World Stroke Day is recognized each year on October 29, and aims to raise awareness of stroke signs and the benefits of timely access to emergency medical care. Last year, the World Stroke Organization launched the #Precioustime campaign, with the message that when it comes to stroke, ‘save minutes, save lives.’ This message has the potential not just to save a life from stroke, but to save mobility, speech and precious independence for millions of stroke survivors around the globe.

This year on World Stroke Day, the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network (NWORSN) wants to raise awareness of the serious nature and high rates of stroke, learning the signs of stroke and the need for timely access to quality stroke treatment.

In April 2022, the NWORSN launched the “Suspect Stroke? Minutes Matter!” video, to capture the message that stroke is a medical emergency. The video highlights a patient and family member’s stroke journey, demonstrating both the delays while self-transporting and the benefit of time savings when accessing EMS to the emergency department.

Most Northwestern Ontario residents drive to the hospital instead of accessing emergency medical services (EMS) when suspecting stroke. The importance of accessing EMS in stroke care is imperative in the region due to the vast geography.

“We need to be aware of the benefits of calling 911 or your local emergency number and the expertise that first responders and paramedics bring to stroke care,” states Dr. Hassan, Medical Lead for the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network. “They are trained to recognize the signs of stroke and mobilize the patient quickly, remotely notifying the emergency department, resulting in saving time.”

With a one in four risk of stroke in our lifetime, the message remains the same. Stroke is a medical emergency. Do not delay access to stroke care. Recognize FAST: Face – is it drooping? Arms – can you raise both? Speech – is it slurred or jumbled? And Time – to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

To learn more about stroke, visit the Northwestern Ontario Regional Stroke Network website: http://nwostroke.ca. To watch the “Suspect Stroke? Minutes Matter” video, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EugvtE_ola4.

The World Stroke Organization has created a toolkit with resources to help you market and take action. When utilizing these materials please use #Precioustime, #NWORSN, #TBRHSC

Should you have any questions, please contact: Keli Cristofaro, Community Engagement Specialist, NWORSN at Keli.Cristofaro@tbh.net or 807-684-6468.

The Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) proclaims the last week in October as Respiratory Therapy Week in Canada, to celebrate the respiratory therapy profession and the outstanding dedication and passion of Respiratory Therapists (RTs). This includes all areas of respiratory therapy practice, including anesthesia assistance.

RTs are highly-skilled health care professionals. They have specialized medical expertise and use their knowledge and skills to provide safe, high-quality care. If you have medical problems that may be caused by cardiorespiratory or respiratory-related issues, RTs are the experts who will work with you to diagnose, treat and manage your condition.

Within our Hospital there are always RTs working hard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across all patient populations. They can be found in the Emergency Department (ED), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal ICU, Operating Room (OR), pulmonary function lab, stress lab, and are on call for all inpatients. RTs perform a number of vital roles throughout our Hospital. They are called for all high-risk deliveries including C-sections, traumas, conscious sedations, cardioversions, puffer administration and education, arterial blood gases, insertion of arterial catheters, non-invasive mechanical ventilation, (like CPAPs or BiPAPs), high flow oxygen therapy, and so much more.

Join us in thanking our RTs for their vital contributions to patient care.

On Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm EDT, join Niki Kiepek, PhD in exploring harm reduction in acute care settings. Join via Zoom link:  https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/95940005833
For more information, contact Loretta Delea at 343-8010 ext. 8126 or chce@lakeheadu.ca

*Deadline to sign up is October 28 by the end of the day*

For more information on this year’s Take Our Kids to Work Day, please visit the intranet.

Representatives from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Human Resources Department are attending Lakehead University’s Career Fair on October 25, to share TBRHSC’s opportunities and network with Lakehead students, new graduates, and alumni.

CrossFit Fundraiser Taking Place in Thunder Bay

Superior CrossFit is putting a local twist on the worldwide CrossFit initiative Barbells for Boobs. Rather than send the proceeds from its fundraiser to the event’s international fund, it donates them locally to the Health Sciences Foundation’s Northern Cancer Fund for breast cancer.

From 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday, October 29, Superior CrossFit will be holding quick workouts at 15 minute intervals for people of all workout levels. “It’s all inclusive for everyone. Everyone can participate. Everyone can donate,” says event organizer Ron Rost. “People can gather a group and book a time to do it together. I have some groups booked already.”

Pre-registration is not necessary. Attendees are asked to make a donation at the door to participate. And, because the event is so close to Halloween, attendees are encouraged to dress in Halloween costumes. There will be a prize for the best costume!

Superior CrossFit has raised around $14,500 locally for breast cancer care over the past five years of hosting the Barbells for Boobs event. “Our goal is to raise just over $5,500 to bring our total donations from the event to $20,000,” says Rost.

For more information, call Superior CrossFit at 252-8777. It is located at 712 Vickers Street North.

Shared on behalf of Jennifer Wintermans, Vice President, Quality & Corporate Affairs

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As required by the Municipal Elections Act, we are supporting the opportunity for voting on Monday, October 24, 2022 for the City of Thunder Bay municipal election. If a patient has their Voter Information Letter (VIL) containing their PIN (which the patient will have already received via mail), they can vote via the free Wi-Fi on their personal device. However, if they do not have their VIL and PIN, and still wish to vote, there will be City of Thunder Bay Election Officers on-site to bring voting options for the municipal election to our Hospital.

The on-site election staff will have the ability to confirm the elector and activate their right to vote. The patient would be issued a PIN number so that they could cast their ballot online via their personal device. There will also be the option to vote in person at the Hospital with a ballot, should it be required.

In addition, if staff have their VIL and/or wish to utilize these services they can also vote.  

The on-site polling station will be located outside Volunteer Services and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST.

As an FYI, voting information leaflets (attached) will be included in patient meal trays starting Friday, October 21.

Managers are asked to post this memo for all staff, and encourage staff to inform patients of their voting options.

For more information on voting, please contact Thunder Bay Votes at thunderbayvotes@thunderbay.ca or call 807-622-VOTE (8683).

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.