Today is the 11th annual Bell Lets Talk Day and everyone’s invited to join the conversation to support people living with mental illness while also driving up Bell’s donations to mental health programs just by getting engaged.

Learn more by visiting http://bit.ly/BellLetsTalk-2021

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit our region early last year, Thomas had just graduated with a degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University. In between applying to medical schools and volunteering for the Dew Drop Inn and the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), Thomas started work at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) as a Screener.

COVID-19 Screening

Early in our Hospital’s response to the pandemic, we limited Hospital entrances and introduced COVID-19 screening for all patients and limited Essential Care Partners (ECPs). We now have four full-time and eight part- time employees like Thomas who ask a series of questions at the entrance before people can enter. Depending on their answers (based on symptoms, travel, and contact with others), individuals will either be permitted to enter with a mask, permitted with a mask and additional precautions, or declined entrance and provided alternate care information. On average, 1109 people are screened through the main entrance every day, not including staff.

Thomas says one of the challenges of the role is responding to people who do not understand why screening is so important. “I would say 99 per cent of people understand why we ask these questions and they want to be safe and help keep others safe,” he says. “We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe, including vulnerable or immune-compromised people.”

Role in Hospital’s Pandemic Response

Screeners like Thomas play a vital role in the Hospital’s pandemic response. “I’m happy to be able to help support the Hospital staff and make things a little easier for them knowing that everyone has been screened prior to reaching that department, for them to have confidence that we are doing everything we can to keep the Hospital as safe as possible.”

“Hospital staff deserve to be safe. They have been working really hard, especially since COVID-19 started affecting our community in March. [To staff] we appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Moving Forward

When he is not working at the Hospital as a Screener, Thomas is finding ways to stay busy, positive, and optimistic during these challenging times. “At Queen’s I played football which I can’t do now, so I work out at home. That helps with stress, and I feel lucky that I can do that.” Considering his interest in one day working in the medical field, it is no surprise that Thomas also enjoys reading articles about epidemiology and is rediscovering some books he enjoyed as a teenager.

Sent on behalf of Lisa Beck, Director Trauma Program, Critical Care, Emergency, Respiratory Services & Nurse Led Outreach Team (NLOT)

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I am pleased to announce that Lori Kaluzny will assume the role of Administrative Assistant (AA) supporting the Leadership Team within the Critical Care and Respiratory Services portfolio, effective January 25, 2021.

Lori will report to the Director of Trauma, Emergency & Critical Care Services and provide support to the manager and coordinators in the Critical Care, Regional Critical Care Response (RCCR) Program and Respiratory Department.

Lori has several years of experience as an AA working at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) and at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Lori obtained her Business Diploma at Confederation College and has completed several continuing education certificates including project management, emotional intelligence, and event planning.  

Lori will be working part-time filling Hope Vis’s maternity leave and can be contacted at (807) 684-6693, via email at kaluznyl@tbh.net or on GroupWise Messenger. Please update your contact and distribution lists accordingly.

Please join me in welcoming Lori to her new role at TBRHSC.

Early Bird Deadline THIS Thursday!
Be sure to grab your tickets in the Thunder Bay 50/50 before THIS Thursday at midnight to be included in the first Early Bird draw.

With an estimated take-home prize of over $131,000 already, the Thunder Bay 50/50 is shaping up to make one ticket purchaser very happy. This Friday, January 29 is the first Early Bird Draw, so be sure you have your tickets purchased for a chance to win the $500 Early Bird prize.

Tickets are available online only at thunderbay5050.ca:

• $10 for 5 numbers
• $20 for 30 numbers
• $50 for 150 numbers (best value)

The winner of the Early Bird Draw is also eligible to win all subsequent draws.

All net proceeds from the draw will support the highest priority medical equipment needs at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, meaning our community wins too!

Questions about the draw can be sent to info@thunderbay5050.ca. Ticket purchasers must be present in Ontario to purchase. Lottery licence RAF1199631

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of Friday’s Employee Recognition Week draws, which includes prizes generously donated by our Hospital’s local Affinity members, and the Big Prize of a $1,500 Prepaid Mastercard.

Happy Employee Recognition Week to all of our hard working staff! Thank you for your outstanding service and dedication.

