National Health Care Supply Chain Week (October 5-11) is an opportunity to recognize the importance of the health care supply chain professionals and honour them for their exceptional contributions to patient care and the innovative ways in which they support their health care organizations and communities.
The theme this year, “Confidence in every decision, care in every step”, celebrates the dedication of health care supply chain professionals who ensure quality, safety, and value at every turn, making informed choices, strengthening patient outcomes, and advancing the mission of care – the true embodiment of advancing health care through supply chain excellence. Here are some of the ways supply chain professionals at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre have contributed to organizational goals this year:
Navigated supply chain challenges due to newly imposed tariffs by sourcing contracts with Canadian businesses.
Collectively, Purchasing and Stores placed 17,107 purchase orders over the past year, which included 1,226,497 products, to over 852 suppliers.
The Stores department orders, picks, and delivers out of four warehouses, which store over 1,538 unique products.
Stores has topped up 3,501,274 individual stock items in the last year.
Purchasing placed 239 capital purchases orders in the last 12 months.
Purchasing currently manages over 1,400 contracts to ensure compliance and to deliver best value for money.
This year Purchasing and Stores have serviced 219 functional cost centres.
During Health Care Nutrition & Food Services Staff Appreciation Week, we would like to acknowledge the valuable contributions of the Nutrition and Food Services team in keeping our staff and patients well-nourished and healthy.
Preparing healthy meals for patients with diverse backgrounds and health needs and nutritious meals for staff and visitors is an integral part of health care. Nutrition is a form of care, and our team at TBRHSC delivers it with skill, compassion, and heart.
This week, let’s take the time to thank the hardworking and dedicated Nutrition and Food Services team.
Pictured: Dr. Joseph Del Paggio (Chief of Oncology), Tarja Heiskanen (Manager, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services), and David McConnell (Director, Regional Cancer Care North West)
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the lighting at Thunder Bay City Hall will glow pink until October 10. The pink lights serve as a visible reminder of the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection, and support for those affected by the disease.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Ontario, but when detected early through regular screening, it’s often easier to treat. This October, take a moment to learn about your screening options and encourage loved ones to do the same.
Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-10), is an annual, national public education campaign designed to help Canadians better understand the reality of mental illness.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the Mental Health Awareness Committee was formed with one goal in mind: to raise awareness of mental illness, mental health, and substance use and addictions, while working to break down the stigma.
Please join the Mental Health Awareness Committee at any or all events listed throughout the week. Everyone is welcome; no registration is required.
New roof work over 3A will begin on October 10, 2025. This work will go on for five weeks.
There will be a crane on site on October 10, to deliver material for the roof. Please use caution when traveling near these location, and take caution to all signs and barricades posted.
See map below of the area work will be taking place in and where equipment will be.
Any questions or concerns, please contact Darin Pretto at darin.pretto@tbh.net.
From October 5 to 11, 2025 we recognize Fire Prevention Week™. This year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” works to educate everyone about using these batteries safely. The campaign stresses how important it is to BUY, CHARGE, and RECYCLE safely when it comes to lithium-ion batteries.
Charge into Fire Safety: Three Steps
Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.
This week is also an opportunity to share information about the importance of extinguishers and escape plans, as well as share fire safety tips such as:
Develop escape plans that take everyone’s abilities into consideration and practice them regularly with everyone who lives in the home.
Keep fire extinguishers in kitchens, basements, and garages, and know how to use them.
Close doors at night to help slow the spread of fire and smoke.
Have questions or feedback? Contact Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness via email at mesha.richard@tbh.net.
Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control
Please be advised that the COVID-19 outbreak has been declared over on Adult Mental Health inpatient unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Center as of Saturday October 4, 2025. All restrictions have been lifted. Please share this information with the appropriate staff.
For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at extension 6094.
The next half of the Phase 9 of terrazzo repairs began the evening of Thursday, October 2nd. Please refer to the attached map. Work is expected to be completed by Wednesday, October 8th.
AREA F: October 2nd to 8th– WILL CLOSE OFF THE AREA AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GRAND STAIRCASE. This will close access through the corridor and to the Cafeteria on Level 1. – departments that would normally use this route for deliveries to Forensic Mental Health (FMH), e.g. N&FS, Pharmacy, Housekeeping, etc., should utilize the dishwash room corridor and enter FMH via Corridor 1032, OR, go upstairs to Level 2 then back down to Level 1 via Elevator-01 at the East Entrance.
– STAFF ARE NOT TO USE THE FMH OR HOSPITALIST CORRIDORS TO ACCESS THE CAFETERIA
CODE RESPONSE ROUTES – ALL STAFF – please ensure that you review your normal response route and confirm your alternate route(s), if required.
