(Via Tbnewswatch.com and Lakehead University’s Research Matters forum)
A technique being refined by researchers in Thunder Bay that provides razor sharp images of the lungs and blood flow images of the brain could revolutionize the future of personalized medicine, leading to earlier and more precise detection of different types of cancers and brain-related diseases.
The approach, referred to as hyperpolarized (HP) xenon-129 molecular imaging, promises more detail and sensitivity than other imaging techniques and does it instantaneously.
“It’s potentially a very powerful technique,” says Dr. Mitchell Albert, a Lakehead University professor in chemistry and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) research chair in molecular imaging and advanced diagnostics.
Albert’s primary research is in the use of xenon in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. As a graduate student in the 1990s, he co-invented a technique to boost the MRI signal using HP xenon gas, for which he received several awards, including a U.S. Presidential Award from Bill Clinton.
He then spent 15 years at Harvard Medical School, improving the use of HP xenon as a diagnostic tool to detect small airway diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), asthma, and cystic fibrosis. In 2011 he came to Thunder Bay, where he continues to work on these innovative imaging technologies.
This specific area of research – the imaging of blood flow in tissue, a process called “perfusion” – involves a patient inhaling xenon, a colourless, odourless gas used as a contrast agent for the imaging of soft tissues. The xenon is specially prepared in a polarizer to boost the MRI signal and is dispensed in a bag. With the subject holding their breath, the MRI monitors how the xenon dissolves and moves through blood vessels.
This technique was used to examine patients who suffered from “long COVID”, with symptoms ranging from breathlessness to “brain fog,” including headaches and dizziness. Utilizing xenon MRI, researchers were able to determine that not enough oxygen was getting into the red blood cells and, from there, to other organs.
“The job of the lungs is to deliver oxygen to the body, so people that had COVID had an impairment of that process,” Albert explains.
“That means they have a deficiency of getting oxygen into the bloodstream. That’s why they have poor ventilation. That’s why they were breathless. That’s why they had fatigue – their muscles, their cells weren’t getting enough oxygen. So we were able to get clues using our technique to help solve the mystery.”
At the same time, Albert and his team at TBRHRI started doing brain imaging, since that’s the organ with the highest blood flow. Focusing on people with Alzheimer’s disease, xenon imaging revealed that these patients had lower cerebral blood flow, as well as indicating atrophy or shrinkage of the grey matter. As a result, Albert’s team has proposed a biomarker that could monitor these types of diseases.
“We were able to make perfusion images of the brain, which is very important in all sorts of diseases of the brain, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke and brain tumours,” Albert says.
A member of Albert’s research team, Dr. Yurii Shepelytskyi, has helped conceptualize a xenon biosensor for molecular imaging. A native of Ukraine, Shepelytskyi studied applied physics at the national university in Kyiv, with a focus on microwave electrodynamics. While still in Kyiv, Shepelytskyi attended a lecture by Dr. Alla Reznik, a Thunder Bay-based researcher developing technology to spot early-stage breast cancer. This intrigued him to check out the research taking place in the city.
“I looked up the research conducted by Dr. Albert’s group, and its novelty and tremendous potential impact piqued my interest immediately,” he says.
Shepelytskyi moved to Thunder Bay and three years ago, obtained a PhD in chemistry and material sciences. He continued his research as a post-doctoral fellow and was recently appointed an adjunct professor in Chemistry. His work has involved programming the clinical MRI scanner, developing a mathematical model for xenon perfusion imaging, performing image reconstruction, data analysis and statistical analysis of the acquired data.
Currently, he continues developing and optimizing the performance of novel contrast agents for molecular MRI imaging as well as developing passive frequency-selective inserts for MRI that can substantially improve the quality and resolution of the acquired images.
“Hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI paves the way for modern MRI into the realms of functional and molecular imaging,” Shepelytskyi says, explaining that identifying a specific type of cancer non-invasively reduces the amount of false-positive diagnoses and cuts down on the need for biopsies.
“This gives hyperpolarized xenon-129 MRI a unique opportunity to become a potential pillar for future personalized medicine and early-stage disease detection. Future development in this field can revolutionize modern health care and diagnostics,” he says.
