Good Catch Awards highlight individuals, groups or departments who demonstrate their commitment to keeping patients safe by reporting a near miss. A ‘good catch’ (or near miss) is an event or situation that could have resulted in harm, but did not reach the patient because of chance or timely intervention. Reporting these events can help to identify gaps in order to prevent future adverse events from happening.

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Donna, a nurse in the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), heard people talking outside the unit after hours and went to find out what was happening. Plain clothes policemen were about to enter the PACU to interview a patient. Donna stopped them and asked them to discuss the request with the Admin Coordinator, as per policy. Good catch!

While working on 2B, Andrew noticed that the physician had ordered Amlodipine 200 mg – an unusually large amount for this medication.  Andrew did not draw up the medication and sought clarification from the MRP.  The order should have been for Amiodarone 200 mg so the MRP rewrote the order and Andrew administered the correct medication and dose. Good eye!

Jen, RN and Shelly, IR Booking Clerk are both part of the Diagnostic Imaging team. When Jen was consenting a patient for her thoracentesis procedure, the patient asked if she would also be receiving her liver biopsy but Jen saw only the thoracentesis for that day. The following day when clarifying procedures with Shelly, Jen inquired about the patient’s liver biopsy. Shelly had not received the order so Jen called the floor to have them enter the order and Shelly worked quickly to have the procedure booked within an hour of receiving the requisition.  The floor was also requested to hold the patient’s anticoagulants so that the procedure could be completed that day. Great teamwork and patient advocacy!

Thank you to all for your diligence and dedication to safety!  Each recipient has been awarded a certificate and gift cards to local businesses to enjoy this summer.

New winners will be selected every quarter. Continue submitting your near misses for a chance to win! Near miss reports are submitted through the Incident Learning System (patient safety incidents). Click on the ‘safety reporting’ icon from your Novell home page, or go to the iNtranet and choose ‘Safety Reporting’ under ‘Informational’.

For more information, contact Terry Fodë, Patient Safety Improvement Specialist (terry.fode@tbh.net).

Strategic Plan 2026 is a joint plan developed by Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI). It is guided by five key pillars: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Patient Experience; Staff Experience; Research, Innovation and Learning; and Sustainable Future.

Each year, one of these strategic priorities is highlighted through a video that showcases impactful initiatives aligned with our shared vision.

This year, we are proud to focus on Patient Experience—demonstrating our ongoing commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred, and high-quality care that reflects the diverse needs of patients and families across Northwestern Ontario.

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

Patricia, Infection Control – $50 Cheese Encounter Gift Card

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.

Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour.

I hope this message finds you well and that you’re enjoying the beautiful summer season. As we move through these warm months, I wanted to take a moment to connect and share some important updates.

If you’ve been around the Hospital and Health Research Institute lately, you’ve likely noticed a buzz of construction and renovations. Thank you all for your patience as these much-needed upgrades take shape. Our building is over 20 years old, and with the growth in services and clinical demands, it’s essential that our facilities evolve to meet the needs of patients, staff, and community.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll see more construction activity across the campus. One of the projects underway is the expansion of Lot G, which will add 15 additional patient parking spaces. While these improvements might temporarily affect parking and traffic flow, we are committed to minimizing disruptions and enhancing safety. Our goal is to create a welcoming environment that supports the well-being of everyone who walks through our doors—patients, families, and staff alike. Your understanding during this time is truly appreciated.

We are also making great strides with the Cardiovascular Surgery Program. Physically, construction is progressing steadily; clinically, we continue to recruit specialized talent essential to building a strong, skilled team. This program is being developed in collaboration with the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at the University Health Network (UHN), following their proven processes to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. We’re excited about the life-saving cardiac and vascular services this program will bring to our community. Recently, our city has experienced an increase in community violence and we continue to be at the top on the crime severity index. It is concerning for all of us and we understand that information and certain situations may raise concerns for our Hospital users, staff, and Professional Staff.

Please be assured that we are carefully finalizing plans to enhance safety and security measures throughout our facilities. Our priority is to ensure a supportive and protected environment for everyone.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to introduce further facility enhancements, adopt new technologies, and deepen our engagement with the communities we serve. I hope you continue to feel inspired and valued in your role, as together we build a brighter and more supportive future.

On a lighter note, I’m always energized by the innovative ideas shared during our Hello Innovation events. This staff-driven initiative welcomes ideas from everyone at the Hospital and Health Research Institute, fostering a culture of learning and creativity. The recent Innovation Pitch Ideas Series in June showcased eight fantastic proposals, with valuable feedback from a panel of experts. These efforts directly support our Strategic Plan 2026, and I encourage you to explore these ideas and consider participating in upcoming events.

