This week is Emergency Preparedness Week! This year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks”. The intent of the theme is to encourage us all to understand the risks in our area and learn what actions we can take to protect ourselves, our families, and our community.

Emergency Preparedness at TBRHSC

Did you know that at TBRHSC, Emergency Preparedness has its own dedicated iNtranet page? It’s true! Be #ReadyforAnything by reviewing our safety huddles, posters, and training videos. Check it out on the iNtranet under Departments > Emergency Preparedness and Security > Emergency Preparedness or via this link, and follow along as we gradually build up this resource with new material!

And don’t forget to periodically review our emergency colour code policies and your departmental sub-plans. Emergency code policies are located:

• On the iNtranet under Corporate Info > Emergency Codes or at the bottom of the Main Page there is a “quick link” to Emergency Codes.
• Departmental Emergency Code binders

Our emergency colour codes and alerts aren’t meant to be a secret. Want to share with patients and visitors? No problem! Turn to page 25 of the Patient Care Resource booklet or direct them to https://tbrhsc.net/home/information-services/emergency-codes/.

If you have questions, please reach out to your manager or Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net).

It is National Safety and Health Week (May 5-10). Join us in recognizing National Safety and Health Week, an important initiative dedicated to raising awareness about workplace safety! This week-long event emphasizes the crucial role that safety plays in our everyday work environments. From preventing injuries to fostering overall well-being, it’s essential that we all commit to prioritizing safety measures every day. Whether you’re working on the frontline or in an administrative role, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your colleagues. 

The focus for this week internally is on workplace violence prevention.

Check out the iNtranet for more information on the Occupational Health and Safety department’s quiz and scavenger hunt. Three prizes will be awarded for quiz submissions. The winning team of the scavenger hunt will receive a “lunch party” for their department! Plus, prizes will be awarded throughout the week in relation to secret safety walkabouts.

To learn more about National Safety and Health Week, click here.

May 4 to 10 is Emergency Preparedness Week! This year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks”. The intent of the theme is to encourage us all to understand the risks in our area and learn what actions we can take to protect ourselves, our families, and our community.

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Emergency Preparedness at Home

By taking a few simple steps, you can become better prepared to face a range of emergencies – anytime, anywhere. It is important to:

• Know the risks – Learn about the risks specific to our community and our region by using some of the following resources:
  • Hazards monitored by Emergency Management Ontario
  • Forest fire activity and fire restrictions
  • Weather alerts via Environment Canada
• Make a plan – It will help you and your family know what to do.
• Get an emergency kit – Gather some basic supplies in case you need to get by without power or tap water for at least 72 hours.

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Join Emergency Preparedness in the Auditorium on May 6 for a fun in-person opportunity to learn more about personal preparedness, ask questions, and participate in some hazards and disasters trivia. Come take part for a chance to win a $25 gift card!

Two sessions – comprised of a brief presentation > trivia > open forum – will kick off at 1:30 p.m. and again at 2:15 p.m..

If you have questions, please reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net).

May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+). Also known as Red Dress Day, the day honours the lives of thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada. It is a time to encourage learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse people. 

Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people is not just a societal issue. It has significant implications for health care. Health care providers and institutions must acknowledge the MMIWG2S+ crisis and work towards creating a culturally safe and respectful health care system that addresses the unique needs of Indigenous peoples.

Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report called on the federal government of Canada to begin an inquiry into the numerous cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Starting in 2016, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls held 15 community hearings, and spoke with 2,386 people. A Final Report was released in June 2019 which includes 231 Calls for Justice that “represent important ways to end the genocide and to transform systemic and societal values that have worked to maintain colonial violence” (Final Report, volume 1B, p. 168).

In 2024, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre launched the inaugural report on the Hospital’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The report, entitled Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, focuses on the work that has been done at TBRHSC on five of the 94 Calls to Action (18, 20, 22, 23 and 24) related to health care. In addition, it highlights the work done through partnerships and a timeline of the Indigenous health initiatives to date. 

Stay tuned for more information on a Lunch and Learn on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People.

To Learn More:

• https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/academic-integrity/indigenous-initiatives/national-mmiwg-awareness
• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Inquiry publications
• No more stolen sisters, Amnesty International Canada
• Native Women’s Association of Canada, Action Plan
• Safe Passage, a NWAC initiative 

Privacy Awareness Week is a global effort held in May, coordinated by members of the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities (APPA), to promote awareness of privacy issues and the importance of the protection of personal information.

Ontario’s health privacy legislation, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), establishes a set of rules regarding patients’ personal health information (PHI). PHIPA gives patients the right to:

• be informed of the reasons for the collection, use and disclosure of their personal health information
• be notified of the theft or loss or of the unauthorized use or disclosure of their personal health information
• refuse or give consent to the collection, use or disclosure of their personal health information, except in certain circumstances
• withdraw their consent by providing notice
• expressly instruct that their personal health information not be used or disclosed for health care purposes without their consent
• access a copy of their personal health information, except in limited circumstances
• request corrections be made to their health records
• complain to our office if they are refused access to their personal health information
• complain to our office if they are refused a correction request
• complain to our office about a privacy breach or potential breach; and
• begin a proceeding in court for damages for actual harm suffered after an order has been issued or a person has been convicted of an offence under PHIPA.