In simple terms, the technique increases the xenon signal by several factors of magnitude. And by directing xenon in and out of the centre of large molecules, called “supermodular cages,” they could offer more detailed images of metabolic processes as they’re occurring.
“At the molecular imaging level the technique is so sensitive that we can see very, very small tumours and early-stage metastases wherever they go in the body,” Albert states.
“This xenon molecular imaging has the sensitivity of positron emission tomography or PET. PET is very sensitive but PET doesn’t have the good spatial resolution or localization. We’re doing it with MRI, which has excellent spatial resolution and anatomical localization. It only takes a fraction of a second to make the images, meaning we can catch things developing in real time.
“So it offers the best of both worlds: it has very, very high sensitivity and at the same time high spatial resolution. It’s also fast. All these elements are very important.”
Much of this work has been supported by grants from, among others, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Ontario Research Foundation, the Ministry of Health, and Mitacs.
This molecular imaging technology is still at the experimental stage and is now in pre-clinical testing, Albert says, adding that his team is also collaborating with specialists in respirology and neurology for testing on patients with different ailments.
“It’s a game-changer for imaging lung function and brain function, absolutely, and has the potential to revolutionize molecular imaging.”
Research Matters highlights the important work of researchers at Lakehead University.
For National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week (April 21-27), Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is raising awareness about the critical need for organ and tissue donors in our community and across the province.
“As our population ages, the need for organ and tissue donations is increasing. One donor can save up to eight lives and help 75 more by donating organ and tissue,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Donors and their families give an extraordinary gift, often at the most difficult time in their lives. Our team approaches the conversation with care and compassion, ensuring every patient and family has the information needed to make a life-saving choice. Consider discussing organ and tissue donation with your loved ones. You can make an incredible impact in the lives of another family.”
For the flag raising Dr. Crocker Ellacott was joined by local transplant recipients, family members of donors who gave the gift of life, and other members of the Hospital’s health care team.
“The collaboration between TBRHSC and Trillium Gift of Life Network is crucial in saving lives. On average, there are approximately 1,400 individuals on the waiting list for organ transplantation in Ontario,” said Kiley Perrier, Trillium Gift of Life Network’s Organ and Tissue Donation Coordinator at TBRHSC. “By registering your consent, you are making a selfless decision to help others through organ and tissue donation. Your decision can make a significant difference in saving someone’s life.”
National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week provides an ideal opportunity to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor. Have the conversation with your loved ones and make a difference in the lives of others.
Find out more and register at www.beadonor.ca. It only takes two minutes to potentially save or enhance many lives.
For Olivia, Brad, and Marilyn Adams, volunteering is a family business! The daughter, father, and grandmother trio are all volunteers in different departments at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Olivia volunteers in the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP); Brad volunteers in Wayfinding, and Marilyn volunteers in Healthy Lifestyles, Cardiac Rehab.
Why did you originally want to start to volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre?
Marilyn: I originally started volunteering at the TBRHSC because I have the time, availability, and a strong desire to help people. My granddaughter and son encouraged me to become involved. I am a previous participant of the Healthy Lifestyles program and had a great experience.
Brad: My daughter was volunteering at the hospital and from discussion with her, I could see the positive impact it was having on her in helping others. This led me to consider volunteering at the hospital once I retired. In my previous work experience it gave me satisfaction in helping others and coordinating service delivery to the community.
Olivia: Originally I started volunteering at the hospital because I had a growing interest in healthcare and I wanted to gain experience. At the time, I was too young to work, but eager to get involved so volunteering presented itself as a great opportunity to gain valuable experience.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
Marilyn: My favorite thing about volunteering is interacting with staff members and participants of the program. As a volunteer, I have the privilege of talking with participants and listening to their stories. I find great satisfaction in encouraging and assisting them throughout the program. Ultimately, it is the people themselves who make each shift rewarding.
Brad: Volunteering in the Wayfinding position has many different tasks assigned to it, from answering general questions, to directing and assisting people with where they need to go. My favorite thing about volunteering is helping or assisting people with getting where they need to go within the hospital. This always brings me satisfaction and a smile to my face when at the end of the day I know I helped somebody get to an appointment, visit a family member within the hospital or make a delivery to a patient within the hospital.
