Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit our region early last year, Thomas had just graduated with a degree in Life Sciences from Queen’s University. In between applying to medical schools and volunteering for the Dew Drop Inn and the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA), Thomas started work at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) as a Screener.

COVID-19 Screening

Early in our Hospital’s response to the pandemic, we limited Hospital entrances and introduced COVID-19 screening for all patients and limited Essential Care Partners (ECPs). We now have four full-time and eight part- time employees like Thomas who ask a series of questions at the entrance before people can enter. Depending on their answers (based on symptoms, travel, and contact with others), individuals will either be permitted to enter with a mask, permitted with a mask and additional precautions, or declined entrance and provided alternate care information. On average, 1109 people are screened through the main entrance every day, not including staff.

Thomas says one of the challenges of the role is responding to people who do not understand why screening is so important. “I would say 99 per cent of people understand why we ask these questions and they want to be safe and help keep others safe,” he says. “We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe, including vulnerable or immune-compromised people.”

Role in Hospital’s Pandemic Response

Screeners like Thomas play a vital role in the Hospital’s pandemic response. “I’m happy to be able to help support the Hospital staff and make things a little easier for them knowing that everyone has been screened prior to reaching that department, for them to have confidence that we are doing everything we can to keep the Hospital as safe as possible.”

“Hospital staff deserve to be safe. They have been working really hard, especially since COVID-19 started affecting our community in March. [To staff] we appreciate everything you’re doing.”

Moving Forward

When he is not working at the Hospital as a Screener, Thomas is finding ways to stay busy, positive, and optimistic during these challenging times. “At Queen’s I played football which I can’t do now, so I work out at home. That helps with stress, and I feel lucky that I can do that.” Considering his interest in one day working in the medical field, it is no surprise that Thomas also enjoys reading articles about epidemiology and is rediscovering some books he enjoyed as a teenager.