Shared on behalf Bridge Northwest
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Bridge Northwest: Change Readiness Survey
Category: Uncategorized
Succesful Code Stroke on 2A
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, our mission is to provide exceptional care for every patient, every time, and our Code Stroke response is one of the clearest examples of that commitment in action.
We will be recognizing team members who demonstrate our values of compassion, excellence, innovation, diversity, and accountability through rapid stroke recognition and coordinated response. Each story reflects our dedication to patient- and family-centred care, and celebrates the teamwork, vigilance, and empathy that help us deliver exceptional care when every minute matters.
This month, we want to recognize Stephanie, an RPN on 2A, for her outstanding clinical judgment and swift action during a recent patient event. Stephanie immediately recognized the signs of stroke, facial droop, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, and activated a Code Stroke without hesitation.
Her assessment included a clearly documented Last Known Well time, which is essential for determining eligibility for time-sensitive stroke treatments.
The entire 2A team rallied together, coordinating seamlessly to ensure the patient was transported to imaging as quickly and safely as possible. Their teamwork exemplifies the kind of rapid, organized response that makes a real difference in stroke outcomes.
Thank you, Stephanie, and the whole 2A team, for your vigilance, teamwork, and commitment to exceptional patient care.
Sodexo: Taco Bar Deal (TODAY)
On Wednesday, March 25, all taco bowls and salads will be on sale for $10 plus tax.
Additionally, Matt Steele, Deli Bar Chef, will be on-site from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stay tuned to Informed for more information on upcoming promos and pop-up events being held by Sodexo.
Downtime Notice: Citrix (March 25)
Downtime Notice: All Corporate Wireless (WiFi) Networks (March 25-26)
Encounters in Bioethics: Confronting Racism in Health Care (March 26)
Shared on behalf of Lakehead University (Centre for Health Care Ethics)
Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Endoscopy
Behind every colonoscopy, every polyp removed, and every cancer detected early is a dedicated team working together.
In the Endoscopy Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, five gastroenterologists and nine general surgeons perform more than 10,000 endoscopic procedures each year. They share a common goal: detecting colon cancer early, preventing cancer through the removal of precancerous polyps, and providing expert care when it matters most.
This critical work is supported by a highly skilled and coordinated team, including:
- 10 endoscopy nurses who assist during procedures and ensure patient safety.
- Five surgical day care nurses who guide patients through preparation and recovery.
- Three scope reprocessing staff who meticulously clean and prepare every scope to the highest safety standards.
Our Endoscopy Service provides 24/7, year-round coverage for urgent procedures, including gastrointestinal bleeding, food impactions, and other life-threatening conditions.
During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize not only the importance of screening and early detection, but also the dedicated health care professionals working behind the scenes to make it all possible.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. It represents an opportunity to reflect on global efforts to eliminate racism and discrimination, the progress that has been made, while also acknowledging that much work still needs to be done.
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) recognizes the important responsibility we have to be leaders of change in the communities that we serve. TBRHSC is committed to delivering high-quality care, and addressing racial discrimination that leads to a lack of trust, or delays in seeking healthcare services.
Building on our Hospital’s vision of celebrating diversity and creating a sense of belonging, The EDI Steering Committee has developed TBRHSC’s inaugural Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Framework, and look forward to sharing this work with the Hospital community in the near future. This initiative represents a small step forward along our journey to providing a safe, equitable environment for our patients, their families, and staff.
To learn more about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, please go to the United Nations website: https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day, or the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/federal-anti-racism-secretariat/international-day-elimination-racial-discrimination.html
You can also learn more about the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination here: https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/international-convention-elimination-all-forms-racial
International Francophonie Day (March 20)
Each year on March 20, people around the world celebrate International Francophonie Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the richness of the French language and the diverse cultures of Francophone communities. The date commemorates the signing of an international cooperation agreement in Niamey, Niger, in 1970, which laid the foundation for global collaboration among French-speaking countries and eventually led to the creation of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
In Canada, Francophonie is an important part of our national identity. Francophone communities contribute to the country’s cultural vitality, innovation, and social life in countless ways. Celebrating International Francophonie Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Francophones and Francophiles who promote and strengthen the French language across communities, workplaces, and institutions.
For healthcare organizations, acknowledging the Francophonie is also part of providing inclusive and equitable care. Canada’s linguistic diversity means that patients and families may prefer to communicate in French, and ensuring access to services in both official languages can create more welcoming and patient-centred environments.