Olivia: My favorite thing about volunteering in the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) is the opportunity to connect with seniors. As I transitioned into roles as an employee as a unit care aide and nursing student, my interactions with patients became more task-oriented. Volunteering with HELP allows me time to engage in meaningful conversations with hospitalized seniors.
What would you tell someone who is interested in Volunteering at the Hospital?
Marilyn: Volunteering at the hospital is a rewarding experience. There is always an opportunity to make a difference and I encourage anyone interested in volunteering to apply. Age knows no limits when it comes to trying something new, so don’t hesitate to get involved.
Brad: Volunteering at the hospital or any organization provides you a good feeling about helping others and giving back to the community overall is satisfying.
Olivia: Volunteering at the hospital is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It is an opportunity to learn and gives you a unique perspective into our healthcare system and community. I encourage everyone to try volunteering if they have the opportunity to.
Thank you to these amazing volunteers who take time out of their busy schedule every week to volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre!
During National Volunteer Week 2024, from April 14 to 20, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation are celebrating the many dedicated volunteers who contribute to the patient and family experience every day. Volunteer Canada’s theme this year is Every Moment Matters.
Also, as our community celebrates the hospital’s 20th anniversary this year, we want to recognize the hundreds of dedicated Hospital and Foundation Volunteers and Patient Family Advisors who have played a vital role in building exceptional healthcare for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario over the past twenty years.
Knowing our volunteer contributions are valued and meaningful creates a greater sense of purpose and dedication. From offering a listening ear to an in-patient, or a cup of tea to someone undergoing chemotherapy treatment to providing a friendly welcome and wayfinding information at the main entrance, each volunteer’s action impacts our community’s overall wellness, now and for future generations.
Volunteers contribute in countless ways to support Patient and Family Centred Care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, as Hospital and Foundation Volunteers and Patient Family Advisors (PFAs).
Would you like to learn more about becoming a volunteer?
Volunteers at the Hospital contribute to Patient and Family Centred Care everyday in patient-facing roles on in-patient units. Other volunteers support out-patients through hospitality roles and transport. There are also volunteers who provide administrative office support. Others help in reception and greeting roles. There are also volunteers assisting with fundraising through Seasons Gift Shop. Volunteers even share their gifts and talents of music and gardening. Visit www.tbrhsc.net and go to the section ‘Join our Team’ to apply online and find more information about volunteering at the Hospital, or e-mail volunteering@tbh.net or call 684-6266.
Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) are volunteers who, based on their personal experiences, share their unique perspectives of how our Hospital’s services impact patients and families.
Patient Family Advisors represent the voice of the patient. As active partners in everything we do, they have direct input and influence into the policies, programs and practices that shape the care and services received at our Hospital. Working in collaboration with our staff and healthcare providers, PFAs help us to meet the needs and priorities of our patients, families and community.
For more information about becoming a PFA, please visit our website at www.tbrhsc.net and go to the ‘Join our Team’ section, or contact us by telephone at 807-684-7322 or via e-mail at TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net.
Volunteers are also critical to the success of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They help make a healthier Northwestern Ontario by providing administrative assistance, assisting with special events, and selling raffle tickets at various locations throughout the region. Volunteers can help make a healthier Northwestern Ontario by assisting with one of our many special events or selling raffle tickets at various locations throughout the region, to name just a few opportunities.
To sign up as a volunteer with us, call us at 345-4673 or email volunteers@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.
Volunteers are the backbone of any organization, and they are an essential link to the community. We value what they do to make the patient experience better.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2024, we want to thank all of the volunteers who help make a difference for patients and families.
During National Volunteer Week 2024, we celebrate our collective impact. Through our kindness, generosity and commitment to volunteering, we weave our lives together.
During National Volunteer Week, and all year long, we say THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is capturing the interest of staff across the Hospital by bringing the learning to them using an attention grabbing and innovative approach. Brittney McLaughlin, Interprofessional Educator (IPE), and Kristina Visser, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), have been working together for years, providing education to staff. In November 2023, the education team came together to review their current teaching techniques and outcomes. The goal was to identify how they can make improvements in the delivery of education and training.
