Boozhoo, Bonjour, Hello.

As we approach the end of 2024, I know how hard it can be to truly pause and reflect when work and life is so busy – but I encourage you to take the time to do it. Admittedly, this has been an extraordinary year, with historic levels of demand and challenges in health care. Each of you, whether at the bedside or supporting our teams behind the scenes, has risen to meet these challenges head-on. Your dedication to patient-centred care —especially at a time when the pressures are so high — is remarkable. I thank you sincerely for everything you’ve done and continue to do.

I do want to share some genuinely positive news that I hope will bring encouragement as we move forward. For many years, we’ve wrestled with financial constraints that limited our ability to invest in innovative solutions, expand our research, and strengthen our care. Today, I’m pleased to say that we have turned a significant corner. This week, we received an unprecedented level of funding support: an additional $14.9 million, on top of the $7.1 million announced earlier this year. In total, $22.1 million in operational base funding will help stabilize our finances, support staffing, and enhance our capacity to deliver the care our patients deserve.

This isn’t just about balancing budgets; it’s about creating a sustainable foundation that will enable us to plan more strategically, invest more thoughtfully, and transform the way we work. You’ll see it reflected in improved scheduling, strengthened clinical operations, and the exploration of new innovations to support our long-term vision. It’s a powerful acknowledgement of the importance of our Hospital’s role in the region.

We have other reasons to feel optimistic. Recent funding announcements will support key projects, such as the redesign of our Emergency Department’s Mental Health and Addictions Assessment and Observation Area — an essential step in responding to growing patient volumes and acuity. We’ve also secured funding for a new Linear Accelerator (LINAC), a crucial piece of equipment that will advance radiation therapy for cancer patients. This means fewer people will need to travel long distances for care and more will receive life-saving treatment here at home. We expect the new LINAC to be operational by late January 2025, and I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen.

We’re also immensely grateful to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and the communities we serve for their philanthropic efforts this year, with the Foundation contributing $6.6 million this past year to support our patients and teams. This pushes us closer to our shared goal: exceptional care for every patient, every time.

As the holidays approach, I recognize not everyone will be able to take time off. Health care doesn’t stop for the festive season. For those working through the holidays, thank you for ensuring our patients and community continue to receive the very best care. Please, when you can, take a few moments to recharge in the new 3rd floor staff lounge. This space, along with the holiday cards and vouchers you’ve received (if not, please check with your Manager), is a small token of our gratitude.

Your respect, teamwork, and resilience have a direct impact not only on our patients and their families, but also on each other. I am proud and grateful to lead this organization, and I am continually inspired by the compassion and expertise you bring to your work.

As we close out 2024, I again encourage you to pause and acknowledge all you have contributed to our Hospital and Health Research Institute. May your holidays be filled with comfort, joy, and moments that remind you why your work matters so deeply. Here’s to a brighter, healthier 2025 for all of us.

As always, I welcome your feedback or any thoughts you’d like to share. Please feel free to reach me at rhonda.ellacott@tbh.net.

Miigwech, merci, thank you, and warmest holiday wishes.