And the winners are (drum roll, please)…

1. Samsung 7 Series 55″ Television (Sponsored by ACO Computer and Electronic Solutions): Jennifer Houghton, Hemodialysis
2. Skyworth 40″ Full HD Android TV (Sponsored by Youngs Insurance Brokers Inc.): Karen Barrett, Hemodialysis
3. $15 off Rust Protection at Central Car Wash, Modo Yoga One Month Unlimited Membership and an Amazon Echo Dot (Sponsored by The Co-operators): Kevin L., Housekeeping
4. Gillions Insurance Swag Gift Pack, four Afloat Sessions, two $100 Breakfast, Lunch & Deener Gift Cards, a NORTHIES Brand Hoodie, two toques and a candle (Sponsored by Gillions Insurance): Stacy Heerema, MCKC Pre-Dialysis Clinic
5. Baking basket with sweet popcorn, chocolate, cookies and brittle (Sponsored by CIBC): Martina Nuttall, Mental Health Outpatient Clinic
6. Be Natural Pottery by: Brenda Delmas Garlic Plate, Bulova Watch, cheese cutting board, three trunk organizers, Cineplex for two General Admission passes and olive oil (Sponsored by CAA North & East Ontario): Sandy T., Laboratory Administration
7. VegiDay Smoothie Blender, Strawberry protein powder, protein shaker and vitamin D tablets (Sponsored by Tim’s Whole Health): Marina Facca, PARU
8. Be Natural Pottery garlic plate, cutting board, Gord Bamford CD, smoothie recipe book, $25 Cheese Encounter Gift Card, Booster Juice Swag Gift Pack and olive oil (Sponsored by Booster Juice): Anna Jousmaki, Health Records
9. Gord Bamford CD, Booster Juice Swag Gift Pack, Wayne Gretzky book and cutting board (Sponsored by Booster Juice): Erin W., Housekeeping
10. $50 Prepaid Visa, Swag Gift Pack with duffle bag, headphones, tumbler, Mens LG shirt (Sponsored by BrokerLink Insurance): Aaron Armstrong, Maintenance
11. $50 Prepaid Visa, Swag Gift Pack with duffle bag, headphones, tumbler, Womens SM shirt, cheese cutting board (Sponsored by Brokerlink Insurance): Allison B., Maternity Centre
12. Cheese cutting board, $100 Cheese Encounter Gift Card, Be Natural Pottery garlic plate (Sponsored by The Cheese Encounter): Jennifer A., Stores
13. Cheese cutting board, $100 Cheese Encounter Gift Card, Be Natural Pottery garlic plate (Sponsored by the Cheese Encounter): Emily B., Wound Care & Limb
14. $500 Gift Card (Sponsored by SRS Windows): Toria Baranyk, 3A Unit
15. $500 Gift Card (Sponsored by SRS Windows): Theresa Noyes, Portering
16. $500 Gift Card (Sponsored by SRS Windows): Dagmar S., Housekeeping
17. Two trunk organizers, Be Natural Pottery garlic plate and olive oil, CIBC Blanket Drift, and $20 Gift Cards for OZONE, Street Legal Clothing Company, Bistro One (Sponsored by CIBC & CAA): Jordan Potter, Case Costing
18. Two Samosa boxes, beef jerky, Dewalt skrewdriving bit set, measuring tape, xacto knife, $15 off Rust Protection at Central Car Wash (Sponsored Musty Samosaz): Amanda Swazey, Patient Food Services
19. Two Samosa boxes, beef jerky, Dewalt skrewdriving bit set, measuring tape, xacto knife, $15 off Rust Protection at Central Car Wash (Sponsored Musty Samosaz): Caroline S., Microbiology Lab
20. Two Samosa boxes, beef jerky, Dewalt screw driving bit set, measuring tape, xacto knife, $15 off Rust Protection at Central Car Wash and cutting board (Sponsored Musty Samosaz): Sara S., Switchboard
21. $15 off Rust Protection at Central Car Wash, cutting board, Booster Juice Swag Gift Pack (Sponsored by Booster Juice): Sandy Johnson, Occupational Health & Safety
22. $50 Prepaid Visa and $5 Robins Gift Card (Sponsored by Brokerlink Insurance): Tannis Blais, Linen & Laundry
23. $50 Prepaid Visa and $5 Robins Gift Card (Sponsored by Brokerlink Insurance): Jessica Chunick, Housekeeping
24. Charger, water bottle, two swag bags, headphones, $15 Intercity Gift Card, and a $50 Tims Whole Health Gift Card (Sponsored by RBC): Stephanie Erickson, Occupational Health & Safety
25. $100 Netflix Gift Cards, $15 Intercity Shopping Centre Gift Card, $5 Robins Gift Card, and garlic plate (Sponsored by HCP and Intercity Shopping Centre): Carrie V., Ambulatory Care
26. $50 Boston Pizza Gift Card, $15 Intercity Shopping Centre Gift Card, and olive oil (Sponsored by HCP and Intercity Shopping Centre): Kelly G., Portering
27. $50 PC Gift Card, $15 Intercity Shopping Centre Gift Card, garlic plate, and olive oil (Sponsored by HCP and Intercity Shopping Centre): Monica J., Nursing Resource Team