After a generous discussion, the concept was right there in black and white. “It started as an idea between our Clinical Nurse Specialists, Interprofessional Educators and Professional Practice Leads,” explains McLaughlin. “We felt that we could do more for staff in terms of bringing learning opportunities to them.”
“We thought, ‘Let’s do some additional roaming education’,” adds Visser. “Not just for the urgent updates, like when there is a new drug protocol, but more of an overarching education plan for the year. The idea eventually blossomed into Roaming Education for Staff (REFS).”
REFS is a three-pronged education and training initiative. The first prong is Roaming Education, where a small group of content experts travel throughout the Hospital to different departments with attention grabbing snacks, followed by a spontaneous education session on the month’s topic of choice.
McLaughlin explains, “Roaming Education is more of a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’, with a few lessons ready to go and based off staff’s needs and interests, we would proceed. Our first month’s topic was Cardiovascular Education. Staff were so engaged and the sessions were very interactive. We ended up covering multiple lessons.”
The second prong is through Lunch and Learns. These were set up with three opportunities throughout the month to join in on this brief but energized quick learn.
The third prong is through on the spot travel to different departments where the REFS team provides simulations by running mock codes.
The early success of the REFS team became known to many and required some overtime. “We had heard from staff that it was important to offer sessions outside of regular office hours,” says Visser. “So we partnered up with our Medical Emergency Team (MET). The MET team helps support the education initiative 24/7 and the REFS team also has come in to provide sessions on evenings, nights and weekends. These are very well attended.”
Additionally, to further support the work, a monthly newsletter containing all the resources and policies referred to for the month’s topic is distributed. “At the end of the day, if we missed somebody, they can refer to that newsletter in their email and get all the information that we have been sharing,” concludes McLaughlin.
Another aspect that is unique about REFS is the content is intended to be inclusive to as many professions as possible. Attendees throughout the month included pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical radiation technologists (MRTs), registered respiratory therapists (RRTs), nurses, students, residents, housekeeping and staff from health records.
Throughout the first month of the REFS launch, a total of 426 staff attended education sessions, a number that pleasantly surprised both Visser and McLaughlin.
“We weren’t sure what the uptake would be, and we are endeavouring to make the next sessions just as successful, if not more!” laughs McLaughlin.
Feedback received from staff has been positive, with many expressing appreciation for the REFS team coming to their department. Both Visser and McLaughlin agree that the initiative is evolving and improving as they go and all topics for education are considered – no one is getting penalties for suggestions.
“We are collecting feedback for every initiative and making changes as we go,” remarks Visser. “If staff do have specific requests, we are accommodating them.
“In the end, our goal is to support our staff, provide them with as many opportunities as possible to expand their knowledge, with topics that are interesting to them. In alignment with our strategic priority Staff Experience, we want staff to know that TBRHSC is a place they can grow, work and thrive.”
When you visit, you may see the REFS team doing on the spot education in traditional referee style uniforms.
It’s time to get screened for cancer! The Screen for Life Coach is beginning its travels across Northwestern Ontario this month.
The Screen for Life Coach (Coach) is a mobile cancer screening bus that will deliver breast, cervical and colon cancer screening services to more than 30 locations across the region between April and October. The first stop will be in Dryden at the Dryden Regional Health Centre on April 8.
“The Coach provides an excellent opportunity for those who do not have screening services available in their community,” explains Vanessa Masters, Mobile Coach Coordinator at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “For communities in Northwestern Ontario, getting to the nearest cancer screening site for an appointment may mean long travel times. To help address this barrier, the Screen for Life Coach travels extensively throughout the region, bringing these services closer to home.”
Cancer screening is important as it detects pre-cancerous changes or cancer at an early stage when there is a better chance of treating it successfully.
Who should get screened?
Anyone who is eligible for breast, cervical or colon cancer screening can visit the Coach.
In Ontario, the screening guidelines for average risk individuals are as follows:
- Women, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary people ages of 50 and 74, should have a breast screening mammogram every two years.
- Anyone with a cervix between 25 and 69 years, who has ever been sexually active, should have a Pap test every three years.
- Individuals, between the ages of 50 and 74, who have no first-degree family history of colon cancer, should complete a take-home colon screening kit every two years.
