later, on July 31, 1838.  

Although slavery was abolished in Canada, Black and Indigenous communities—including the descendants of those who were enslaved—continue to experience systemic racism and discrimination, and social and health inequities that contribute to disparities in health outcomes, and negative impacts to physical and mental health.

Many Canadians remain unaware of Canada’s participation in the transatlantic slave trade, and the enslavement of Indigenous Peoples. This day is therefore an important opportunity to acknowledge Canada’s history, and to commit to addressing anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) recognizes the importance of providing culturally-safe and responsive care, and fostering an inclusive environment for our patients, their families, and our staff. In order to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do, TBRHSC will:

1. Develop a Black Health Plan. The Black Health Plan will be a roadmap to creating equitable health conditions for Black populations
2. Continue to advance culturally-safe care through staff education and training, and cultural activities and initiatives at TBRHSC
3. Provide culturally safe services. Indigenous Care Coordinators, the Traditional Wellness Coordinator, Spiritual Care Associates, and Patient Advocates support patients’ unique preferences, needs, values, and culture throughout their care journey

To learn more about Emancipation Day, please go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/emancipation-day.html

To learn more about the social determinants and inequities for Black populations, please go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health/social-determinants-inequities-black-canadians-snapshot.html