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

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The Hospital acknowledges that Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement noting that smoke plumes from active forest fires in the Northwest are putting particles and gases into the air that can be harmful to human health. People may experience symptoms such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches, or shortness of breath. Leadership will continue to monitor the air quality situation and adjust our Hospital’s response as required.

Recommended Actions:

• Review the Code Grey – Air Exclusion (Button Down) policy and associated refresher Safety Huddle (see attached).
• Directors/Managers, post/circulate and discuss the attached Safety Huddle contents with your teams.
• Visit www.airhealth.ca for information on how to reduce your health risk along with current and forecasted Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) values.

In Canada, there is one stroke approximately every five minutes. For the best patient outcomes, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and hospitals need to be ready to ensure patients receive the right care in a timely way. In Northwestern Ontario, EMS and Emergency Departments have enhanced stroke assessment by using screening tools to identify severe stroke. These tools identify patients who may benefit from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

EVT is a treatment for acute ischemic stroke that uses a small tube, a guide wire and stent to remove large stroke-causing clots from the brain. The EVT procedure requires specialized equipment and a coordinated team approach to ensure success. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), one of 11 EVT centers, strives to continuously optimize stroke care by improving and upgrading equipment. In September 2022, an aspiration (suction) system was upgraded at TBRHSC to assist when removing a clot from the brain.

The next goal is to purchase an anesthesia machine and monitoring equipment for the EVT suite.

“Stroke is the most feared complication after cardiac surgery,” remarks Dr. Bebedjian, Interventional Neurologist and EVT provider at TBRHSC. “And as our cardiac care grows at TBRHSC, preparing for the opening of the cardiovascular program, it is vital to continue with our progress in stroke care.”

“The additional equipment we have received and the upgrades we hope to obtain in the future mean faster and more efficient treatment for patients, ultimately giving the patient the best opportunity for recovery,” adds Dr. A. Hassan, Neurologist and Medical Lead, Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network.

While more strokes are happening, with advancements in stroke care, more people are surviving. The need for stroke treatment, prevention and recovery systems is crucial.

Donations supporting stroke care and EVT initiatives can be directed to the STROKE FUND through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/donate or by calling 807-345-4673.

For more information on stroke care in Northwestern Ontario, visit www.nwostroke.ca or email nwostroke@tbh.net.

For those individuals who are interested in kidney transplant or kidney donation, join this free Transplant Ambassador Program (TAP) webinar entitled “Kidney Transplant in Your 60’s or 70’s?  Getting a New Lease on Life in Your Golden Years” on Wednesday June 21, 2023 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Please register at www.transplantambassadors.ca/tap-webinar-series/ to join.

Hear from our TAP panel of kidney transplant recipients and donors who share their lived experience.  These individuals wouldn’t let age be their obstacle in receiving or donating a kidney.

All Hospital staff, professional staff and volunteers are invited to join us for food, free giveaways and camaraderie as we celebrate the work that has been accomplished in the first year of our Strategic Plan 2026.

Staff who complete the Wake the Giant Training module will receive a 15% promotional code towards the purchase of Wake the Giant Music Fest tickets and qualify for a chance to win free tickets at the Staff Appreciation BBQ.

Shared on behalf of Kristin Shields, Director of Quality and Risk Management

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We are pleased to announce that Katherine Stewart has accepted the temporary role of Bioethicist, serving both TBRHSC and SJCG over the next year. Katherine will be replacing Michelle Allain as she embarks on her upcoming maternity leave.

As an Occupational Therapist by trade, Katherine has over 23 years of experience in the health care system, specifically within Mental Health and Addictions coupled with 10 years of experience co-chairing SJCG Ethics Committee positions. It is through these experiences that Katherine has been exposed to and helped navigate the day-to-day ethical issues prevalent without our healthcare system.

Katherine will officially start her new role on July 4, 2023 and will be working with Michelle to transition over the coming weeks.

To request ethics consultation or support from July 4th onward, please contact Katherine directly by email at Katherine.stewart@tbh.net, (807) 684-6538 or the QRM Administrative Assistant, Patrizia Charrette at (807) 684-6019.

Wishing Michelle all the best in this next year, and extending a warm welcome to Katherine as she moves into this exciting new role.