Source: Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario https://www.ipc.on.ca/health-individuals/file-a-health-privacy-complaint/your-health-privacy-rights-in-ontario/

Mental Health Awareness Week is happening May 5-9. Check out the poster below for details of the events taking place at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre throughout the week.

Hand hygiene saves millions of lives every year when performed at the right moments during health care delivery. It is also a smart investment that offers exceptional return for each dollar invested. Clean care is a sign of respect to those who seek care, and it protects health and other workers who provide that care.   

Medical gloves are used in health care and are defined as disposable gloves used during medical procedures. These gloves can get contaminated as easily as bare hands and do not protect 100%. When worn, gloves should be removed, for example, after touching a patient and hand hygiene performed immediately as per the four moments of hand hygiene.

Learn more about hand hygiene this week as Infection Prevention and Control will be visiting all medical units to share information on hand hygiene and offer a chance to participate in a prize draw. 

Shared on behalf of Ryan Sears, Director, Capital & Facility Services

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Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4 to 10, 2025) has been a national awareness event for over twenty-five years. This year’s theme “Be Prepared. Know Your Risks” hopes to encourage us all to understand the risks in our area and learn what actions we can take to protect ourselves, our families, our colleagues, and our community. Here at TBRHSC we have response procedures for each emergency code captured in policy. Some of these emergency codes, e.g., Code Green, require detailed response area specific plans. Be #ReadyforAnything by annually reviewing emergency code policies and your departmental sub-plans. All emergency code policies are located:

• On the intranet: http://informed.tbrhsc.net//corporate-info/emergency-codes
• Departmental Emergency Code binders

 We all have a role to play in an emergency. Preparing ahead of time at home will also save time and stress during emergencies. Follow the steps below to:

• Make a plan: Include actions that will help you stay safe before, during, and after an emergency event.
• Build a kit: Gather supplies for you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours in the event of an emergency (e.g., loss of power).
• Stay informed: Follow local authorities for up-to-date information and instructions (please refer to the City’s emergency preparedness site).

 For more information review our iNformed posts related to emergency preparedness this week, drop by the interactive emergency preparedness session being held May 6th from 1:30pm to 3pm in the auditorium, or reach out to Mēsha Richard, Lead, Emergency Preparedness (ext. 6552 or mesha.richard@tbh.net).    From monthly fire drills, to participating in mock codes, to debriefing after incidents, I want to thank everyone for your ongoing dedication to emergency preparedness at the Hospital. I also want to encourage you to continue to take concrete actions throughout the year to help us all be more prepared.

As the impact of heart failure (HF) continues to grow across Canada and throughout the world, it is becoming increasingly important in raising awareness among patients and their families. With the aim to improve the quality of life for people living with HF, this year’s campaign will focus on self-management and self-care in a virtual world. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) hosts programs that support heart failure patients including the Telehomecare Congestive Heart Failure Program and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a complex syndrome which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, leg swelling and fatigue. There are many reasons why someone may develop heart failure. The most common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

Self-care in a virtual world: What you need to know about self-managing heart failure

Did you know that heart failure is on the rise? In Canada there are over 600,000 people living with heart failure which affects people of all ages. Over 90,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year in Canada. Surprisingly, many people do not understand heart failure. More than 1 in 4 Canadians do not know what heart failure is, and almost half incorrectly think it can be cured. It is more important then ever to be responsible for your own care. There is a lot you can do to live well with heart failure.

What you can do to promote self-care and self-management

• Monitor your symptoms and report any change to your health care provider
• Reduce salt in your diet
• Increase your daily activity
• Seek peer support
• Keep your blood pressure low
• Follow up with your primary care provider
• Stop smoking
• Take your medications as prescribed

Work with your health care team to learn if you are at risk of heart failure. Ask what you can do to help prevent this condition from worsening.

Self-management is team effort

Even though heart failure cannot be cured, there are treatments that can help people feel better and live longer. They often need help from a number of health care providers, family members, and they also need to be active partners in their care. Together you can build a plan that supports your needs and goals.

Become an active partner in your virtual care

• People living with heart failure need to pay extra attention to their salt and fluid intake, eat a healthy diet, stay active, take their medication as prescribed, and be smoke free.
• Learn about your symptoms of heart failure – they may not be the same as someone else with heart failure. Ask your health care team what you can do to help prevent your heart failure symptoms from getting worse.
• Be patient with yourself – learning to live with heart failure takes time. Share your feelings and talk about your concerns with your health care team.
• Join support groups and share your experience. Talking with your peers can help relieve some of the stress, pressure, and anxiety.

For more information and a guide to virtual health care sessions visit: heartandstroke.ca

Please be advised that a planned water service shutdown affecting the entire Medical Centre (984 Oliver Road) is scheduled for Friday, May 2, beginning at 3 p.m. The interruption is expected to last approximately 4 to 6 hours, during which time all water services – including washroom facilities, sinks, etc. will be unavailable throughout the building. Water service will be restored once testing and approval have been completed by the City of Thunder Bay.

This shutdown is a necessary part of the Cardiovascular Surgery Project, and will support the installation of a new water valve in the FISH (A3) parking lot. This work is in preparation for an upcoming, larger-scale watermain relocation effort required to advance construction.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this temporary disruption. Your support is essential as we continue working toward bringing Cardiovascular Surgery to Thunder Bay.