The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is proud to highlight volunteer Dougie Newhouse.
HELP is a delirium prevention program that aids in the improvement of cognitive and functional outcomes in patients 65 and older. HELP achieves this by having trained volunteers facilitate interventions that prevent delirium, which includes orienting patients to their surroundings, facilitating activities that keep them cognitively active, encouraging fluids and keeping them mobile within the limitations of their physical condition.
After he completes his studies on human physiology to the PhD or MD level, Dougie looks forward to a long career in healthcare serving Northwestern Ontario. With those academic and professional goals in mind, he began volunteering with the HELP program. However, he says he soon found the experience personally rewarding as well, from supporting and interacting with HELP patients, hearing their unique perspectives and doing what he could to aid in their care.
“My experiences volunteering for the HELP program have facilitated my development of communicational, organizational and professional skills to draw from while navigating a prospective career in healthcare, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.”
HELP, Elder Life Coordinator, Marielle Dysievick, says Dougie demonstrates dedication and effectiveness in helping improve patients’ experience here at the hospital. “Dougie truly makes everyone he meets feel comfortable and has empathy for patients and their families.”
“Dougie is friendly, kind and truly enjoys getting to know each patient. These qualities were evident from his first shift with HELP. He possesses all the qualities of an outstanding volunteer. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our patients Dougie!”
Brad Adams, Marilyn Adams, and Olivia Adams. Three generations of Volunteers at TBRHSC.
For Olivia, Brad, and Marilyn Adams, volunteering is a family business! The daughter, father, and grandmother trio are all volunteers in different departments at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Olivia volunteers in the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP); Brad volunteers in Wayfinding, and Marilyn volunteers in Healthy Lifestyles, Cardiac Rehab.
Why did you originally want to start to volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre?
Marilyn: I originally started volunteering at the TBRHSC because I have the time, availability, and a strong desire to help people. My granddaughter and son encouraged me to become involved. I am a previous participant of the Healthy Lifestyles program and had a great experience.
Brad: My daughter was volunteering at the hospital and from discussion with her, I could see the positive impact it was having on her in helping others. This led me to consider volunteering at the hospital once I retired. In my previous work experience it gave me satisfaction in helping others and coordinating service delivery to the community.
Olivia: Originally I started volunteering at the hospital because I had a growing interest in healthcare and I wanted to gain experience. At the time, I was too young to work, but eager to get involved so volunteering presented itself as a great opportunity to gain valuable experience.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Marilyn: My favorite thing about volunteering is interacting with staff members and participants of the program. As a volunteer, I have the privilege of talking with participants and listening to their stories. I find great satisfaction in encouraging and assisting them throughout the program. Ultimately, it is the people themselves who make each shift rewarding.
Brad: Volunteering in the Wayfinding position has many different tasks assigned to it, from answering general questions, to directing and assisting people with where they need to go. My favorite thing about volunteering is helping or assisting people with getting where they need to go within the hospital. This always brings me satisfaction and a smile to my face when at the end of the day I know I helped somebody get to an appointment, visit a family member within the hospital or make a delivery to a patient within the hospital.
Olivia: My favorite thing about volunteering in the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is the opportunity to connect with seniors. As I transitioned into roles as an employee as a unit care aide and nursing student, my interactions with patients became more task-oriented. Volunteering with HELP allows me time to engage in meaningful conversations with hospitalized seniors.
What would you tell someone who is interested in Volunteering at the hospital?
Marilyn: Volunteering at the hospital is a rewarding experience. There is always an opportunity to make a difference and I encourage anyone interested in volunteering to apply. Age knows no limits when it comes to trying something new, so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Brad: Volunteering at the hospital or any organization provides you a good feeling about helping others and giving back to the community overall is satisfying.
Olivia: Volunteering at the hospital is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to learn and gives you a unique perspective into our healthcare system and community. I encourage everyone to try volunteering if they have the opportunity to.
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who take time out of their busy schedule every week to volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre!
(L-R) Abbey Hunter and Kim Montanaro are Volunteers and Patient Family Advisors at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
During National Volunteer Week 2024, from April 14 to 20, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation are celebrating the many dedicated volunteers who contribute to the patient and family experience every day. Volunteer Canada’s theme this year is Every Moment Matters.
Also, as our community celebrates the hospital’s 20th anniversary this year, we want to recognize the hundreds of dedicated Hospital and Foundation Volunteers and Patient Family Advisors who have played a vital role in building exceptional healthcare for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario over the past twenty years.
