A reminder that our COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be held this Friday, November 28, in the Occupational Health & Safety department.
Staff are welcome to come on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Additionally, flu shots are also available on a drop-in basis throughout the week.
As an added bonus, staff who receive their flu shot will be entered into a draw for 6 months of free parking, and those who receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be entered to win 1 year of free parking. The draw will take place on December 18.Thank you!
Local artist Jodi Afonso is on site November 27, 2025 with her heartfelt “Pocket Hugs”, small resin hearts designed to be kept in your pocket as a reminder of love, hope, and connection. Inspired by her grandparents, Irene and Saul, Jodi created Pocket Hugs to “spread love, kindness, and positive messaging throughout our community.”
Jodi is also showcasing select artwork, with most proceeds generously donated back to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. Weekly, she will be highlighting a new art piece that will be for sale. Thank you, Jodi, for helping our community feel supported, one small hug at a time.
Each year on November 20, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) invites communities to honour transgender, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people whose lives have been lost to anti-trans violence. Originating in 1999 as a vigil to remember Rita Hester, a Black transgender woman who was murdered, TDOR has grown into an international day of reflection, mourning, and commitment to change.
Across Canada and globally, trans communities continue to face disproportionate levels of discrimination, stigma, and violence, with even higher levels reported among racialized trans and gender-diverse people (Trans PULSE Canada Team, 2019). This highlights the need to take immediate action to support trans and gender-diverse people, and to dismantle systems of oppression that perpetuate anti-trans violence.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the EDI Steering Committee is committed to developing inclusive policies and practices that uphold safety, dignity, and belonging for all our patients, families, staff, professional staff, learners, and volunteers, including members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community.
To observe Transgender Day of Remembrance, Thunder Pride will be hosting a candlelit vigil this evening, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. All are welcome to attend. Details can be found here: https://yourthunderbay.ca/event/trans-day-of-remembrance-vigil/
Karen Carlucci is joining us on Tuesday, November 18 and Thursday, November 20 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre across from Seasons Gift Shop! Stop by between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and check out her beautiful handmade hats, perfect for the cold winter approaching.
This Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week, we are highlighting NPs to highlight the important roles they play at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Meet Katy Drainville, who works in Interventional Pain Service.
Katy Drainville, NP, Invertentional Pain Service
Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?
I chose to become a Nurse Practitioner because I wanted to expand my ability to help patients. This role allows me to take a more active part in diagnosing, managing, and improving the overall quality of care for those I serve.
Tell us about your current role.
I work in the Interventional Pain Service, where our focus is on helping patients manage chronic pain through comprehensive assessment and minimally invasive procedures. Our goal is to restore function, reduce suffering, and improve quality of life.
What is the most challenging part of your profession?
The most challenging aspect of my work is recognizing that not every patient’s pain can be treated. It can be difficult when the best care still leaves someone struggling. The other challenge telling patient the wait time to actually get an x-ray guided injection, but that’s a challenge for another day!
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
The most rewarding part of my role is hearing how our service has made a difference in our patients’ lives — when they share that they can move better, sleep better, or simply enjoy daily activities again. Those moments remind me why this work matters.
Do you have any advice for those considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner?
Pursue it wholeheartedly. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner allows you to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives while continuing to grow as a clinician and advocate. It’s a deeply fulfilling path for those who value connection, critical thinking, and compassionate care.
During Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week, we will be spotlighting NPs to highlight the important roles they play at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Meet Lidija Dosen, who works in the Hemodialysis Unit.
Lidija Dosen, NP, Hemodialysis Unit
Why did you decide to become a Nurse Practitioner?
I wanted to take on a more advanced role in patient care and have greater autonomy in my practice. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner has allowed me to do just that — to provide a higher level of care, guide treatment decisions, and truly make a difference in my patients’ health journeys.
Tell us about your current role.
I’ve been part of the Hemodialysis Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre since 2019. In my role, I round on patients, perform advanced assessments, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary team. Hemodialysis is such a unique environment — our patients visit us three times a week, which gives me the privilege of building strong, trusting relationships with them. Getting to know my patients well allows me to individualize care, adapt treatments to their needs, and, hopefully, improve overall satisfaction of care.
What is the most challenging part of your profession?
Hemodialysis is inherently complex. Managing patients with multiple chronic conditions — while navigating occasional acute issues — can present a steep learning curve. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by a supportive team and leadership that value continuous learning, which helps me grow and evolve in my practice every day.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?
I feel a sense of fulfillment knowing I’ve achieved my original goal of taking on a bigger role in patient care. Every day brings an opportunity to learn — whether it’s mastering a new skill or gaining deeper insight into my patients’ experiences. The relationships I’ve built and the ability to contribute meaningfully to patient well-being make this work incredibly rewarding.
Do you have any advice for those considering a career as a Nurse Practitioner?
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner is both challenging and deeply fulfilling. Take time to develop confidence in your nursing skills and seek experiences that broaden your perspective. The transition to advanced practice is a journey — one that requires curiosity, humility, and genuine passion for patient care.
Today we celebrate the Clinical Genetics Program team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Each year, they care for about 800 patients across Northwestern Ontario — from the Manitoba border to Wawa, including 69 northern First Nations communities.
Genetic counsellors are health professionals specially trained in medical genetics and counselling. They help individuals and families understand how genetics may affect their health, explore testing options, and provide guidance and support for informed decisions.
The TBRHSC team includes two master’s-trained certified genetic counsellors, a genetic assistant, a genetics coordinator, and a medical advisor, offering care through in-person, phone, and videoconference appointments.
Join us in thanking our Clinical Genetics Program for their dedication and compassion in supporting the health of our region!
