Ethics in Action: Celebrating Ethics Week at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
by Raiili Pellizzari
Ethics Committee at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. From left to right: Joan Duke (Patient Family Advisor), Kristin Shields (Director, Quality and Risk Management), Leona Kakepetum (Director, Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion), Laurenne Stuart (Social Worker, Regional Renal Program), Michelle Allain (Bioethicist), Brittney McLaughlin (Interprofessional Educator), and Sarah Lynne Myllyaho (Internationally Educated Nurse Coordinator).This year, November 3-9 is National Ethics Week, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is excited to shine a light on the essential role of ethics in health care. As we navigate complex health care decisions, ethics helps guide us in making choices that are fair, compassionate, and respectful.
At TBRHSC, we believe that health care ethics is about doing what’s right for our patients and community. This commitment aligns with our core values of Diversity, Compassion, Excellence, Innovation, and Accountability. These values guide our staff in honoring patients’ choices and ensuring that everyone receives the respect and care they deserve.
Our mission at TBRHSC is to provide quality care to patients and families, supported by research, innovation, and education. Ethics is a vital part of this mission, allowing us to respond thoughtfully to the needs of Northwestern Ontario’s population. Our Bioethicist and Ethics Committee collaborate to ensure our care aligns with community values rooted in dignity, respect, and collaboration.
For instance, consider a situation where a patient must choose between different treatments. How do we approach that decision? Our Bioethicist works in collaboration with our staff to support patients and families explore their options, and help them in making informed choices that best suit their needs.
At TBRHSC, we strive to integrate ethical considerations into everything we do—not just during Ethics Week, but every day of the year. This week serves as a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on our decision-making processes and recognize the hard work that goes into aligning our actions with our mission of providing exceptional care for every patient, every time.
So, let’s celebrate Ethics Week by recognizing the important role that ethics plays in health care and working together to make difficult decisions with compassion and respect for all.
