During National Biomedical Engineering Week (May 18-24), we acknowledge the important role of Biomedical Engineering Services in Ontario’s health care system.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Biomedical Engineering Technologists and Technicians use their knowledge and training to maintain, repair and help with the selection of medical devices and health technology used for patient care at TBRHSC and in Northwestern Ontario.
As an integral part of the patient’s health care team, we thank all Biomedical Engineering Technologists and Technicians for their hard work and dedication!
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Biomedical Engineering team.
May 19 is Personal Support Worker Day. It’s an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the vital contributions of Personal Support Workers (PSWs) to Ontario’s most vulnerable residents.
In Ontario, PSWs provide care to any person who requires personal assistance with activities of daily living. The PSWs who work at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre look after a broad range of supportive activities across many areas of the Hospital, including assisting with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, mobility, getting dressed, assisting patients with meal selection, the delivery of nourishments, and assisting with feeding as needed. Please join us in thanking our PSWs for everything that they do.
The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program provides free, evidence-based, short-term cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for adults experiencing mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and related conditions. Services are delivered by trained therapists and are accessible via self-referral. More information in link below.
Key Features of the program:
Complementary to Employee & Family Assistance Programs (EFAP): OSP can be a next step for individuals needing more targeted therapy after an initial EFAP consultation or for those who may not have success with EFAP options.
No Cost: Services are publicly funded, removing financial barriers for staff who may not have extended EFAP coverage or who require longer-term, structured care.
Access to Trained Therapists and Stepped Care: The program offers a range of service options from self-guided resources (Bounceback, iCBT, Tranquility, Mindbeacon) to individual 1-1 therapy, depending on the client’s needs.
Therapists all across the region: OSP works through a network of organizations and has therapists in Kenora, Dryden, Fort Frances, Thunder Bay and Marathon, Additionally there are two traveling therapists and clients can have telephone and virtual meetings.
Shared on behalf of Wayne Taylor, Director, Cardiovascular, Medicine & Renal Program Regional Director, NW Regional Renal Program, Ontario Renal Network and Caroline Fanti, Director Regional Surgical Services
As of May 21st, 2025, ALL referrals for vascular assessment will now be received via the Cardiovascular Central Intake to be triaged to the RAVE clinic or the North of Superior Vascular Surgery offices (excluding dialysis access-related, which continue to be managed via the Renal Department at TBRHSC).
Please see the attached NEW Vascular Services Referral Form (FCS-490) available via the TBRHSC Print Shop. This form REPLACES the former RAVE Clinic referral form (CS-1077). The form is available from the TBRHSC Print Shop at no charge via TBRHSC.PrintShop@tbh.net.
Please remove the discontinued RAVE Clinic form from circulation in your office(s).
As always, referrals can be sent via fax to the Central Intake at 807-684-9561.
Additionally, referrals can also be completed via the OCEAN platform through the TBRHSC Cardiovascular Services Intake OR via the TBRHSC Surgical Services Intake.
As a reminder, a complete Vascular Services referral must include:
Completed Vascular Services Referral Form
A note including medical history
A current medication list
Relevant diagnostic imaging if NOT available via Sectra PACS at TBRHSC
Please also see attached Frequently Asked Questions for reference and do not hesitate to contact the Coordinator of Cardiovascular Services at (807)-684-6206 with any questions or concerns.
We invite you to join us for a special lunchtime screening of the powerful National Film Board documentary Finding Dawn, which explores the stories of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) across Canada.
This moving film by Métis filmmaker Christine Welsh sheds light on the human rights crisis affecting Indigenous communities and honors the lives of those who have been lost. It is an important opportunity for reflection, learning, and dialogue as we continue our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, observed annually on May 17, serves as a meaningful occasion to celebrate gender and sexual diversity, recognize the progress achieved toward greater equity for members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and raise awareness about the ongoing challenges they continue to face.
What are homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia?
The terms homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia describe attitudes and beliefs that create barriers for individuals based on their perceived membership in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
In the health care system, recognizing these perspectives highlights opportunities to promote equity and understanding, inspiring efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Throughout Pride Month in June, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee’s Pride Working Group will be hosting several events to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. Stay tuned to the Daily Informed Newsletter for more details.
To learn more about the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, please click here.
As part of the preparation activities for MEDITECH Expanse, Bridge Northwest is asking staff to complete a brief survey to help identify ways to enhance your support during the Program.
Thank you for taking two minutes to share your thoughts!
Congratulations Rita Tosolini, recipient of the Patient Experience Award.
Excerpt from nomination letter
Rita Tosolini is as an exemplary nurse who consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional patient care. Rita embodies the very essence of nursing excellence, demonstrating unwavering dedication, compassion, and professionalism in meeting the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of every patient.
From the moment patients enter Rita’s care, they are met with a warm demeanor and a genuine sense of empathy that immediately puts them at ease. Whether it is a routine check-up or a critical medical situation, Rita ensures that every patient feels valued and heard. She takes the time to listen attentively to their concerns, answer their questions thoroughly, and advocate for their needs. Her ability to establish trust and build strong rapport with patients and their families is truly remarkable.
What sets Rita apart is her holistic approach to patient care. She recognizes that healing extends beyond addressing physical ailments—it also involves supporting the emotional and mental well-being of her patients. For instance, during a particularly challenging case involving a terminally ill patient, Rita not only managed the patient’s pain effectively but also provided emotional support to the family by offering guidance, comfort, and resources during an incredibly difficult time. Her ability to balance clinical expertise with empathetic care left a lasting impact on everyone involved.
In addition to her compassionate approach, Rita consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical skills and attention to detail. She remains vigilant in monitoring her patients’ conditions, quickly identifying any changes that require intervention. Her proactive approach has prevented complications on numerous occasions, ensuring optimal outcomes for her patients. Moreover, she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in nursing practices and applies evidence-based techniques to deliver the highest standard of care.
Rita is also a strong advocate for patient education. She takes the time to explain medical procedures, treatment plans, and self-care strategies in a way that is easy for patients to understand. By empowering patients with knowledge, she enables them to take an active role in their own health journey. Her dedication to education extends beyond her patients; she serves as a mentor to new nurses on the team, fostering a culture of learning and excellence within the workplace.
Beyond her individual contributions, Rita is an integral part of the healthcare team. She collaborates seamlessly with colleagues across disciplines to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for every patient. Her positive attitude and willingness to support others create an uplifting environment that inspires everyone around her.
In summary, Rita exemplifies what it means to be an exceptional nurse. Her unwavering commitment to meeting all the needs of her patients—physical, emotional, and psychological—sets a standard of excellence that is truly inspiring. It is an honor to work alongside someone who makes such a profound difference in the lives of others every single day.