…and last, but certainly not least…

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Employee Recognition Week Big Prize Winner ($1,500 Prepaid Mastercard): Alicia C., Adult Mental Health. CONGRATULATIONS!

Happy Employee Recognition Week to our dedicated and hardworking Hospital Staff.

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January 21st Winners

Winner of two $100 Gift Cards from Rooster’s Bistro: Allison P., Ambulatory Care

$100 Nortenos Tacqueria Gift Card Winner: Bev C., Laundry Department

Winner of the Rose Valley Lodge Restaurant & Lodge Gift Card: Andrea Clavet, 2C Unit

$100 St. Paul Roastery Gift Card Winner: Delores Merkely, Hemodialysis

Winner of two $50 Gift Cards from the Sweet North: Betty A., Portering

Winner of the Sal Gift Pack: Gregory Iwanonkiw, Emergency Department

$200 Mars Clothing Gift Card Winner: Lesley F., Medical Devices Reprocessing

For more information, contact our Human Resources Department via email at humanresources@tbh.net or by phone at 684-6218.

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January 20th Winners

Winner of the Bean Fiend Gift Pack: Christine, Housekeeping

Winner of the Tomlin Gift Pack: Francesca Mancuso, Emergency Department

$100 Waxxed Candle Company Gift Card Winner: Danielle Saunders, Nursing Resource Team

$200 Madhouse Gift Card Winner: Hana Bockova, Adult Mental Health

Winner of the Ungalli Clothing Co. Gift Pack: Danielle Gorenszach, Radiation Oncology

Winner of the Street Legal Gift Pack: Maria, Central Patient Portering

Winner of the Ritual Skin Co. Gift Pack: Shawna, Respiratory Therapy

$100 St. Paul Roastery Gift Card Winner: Matthew Carol, Temporary Housing (Andras Court)

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January 19th Winners

$200 Keg Gift Card Winner: Debbie, Bariatric Program Kinesiology

$50 Peace & Quiet Candle Co. Gift Pack Winner: Anne, Interventional & Angiography

$250 Gear Up for Outdoors Gift Card: Joelle Macey, Mental Health Outpatient Clinic

$200 JB Evans Gift Card Winner: Agnes Sacchetti, Community Mental Health

$250 Bistro One Gift Card Winner: Laura Turner, Housekeeping

$100 Bay Village Coffee Gift Card Winner: Taras Dygun, Housekeeping

$100 Growing Season Gift Card Winner: Rebecca Burton, Social Work – Paediatric Bariatric Program

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January 18th Winners

$250 Drift Gift Card: Kevin G., Orthopaedic Clinic

$200 Prepaid Mastercard: Peggy S., Patient Food Services

$100 Rebel Salad Gift Card: Dave W., Child/Adolescent Mental Health

$100 Nook Gift Card: Karen A., Post Anesthetic Recovery Unit

$200 Power Centre Gift Card: Sally D., Health Records

Lovely Body Gift Pack: Layla C., 1A Medical

Cheese Encounter Gift Pack: Alyssa E., Nursing Resource Team

To honour employees & professional staff who have 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 & 50 years of service with Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre & Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

During the week of January 18th to the 22nd, our Hospital is celebrating Employee Recognition Week.

The week is dedicated to celebrating the people – medical staff, employees, teams, volunteers, Patient Family Advisors and donors – who are making a difference for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario through their outstanding service and dedication.

This week, staff are encouraged to visit the Intranet, read the Daily Informed Newsletter and check our social media to learn more about special Employee Recognition Week prize draws, daily trivia, Recognition-O-Grams and more!

Happy Employee Recognition Week!