To learn more about more about International Francophonie Day, please go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/month-francophonie/francophonie-canada.html
Journée internationale de la Francophonie
Chaque année, le 20 mars, nous célébrons la Journée internationale de la Francophonie, une journée consacrée à la mise en valeur de la richesse de la langue française et de la diversité culturelle des communautés francophones. Cette date commémore la signature, en 1970 à Niamey (Niger), d’un accord de coopération internationale qui a posé les bases d’une collaboration mondiale entre les pays francophones et a finalement conduit à la création de l’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
Au Canada, la francophonie est un élément important de notre identité nationale. Les communautés francophones contribuent de multiples façons à la vitalité culturelle, à l’innovation et à la vie sociale du pays. La célébration de la Journée internationale de la Francophonie est l’occasion de reconnaître les contributions des francophones et des francophiles qui promeuvent et renforcent la langue française au sein des communautés, des milieux de travail et des institutions.
Pour les organismes de santé, reconnaître la Francophonie fait également partie de la prestation de soins inclusifs et équitables. La diversité linguistique du Canada signifie que les patients et leurs familles peuvent préférer communiquer en français. Garantir l’accès aux services dans les deux langues officielles peut créer des environnements plus accueillants et centrés sur le patient.
Pour en savoir plus sur la Journée internationale de la Francophonie, rendez-vous sur: https://www.canada.ca/fr/patrimoine-canadien/campagnes/mois-francophonie/francophonie-canada.html
French Language Interpretation Services
Interpretation services are available to patients in all clinical units and departments at the hospital through several options. We encourages the use of free, local interpretation options before using paid phone and video options. Below you will find interpretations services that connect French-speaking patients to their healthcare providers.
Services d’interprétation en français
Des services d’interprétation sont proposés aux patients dans toutes les unités cliniques et tous les services de l’hôpital, via plusieurs options. Nous vous encourageons à recourir aux services d’interprétation locaux gratuits avant d’utiliser les options payantes par téléphone ou par vidéo. Vous trouverez ci-dessous les services d’interprétation qui permettent de mettre en relation les patients francophones avec leurs professionnels de santé.
French-English Interpretation by TBRHSC staff members
Interprétation français-anglais par des membres du personnel
https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services
L’Accueil francophone de Thunder Bay
L’Accueil francophone via the Ontario Telehealth Network
L’Accueil francophone via le Réseau de télésanté de l’Ontario
English: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services/documents/otn-french-interpretation-services
French: https://informed.tbrhsc.net/corporate-info/french-language-services/documents/otn-french-interpretation-services-fr
InSight Video Interpreting by LanguageLine
Interprétation vidéo InSight par LanguageLine
Over the phone interpretation
Interprétation par téléphone
Multicultural Association
Association multiculturelle
In Memoriam: Elder Aaron Therriault
We send our deepest condolences to Elder Aaron Therriault’s family, friends, his community of Aroland First Nation, and all those affected by this loss as our dear friend makes his way to the Spirit World.
Elder Aaron, also known by his Anishinaabe name Animkii-gaabowii (Thunder Spirit), was a respected Elder who called Thunder Bay home since 1983. His dedication to his culture, language, and tradition, shared through education, song, and storytelling, made him a deeply valued presence in our community and at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).
He could often be seen around the Hospital, smiling and carrying his drum. He participated in many Hospital initiatives and his positive presence and guidance helped to move the work forward.
Elder Aaron provided support and guidance to patients alongside our Spiritual Care team. He sat with many patients at the end of their lives, helping them begin their journey to the Spirit World. The compassion he showed brought comfort to both patients and their families.
Elder Aaron served as an Elder for the Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Health Primer training, designed by our partners N’Doo’owe Binesi at St. Joseph’s Care Group, and delivered by TBRHSC. Through his teachings and guidance, he supported staff in developing stronger cultural safety skills and a deeper understanding of Indigenous health. He helped shift attitudes and bring people together in a more meaningful way.
His voice was central to TBRHSC’s annual Truth and Reconciliation Report, which highlights the Hospital’s efforts to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. His reflections, grounded in the teachings of the Medicine Wheel and the spirit of the Sacred Circle, helped shape the Hospital’s approach to reconciliation and the path forward.
The greatest gifts he gave us were the Anishinaabe names he offered through ceremony, laying a foundation to move the work forward in a good way. He gifted the Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion portfolio’s Indigenous departments the name Miskwaa Biidaaban meaning ‘Red Dawn’, and the youth-focused career experience the name Kinomagai Akosii-agamong Anokiiwin, meaning ‘Teaching Hospital, Career or Work.’
These were the first traditional names gifted to Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, and the significance of that moment will not be forgotten. Elder Aaron saw the dedication to this work as a sign of compassion and love, and a commitment to building respect and common ground. He shared that people heal through love, through culture, and through the support of those who carry the teachings. He saw opportunities to grow and do things better. He hoped we would learn from one another, and that by walking this path together, we would find a better way forward for patients, families and our staff.
Elder Aaron’s spirit lives on in the names he gave us and the teachings he shared. Everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him was touched by his knowledge, generosity, and belief in what we were doing and why it mattered. We give thanks for a life of service and will remember him fondly for his tremendous contributions to the well-being of the growth of our Hospital. We are grateful. We will carry his teachings forward.