Those who are eligible for screening can visit the Coach, even if they have a primary care provider. A referral is not required to access services on the Coach.
Where to find the Coach
The Coach travels to communities across Northwestern Ontario throughout the summer months and services the Thunder Bay area during the winter months. For a list of dates and locations where the Coach will be parked, visit www.tbrhsc.net/screenforlife.
How to make an appointment
A physician referral is not required. To book your breast, cervical or colon cancer screening appointment on the Screen for Life Coach call (807) 684-7777.
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
April 2024 marks an extraordinary chapter in our journey at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), filled with significant milestones and vibrant initiatives. As I reflect on the past and look to the future, I’m thrilled to share with you the strides we’ve made and our vision moving forward.
On February 22, we celebrated a remarkable milestone—the 20th anniversary of TBRHSC. Since our doors opened in 2004, we’ve been on an upward trajectory, advancing healthcare in a myriad of ways. Our growth into the premier academic, tertiary hospital in Northwestern Ontario is a testament to our commitment to meeting the evolving care needs of our community, especially through unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic. As the current Chair, I am deeply honoured to be a part of this legacy and extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey.
Our achievements over the past two decades reflect the combined efforts of our dedicated staff, volunteers, Patient Family Advisors, donors, community members, and health partners. Each of you has played a pivotal role in fostering excellence in healthcare at TBRHSC, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.
A shining example of our commitment to innovation is the provincial innovation award received by our Cancer Centre’s Radiation Therapy Department from Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario. Their Remote Treatment Planning initiative exemplifies our dedication to providing accessible, advanced care options, showcasing the positive impacts of teamwork and forward-thinking.
Employee Recognition Week was a heartfelt expression of our appreciation for the relentless dedication of our staff, researchers, volunteers, and Patient Family Advisors. It’s their unwavering commitment that enables us to provide exceptional care consistently. We also celebrated the recipients of the 2023 iCare Awards, acknowledging those who embody our mission, vision, and values, enriching the lives of our patients and their families.
Volunteer Recognition Week is an opportunity to honor the selflessness and generosity of our volunteers and Patient Family Advisors. Their contributions are invaluable, enhancing the care experience for patients and families and making TBRHSC a warm and welcoming place.
April is Be a Donor Month, a crucial reminder of the life-saving power of organ and tissue donation. With the growing need for donations, we encourage everyone to consider the impact they can make. It’s a conversation worth having with your loved ones.
As we move forward, our focus remains steadfast on our community—working collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and to maintain the availability of critical services. Our journey is far from over, but with your continued support, the future is bright.
Thank you for being an integral part of our story.
This April, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and 30 health care organizations from across Northwestern Ontario are highlighting the importance of cervical screening by hosting the seventh annual Pap-A-Palooza.
Pap-A-Palooza increases awareness about cervical screening and encourages eligible individuals to book a Pap test. A Pap test is a screening test that can detect cell changes in the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer before people feel any symptoms.
“Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening, follow-up of abnormal results, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine,” explained Dr. Naana Jumah, Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario Regional Colposcopy and Cervical Screening Lead for the North West region. “However, only around 50% of eligible individuals in Northwestern Ontario have participated in cervical screening.”
Who should have a Pap test? The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends having a Pap test every three years for anyone:
- With a cervix (women, transmasculine and non-binary people)
- Aged 25 to 69, and
- Who is or ever has been sexually active.
“Most cervical cancers are found in individuals who have never been screened or have been screened less often than recommended by Ontario’s cervical screening guidelines,” stated Dr. Jumah. “Regular cervical screening is important because it can find early changes that could lead to cervical cancer. Treating these changes can prevent cervical cancer from developing.”
The goal of this year’s campaign is for the 30 participating organizations to complete 800 Pap tests.
“Participating in Pap-A-Palooza is easy,” shares Tarja Heiskanen, Manager, Screening and Assessment Services at TBRHSC. “Locate a participating site near you by visiting the Pap-A-Palooza website, and call to book your appointment. You can participate even if you do not have a health care provider and no referral is necessary.”
To find a participating clinic near you or to learn more about Pap-A-Palooza, visit tbrhsc.net/pap-a-palooza or call the Pap-A-Palooza Hotline at (807) 684-7787.
