Celebrating Year Four Progress of Strategic Plan 2026

For the fourth year of the joint Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) Strategic Plan 2026, we are pleased to provide this report back to the community on the progress to date.

The plan focuses on five strategic pillars: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Patient Experience; Staff Experience; Research, Innovation and Learning, and Sustainable Future.

Each year, a strategic priority is featured through video, and a range of communications, providing a closer look at some of the initiatives TBRHSC and TBRHRI have undertaken to advance health care in Northwestern Ontario. This year, the organizations are highlighting initiatives that support the priority of Sustainable Future.

“Looking ahead, we are committed to an environment defined by exceptional patient care, an engaged workforce, strong partnerships, and the responsible stewardship of our resources,” says Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO at TBRHSC and CEO at TBRHRI. “Through the integration of sustainable practices across our operations, we are creating a stronger, more resilient hospital — one that is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the people of Northwestern Ontario today and for generations to come.”

Initiatives to support this commitment include the expansion of our Hospital footprint and programming to include cardiovascular surgery (launching in 2028); implementing an integrated electronic health record system to improve clinical processes and patient care; building outpatient programs to enhance care for children with medical complexity and harnessing technology and data to improve outcomes for stroke patients. These are just a few examples of initiatives that will make certain we continue to meet the needs of patients and families now and in the future.

“The Board recognizes that sustainability is integral to our mission and long-term success, ensuring we can provide exceptional care for every patient, every time — today and into the future” states Patricia Lang, Board Chair for TBRHSC. “Through thoughtful planning and responsible stewardship, we are safeguarding the future of our hospital, strengthening our capacity to deliver high-quality patient care while remaining responsive and sustainable in a changing healthcare environment.”

“Research and innovation play a vital role in creating a sustainable health care system,” says Dr. Andrew Dean, Board Chair for TBRHRI. “By advancing new knowledge, fostering collaboration, and exploring solutions to the unique health challenges facing Northwestern Ontario, we are helping to improve patient outcomes while strengthening the future of health care. Sustainability and innovation go hand in hand, and our commitment to research ensures that we continue to discover better ways to care for patients and support healthier communities.”

As Strategic Plan 2026 comes to a close, TBRHSC and TBRHRI have successfully launched all 26 initiatives aligned with the five Strategic Directions. While this marks a significant milestone, many of these initiatives will continue to evolve as we advance our vision through a new Strategic Plan.

View the Year Four Progress through the TBRHSC Annual Report here, or the TBRHRI Annual Report here.

View the Sustainable Future video here.

To view the current career opportunities available at TBRHSC and TBRHRI, please visit our website at jobs.tbrhsc.net.