From October 20 to 25, we recognize Spiritual Care Awareness Week, a time to reflect on the importance of spiritual well-being as part of holistic health care. Spiritual Care supports patients, families, and staff of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs. It reminds us that healing is not only physical, but also emotional, mental, and spiritual. This year’s theme is Honouring the Many Paths to Healing.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, we honour the diverse spiritual traditions that bring comfort and strength to those in our care. This includes multi-faith support, chaplaincy, and Indigenous traditional spiritual care, such as access to Elders, smudging, traditional medicines, and ceremonies that promote balance and connection to spirit.
Recognizing and respecting spiritual diversity strengthens our shared commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. By walking alongside each person on their healing journey, whatever their faith or path—we uphold the values of respect, dignity, and belonging for all.
Meet the Spiritual Care Team!
Annette Klement, Traditional Wellness Coordinator
The Traditional Wellness Coordinator supports Indigenous patients, families, and staff by ensuring access to traditional and spiritual care within the hospital. Working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and health care teams, the Coordinator helps create a culturally safe environment that supports the whole person — spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical.
This role bridges traditional knowledge with modern medicine, ensuring Indigenous patients and families feel respected, supported, and safe in their healthcare journey.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate traditional and spiritual care services.
- Collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and partners.
- Provide cultural safety education and training.
- Organize cultural events and ceremonies.
- Support patients and families during sensitive times.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: 2nd Floor, Spiritual Care Offices
Phone: Main: 807-684-6937 or Cell: 807-627-5384
Email: Annette.Klement@tbh.net
Cory Hoogsteen, Spiritual Care Coordinator
Responsibilities:
- Works with patients, family, and staff who are in crisis, struggling with illness, injury, loss or change.
- Aims to help individuals make sense of their suffering, finding purpose and meaning in life and relationships.
- Provides service to any faith group and people with no faith background.
- Engages with people in Spiritual Distress, or existential crisis. This experience is often expressed through questions like “Why is this happening to me?”
- Connects patients with Religious leaders in the community.
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Location: 2nd Floor, Spiritual Care Offices
Phone: 807-684-6236
Email: Cory.Hoogsteen@tbh.net
On-call Spiritual Care associates are available 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. weeknights, and 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. weekends and holidays. Please call Switchboard.
Available Spiritual Care spaces: Multi-Faith Room, Spiritual Care Lounge, Spirit Garden (between 1A and 1B) and Musalla.