Shared on behalf of Adam Vinet, VP, Patient Experience, CNE & RVP, Regional Cancer Care

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Please join me in congratulating Laura Lee Barrie on her upcoming retirement. Laura Lee’s last day will be December 20, 2024.

In her 35 years of service, Laura Lee has worked diligently with a constant quest of improving access and quality of care for all patients. She began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse at McKellar Hospital on Units 6 South, 3 South and 5 South. In 2004, when Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre opened their doors, Laura Lee worked on 3A Surgery as a Registered Nurse. Moving into leadership roles at TBRHSC, Laura Lee was a Clinical Educator for Surgical Services, Manager of 3B Surgery and onto her current role as Director, Surgical & Ambulatory Services.

Laura Lee’s contributions to our organization have been significant. She has led many projects including bringing robotic surgery to TBRHSC. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Laura Lee went above and beyond taking on many roles and her leadership throughout that time was exemplary. Her skills, experience, attention to detail and ability to develop innovative ideas, made her highly valued amongst leaders and physicians.

As previously communicated, John Ross is working with Laura Lee for a smooth transition and he will assume the role of Director, Surgical & Ambulatory Services upon her retirement.

Please join me in wishing Laura Lee all the best in her retirement.

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Celebrate Laura Lee Barrie’s Retirement!

Please drop in on Wednesday, December 18 in Auditoriums A & B between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., for cake and refreshments to celebrate her upcoming retirement.

Shared on behalf of Infection Prevention and Control

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An outbreak of COVID has been declared on 1A as of today, Wednesday December 11, 2024.
Outbreak #2262-2024-00132

All restrictions are in place. Please share this information with the appropriate staff. As always, our number one priority is the safety of patients and their families, staff and visitors. All patients identified as having an exposure to this outbreak will require isolation with appropriate additional precautions. 

The department of Infection Prevention and Control encourages everyone to keep applying the routine practices of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, equipment cleaning, and the appropriate admission screening of all patients. Please set an example for staff and students and assist us by maintaining compliance and due diligence. 

For more information, contact Infection Prevention and Control at ext. 6904.

Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10 to commemorate the proclamation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was formally adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

The Declaration recognizes all human beings as having inherent dignity, worth and fundamental rights that they are entitled to regardless of race, colour, sex, language, religion, or any other status they may hold.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is considered a common standard worldwide for protecting human rights. This year’s theme is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”, underscores the urgent need to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of all individuals, while addressing and preventing inequality and oppression.

Aligned with the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) pillar of our Strategic Plan 2026, our Hospital and the EDI Steering Committee are dedicated to combating all forms of racism and discrimination that contribute to disparities in health care and fostering a culturally safe environment for all patients, their families and staff.

To learn more about Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, visit the United Nations’ website at https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day.

On Tuesday, December 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. the French choir from École Secondaire Catholique De La Verendrye will be performing across from Seasons Gift Shop.

Walk on over to enjoy the sounds of the season.

Shared on behalf of Volunteer Services

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Please note that the cart from Volunteer Services is currently missing.

The cart is labeled with Volunteer Services, written on the side.

Those who may have borrowed the cart are asked to please return it to the Volunteer Services office or to contact Megan Valente, Volunteer Coordinator, by calling extension 6267.

Here’s a perfect opportunity to find a locally-made gift for that special someone on your holiday shopping list. The Holiday Market will take place on Thursday, December 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (back of the Cafeteria and in front of Season’s Gift Shop and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s donor recognition wall).

It’s one of the Health Sciences Foundation’s favourite days of the year: Giving Tuesday!

Our goal is to raise $44,000 in 24 hours to fund vital equipment, including a ventilator and defibrillator, to complete a second Paediatric Transfer Deck for the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team.

We have more exciting news: Our friends at the Sandra Schmirler Foundation have come on board to MATCH every donation to this equipment! That means for every $1 you donate on Giving Tuesday, they’ll double it.

There are four ways to donate today:

• Online at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/gt
• Text VITAL to 20222 to donate $10
• Phone 807-345-4673
• Or visit us by the Grant Christmas Tree in the Hospital lobby.

“This critical piece of equipment is essential for safely transporting critically ill children, with tools like a ventilator and defibrillator.” says Michelle, RN, Paediatric Emergency Transport Team, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, “It enables our Team to respond quickly, particularly in remote and underserved areas where access to specialized care is limited. It means no child is left waiting in a moment of crisis.”

Thank you for supporting the Hospital’s littlest patients!

Don’t miss the unveiling of our Hospital’s new staff lounge, located on the third floor foyer by the SIM Lab and Auditorium A/B.

Date: Monday, December 2, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Third Floor Foyer

All staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners are welcome to attend. Refreshments and treats will be served.