Knowing our volunteer contributions are valued and meaningful creates a greater sense of purpose and dedication. From offering a listening ear to an in-patient, or a cup of tea to someone undergoing chemotherapy treatment to providing a friendly welcome and wayfinding information at the main entrance, each volunteer’s action impacts our community’s overall wellness, now and for future generations.
Volunteers contribute in countless ways to support Patient and Family Centred Care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, as Hospital and Foundation Volunteers and Patient Family Advisors (PFAs).
Would you like to learn more about becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers at the Hospital contribute to Patient and Family Centred Care everyday in patient-facing roles on in-patient units. Other volunteers support out-patients through hospitality roles and transport. There are also volunteers who provide administrative office support. Others help in reception and greeting roles. There are also volunteers assisting with fundraising through Seasons Gift Shop. Volunteers even share their gifts and talents of music and gardening. Visit www.tbrhsc.net and go to the section ‘Join our Team’ to apply online and find more information about volunteering at the Hospital, or e-mail volunteering@tbh.net or call 684-6266.
Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) are volunteers who, based on their personal experiences, share their unique perspectives of how our Hospital’s services impact patients and families.
Patient Family Advisors represent the voice of the patient. As active partners in everything we do, they have direct input and influence into the policies, programs and practices that shape the care and services received at our Hospital. Working in collaboration with our staff and healthcare providers, PFAs help us to meet the needs and priorities of our patients, families and community.
For more information about becoming a PFA, please visit our website at www.tbrhsc.net and go to the ‘Join our Team’ section, or contact us by telephone at 807-684-7322 or via e-mail at TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net.
Volunteers are also critical to the success of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They help make a healthier Northwestern Ontario by providing administrative assistance, assisting with special events, and selling raffle tickets at various locations throughout the region. Volunteers can help make a healthier Northwestern Ontario by assisting with one of our many special events or selling raffle tickets at various locations throughout the region, to name just a few opportunities.
Volunteers are the backbone of any organization, and they are an essential link to the community. We value what they do to make the patient experience better.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2024, we want to thank all of the volunteers who help make a difference for patients and families.
During National Volunteer Week 2024, we celebrate our collective impact. Through our kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering, we weave our lives together.
During National Volunteer Week, and all year long, we say THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
A lunch and learn will be held on Friday, April 19 from 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., in ICP Main Meeting Room 2178. A panel of volunteers and Patient Family Advisors will highlight their experience, what they do and how they work alongside staff to help deliver an exceptional patient experience.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, we will experience a partial solar eclipse in our area between approximately 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time).
While it is dangerous to look directly at the sun at any time, during a solar eclipse, including a partial eclipse, the sun’s intense radiation can cause severe damage to the eyes. Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can lead to solar retinopathy, permanently damaging the retina’s light-sensitive cells and resulting in the loss of sight.
During your staff huddles, please remind staff of the upcoming solar eclipse and the importance of taking safety precautions. In addition, where there may be a concern for patient safety, please lower window blinds where possible and be mindful when transporting patients outside during the time period. In areas with expansive window exposure, such as the cafeteria and main public corridor, take the appropriate precautions to be safe and protect your eyes.
Additional information for protecting your eyes during a solar eclipse can be found at Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s website
Surgical staff are invited to drop in and join us Wednesday, August 7 between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in Auditorium A.
Come and see what the organization has done to improve staff and patient satisfaction in the recent past and share your exciting ideas on how we can improve both in the future.
Dessert selections provided by milk and water along with light refreshments. Swag available for all attendees as well.
Seasons Gift Shop is missing two small folding white tables. If you have seen the tables, please return them to Seasons Gift Shop or Volunteer Services.
Both tables are labeled with ‘Volunteer Services’.
March 31 is International Day of Transgender Visibility. The Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Steering Committee will have a booth at the bottom of the main staircase today, from 9:00 a.m. to 4: 00 p.m., to hand out trans flag buttons and educational materials to better support transgender patients, families, professional staff, staff, learners, and volunteers. Check out the booth throughout the day to get your button and some information!
It is important to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for transgender patients, families, professional staff, staff, learners, and volunteers at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. By wearing a button or taking the time to learn more about the realities for transgender patients, it can make a big difference in making people feel safe and respected.
We encourage all staff will be encouraged to wear blue, pink, and white this week to celebrate and honour transgender individuals ahead of the International Day of Transgender Visibility.
Contact Gina Fata, Cultural Communications Specialist at gina.fata@tbh.net to submit a photo of your department dressed in blue, pink and white! All staff are welcome to participate and show their support.
As part of CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses’ Workplace Integration Program, we are pleased to offer Communication Strategies for Exchanging Information on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This session is FREE and intended for all of our internationally educated nurses.
