Hello, Boozhoo, Bonjour!

April has been a busy month for all of us, and I’m thrilled to share some key updates with you.

Following the recent Town Hall and the Ontario Budget announcement in late March, we are optimistic about potential boosts to our financial situation. These enhancements could significantly support our capital projects, which are crucial for advancing our care and attracting top talent to our Hospital and Health Research Institute. We’re actively engaging with Ministry officials visiting our facilities to discuss our unique community needs. Stay tuned for more developments.

During National Volunteer Week (April 14-20), I had the opportunity to shadow two of our dedicated volunteers at the Cancer Centre. This experience brought a refreshing perspective to the administrative side of my duties and reinforced the critical role of our volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who brightens our patients’ days.

Staff Experience is important to Patient Experience, and both are pillars of our Strategic Plan 2026. I want you to know that when you provide feedback related to your work at our Hospital or Health Research Institute, we are listening. In response to your feedback and engagement surveys as well as our work with the Staff Advisory Committee, I would like to inform you about the organizational level actions that we have been working on to improve your work experience:

• Food Services: We’ve broadened food options and extended service hours. Notable changes include extended cafeteria hours for hot meals and salads, Robin’s shifting to 24 hours service and starting May 2024, Robin’s will offer “Grab & Go” options to their 24 hour service. We anticipate positive feedback regarding these changes — please feel free to let us know.
  
• Staff Spaces: Following an audit and survey of our break spaces through our Staff Advisory Committee, we’re standardizing and enhancing these areas. Expect upgraded amenities like kitchen equipment across all breakrooms, maintained as per new policy standards. Additionally, a new / enhanced staff break space will be developed on the 3rd floor by the Sim Lab, with renderings coming soon! Expect this to be completed this fall.
  
• Staffing Enhancements: In response to increased bed capacity, we are boosting our nurse and support staff numbers. This enhancement will improve patient experience and provide better outcomes for both patients and staff. We are also launching new recruitment initiatives for positions where resources can be more difficult to find, like those in our labs and pharmacy.

So, again, please know that we’re listening. Your feedback is invaluable. Keep sharing your thoughts through the Staff Advisory Committee email or directly with your manager.

Finally, I would like to follow up on some comments and questions regarding our in-house security protocols. After seeing a reduction in violent incidents in the Emergency Department this past year we have extended the Thunder Bay Police Service paid duty contract. We know one case of violence is too many and this is why we need to continue to ensure heightened security during peak times. At the same time, we are exploring other opportunities and partnerships to create a more diverse and sustainable model for long term safety solutions both within the Emergency Department and the broader Hospital environment. Thank you for your efforts to support this work. We will keep you updated as to our progress.

As always, I’m open to your thoughts on this blog or any other topic. Contact me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your continuous dedication and hard work.