Staff that enter/exit the facility via the East Entrance will have to follow similar detours as per previous phases, utilizing Elevator-01, Stair C and Stair-I.
SIGNAGE: During the closure at Area F, signage will be posted to detour patients and visitors to access the Cafeteria from all levels. It would also be helpful and appreciated if staff could assist with wayfinding during this time.
If you have any questions, please contact Kristi Judge in Capital Planning, at extension 7031 or kristi.judge@tbh.netor Darin Pretto at extension 6205 or darin.pretto@tbh.net.
Every October, Canada celebrates Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honouring the achievements, contributions, and resilience of women and girls throughout the nation’s history.
This month-long observance highlights the achievements of women in all areas of life, including politics, the arts, education, healthcare, and community leadership. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work needed to achieve gender equality and create a more inclusive future for all.
Women’s History Month also encourages Canadians to learn about the diverse experiences of women, including those from marginalized communities whose stories are often overlooked. By amplifying these voices, the month fosters a deeper understanding of how gender intersects with race, culture, and identity, and why inclusive approaches to equality are vital.
During Women’s History Month, the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People is observed on October 4. On this day, communities across Canada gather to honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people who have been taken by violence. Vigils, ceremonies, and events serve as powerful calls to action — urging governments, institutions, and individuals to address systemic racism, colonialism, and gender-based violence. This day is not only one of remembrance but also one of solidarity, as Canadians unite to demand justice, safety, and equity for Indigenous communities.
Women’s History Month is both a celebration and a call to action. It challenges us to acknowledge the past, confront the present, and shape a future where every woman and gender-diverse person can thrive in safety, dignity, and equality.
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) invites us to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at their annual Pow-Wow, part of the Sisters in Spirit Vigil.
Women’s History Month is an important opportunity to highlight the women who have contributed to healthcare in Canada in their respective fields. These pioneering women overcame barriers such as sexism and racism, paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in healthcare with fewer obstacles. Featured below are Bernice Redmon and Jennie Kidd Trout, who made history as the first Canadian-born Black registered nurse, and the first woman in Canada to be licensed to practice medicine, respectively.
Please tune into the Daily Informed Newsletter throughout the month for more features on women who have made significant contributions to healthcare.
Bernice Redmon (nee Carnegie)
Bernice Redmon (nee Carnegie) was born in Toronto on October 28, 1917. She made history as the first Canadian-born Black registered nurse, and the first Black nurse to be employed by the Victorian Order of Nurses (V.O.N.).
Her nursing journey was not without its challenges, as Canadian nursing schools in the 1940s did not admit Black students. In response, Bernice moved to the United States, where she earned her nursing degree from the St. Philips School of Nursing in Virginia. Demonstrating remarkable academic ability, she excelled in her studies and was awarded a scholarship to pursue an additional year of training, specializing in public health nursing.
Bernice graduated in 1945; she returned to Canada that same year, where she began her career with the Nova Scotia Department of Health, becoming the first Black nurse to practice in public health. Her ground-breaking work in the field opened doors for Black women to work and train in Ontario hospitals starting in the late 1940s and 1950s.
Jennie (Jenny) Kidd Trout, born on April 21, 1841, in Kelso, Scotland, made history as the first woman in Canada to be licensed to practice medicine.
At the age of six, she emigrated with her family to Canada, where they settled near Stratford, Ontario. She later attended the Normal School for Upper Canada, the only advanced institution at the time that admitted women.
After marrying Edward Trout, Jennie experienced a neurological illness for which she found relief through electrotherapy. This experience inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. Although she was permitted to complete a qualifying year at the Toronto School of Medicine, the institution did not yet fully admit female students. Determined to continue her studies, Jennie enrolled at the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania.
She graduated in 1875 and, later that same year, was licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
In addition to breaking barriers as Canada’s first licensed female physician, Jennie Kidd Trout left a lasting legacy. She established clinics devoted to women’s health, supported women-led medical practices, and championed medical education for women, helping to open doors for future generations.
Use our Pre- and Post- Transition Checklists for a smooth transition from Webex to Teams.
To learn about Teams, go to M365Hub.tbh.net and look at our Education Resources.
Join Teams Drop-In Sessions
On Mondays, from October 20 to November 24 (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.), you’ll have an opportunity to ask questions and get support for Teams. Visit the M365Hub Training page at M365Hub.tbh.net for for more information.
If you have any questions, please contact the Help Desk at Help.Desk@tbh.net.