Thank you again for the incredible work you do every day. I hope you find moments of rest and rejuvenation this summer.

As always, I welcome your feedback—whether about this blog or anything else on your mind. Feel free to reach out to me anytime at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I truly appreciate hearing from you.

Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Code Grey – Air Exclusion Executive Sponsor

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Environment Canada is continuing to issue special air quality statements for the Thunder Bay area related to smoke plumes from active wildfires this season. These fires put particles and gases into the air that can be harmful to human health. When this occurs, people may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath. With Ontario’s legislated fire season running from April 1 to October 31 annually, leadership will continue to monitor air quality advisories and adjust our Hospital’s response as required.

Recommended Actions

• Review the Code Grey – Air Exclusion (Button Down) policy and associated refresher Safety Huddle (see attached).
• Directors/Managers please share the attached Safety Huddle with your teams.
• Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risks along with current and forecasted Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values.

This month’s Employee Wellness Staff Newsletter (EWSN) is all about staying refreshed, nourished, and mindful. With International Self-Care Day (July 24) just behind us, it’s a timely reminder that self-care isn’t just a one-day event – it’s something we should prioritize every day.

In a hospital setting where you’re constantly caring for others, it’s essential to care for yourself, too. Whether its five minutes of quiet, a glass of water, or a nourishing meal, small acts of self-care help keep you grounded, strong, and well.

What’s Inside This Month’s Newsletter:

• Make Your Water Bottle Your BFF This Summer
• 5 Reasons to Eat More Avocados
• How Your Brain Remembers What You Ate
• This Floss Knows When You’re Stressed
• Can Reading Food Labels Help You Eat Better? (Dr. Don Hall weighs in)
• Easy Avocado & Corn Salad Recipe

Check out the full EWSN Newsletter HERE.

Learn more about the benefits of self-care HERE.

On June 17, 2025 an interactive and high-energy event featuring bold ideas and fresh innovations took place at TBRHSC in our Auditorium. Below is a recap of the event and innovative ideas proposed.

Interested in innovation? Stay tuned for our next event November 4, 2025.

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NOTICE: Parking Lot G Expansion – North Section

Start Date: Monday, July 28, 2025
Duration: Approximately 1–2 weeks (weather permitting)

Starting Monday, July 28, 2025, construction will begin on the north section of Staff Parking Lot G to support the expansion project, which will add 15 new parking spaces.

The parking lot will remain open during construction, and efforts will be made to minimize disruptions as much as possible.

Please be mindful of construction equipment and machinery operating in the area throughout the duration of the work.

Important: Staff currently parking in the unpaved northern portion of Lot G are asked to use alternative parking during this period.

Reminder: Parking Lot I – TURTLE is available for overflow parking.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

The Regional Bariatric Care Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is pleased to share important updates to our medical (non-surgical) program. These changes are designed to provide flexible, timely, and comprehensive care to support patients in managing their health and well-being.

While this program focuses on non-surgical treatment options, bariatric surgery remains available for patients who are eligible and interested.

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Program Highlights

Program Length: 12 months

Flexible Start Dates: Program start dates are no longer fixed. Patients can now begin the program flexibly at any time throughout the year.

Treatment Options: Including pharmacotherapy (weight management medications) and/or meal replacement therapy (partial or full), tailored to patient needs.

Bi-weekly Education Sessions: Patients are encouraged to attend education sessions regularly, selecting sessions that are meaningful to them. Topics include nutrition, movement, emotional eating, behaviour change, stress management, and more.

Ongoing Individual Support: Patients will have access to one-on-one support throughout the program. Support is available from our dietitian, kinesiologist, social worker, nurse, and nurse practitioner. The team works collaboratively to help patients build sustainable, personalized strategies for health and well-being.

Who Is This Program For?

Adults seeking non-surgical support for obesity and related health concerns who would benefit from a comprehensive, one-year program that includes pharmacotherapy and/or meal replacement therapy, education sessions, and individualized support.

Referral and Enrollment Information

Program Eligibility

The program is designed for patients who meet the following criteria:

• 18 years of age or older (Referrals may also be accepted for individuals aged 17.5 years and older)
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher
• OR, have a BMI between 30 and 34.9 and at least one of the following medical conditions (as determined by a referring provider):
  • Complicated type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
  • Poorly controlled hypertension

For Patients

If you are interested in joining the program, please speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about a referral. Once referred, our team will be in contact with you to schedule orientation to our program.

For Primary Care Providers

To refer a patient, please use the Online Referral System via the Ontario Bariatric Network: https://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/referring-physicians.