Originally published in the April 2024 edition of the Walleye Magazine
Twenty-five years ago, Kim Montanaro started volunteering as a way to give back to the community and honour family and friends who had gone through a cancer experience.
“A friend was volunteering and suggested I try it,” says Kim, “and I’m still here!”
Formerly coordinated by the Canadian Cancer Society, the volunteers at the Regional Cancer Care Northwest program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) provide hospitality, friendly visiting, information, and practical support to patients and their families from across Northwestern Ontario. Kim has taken on additional volunteer roles including training and overseeing new volunteers, and serving as a Patient Family Advisor (PFA). A strong advocate, she supports TBRHSC’s cancer-related programs by participating on committees and writing for the Cancer Chronicle Newsletter.
“Each time I volunteer is memorable, as each shift is different because of the people I meet and what I am able to do for them,” Kim shares. “It brings great satisfaction knowing I’ve made a difference (big or small) for someone.”
“Kim’s dedication, insights, and compassion are invaluable to staff, fellow volunteers, and the patients and families she accompanies in their journey,” says Donna Jeanpierre, Manager of Volunteer Services at TBRHSC. “Each person who volunteers here comes with their own experiences and knowledge. It is their unique backgrounds that enriches the experience for the patients, families and for the volunteers themselves.”
And for every volunteer, there is a unique story as to why they choose to give the gift of their time to the Hospital.
Abbey Hunter is another volunteer, a PFA.
In 2019, following her following her diagnosis of lupus and the tumultuous, year-long journey it took to get there, Abbey wrote a letter to TBRHSC, explaining her story. She was asked to come in to interview to be a PFA.
“Although I was the youngest PFA by at least 20 years, I felt more comfortable than ever,” recounts Abbey.
Abbey sits on various councils including the Telemedicine Council and the Women and Children’s Council. In 2023, she joined the Patient and Family Advisory Council within the Noojmawing Sookatagaing (Healing Working Together) Ontario Health Team for Thunder Bay. As a coordinator for the inaugural “Walk for Lupus Thunder Bay”, $21,000 was raised to train another professional to provide support for those living with rheumatic diseases in the North. In January 2024, Abbey was one of thirteen people from across Ontario to be publicly appointed to the Minister of Health’s Patient Family Advisory Council.
“I hope to continue to advocate for a younger and northern voice at a provincial level,” Abbey explains.
“All of these tables that I have been fortunate to sit at, have stemmed from my role as a PFA at TBRHSC. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of speaking up and of the valuable contributions that PFAs make representing the voice of the patient.”
“Volunteers are an essential part of the team at TBRHSC, enhancing programs and services by supporting the Hospital’s philosophy of Patient and Family Centred Care,” says Shannon Schiffer, Manager of Patient and Family Centred Care, Patient Experience, Engagement and Advocacy at TBRHSC. “There are opportunities all across the organization, and through direct or indirect interaction with patients and families, volunteers contribute positively to the patient experience.”
If you are interested in volunteering at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre find more information and the online application at tbrhsc.net/join-our-team/become-volunteer/. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a PFA, you can email TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net or call (807) 684-7322.
Health care staff and the leadership team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) came together today to celebrate the launch of an anti-stigma campaign designed to bring awareness to and break down the stigma associated with substance use and addiction.
“All individuals with addictions and substance use disorder deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. This campaign will help bring awareness to the negative stereotypes and barriers created by stigmatization,” said Adam Vinet, Vice President of Patient Experience and chief Nursing Executive, Regional Vice President, Regional Cancer Care at TBRHSC. “Our words and actions matter. Out-dated language around addictions and substance abuse continues to be used in conversations, and this can be a barrier to breaking down stigma. It is our responsibility to advocate for change and reduce stigma to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff, patients, and their families.”
As part of the Patient Experience pillar of Strategic Plan 2026, the Anti-Stigma Campaign will define what stigma is within TBRHSC and provide education on the appropriate tools and strategies to ensure staff provide exceptional care to every patient facing mental health and addictions.
“Having faced two decades of stigma, I’ve seen its harm up close. But through my journey, I’ve learned a powerful truth: no one is beyond help, and everyone deserves compassion,” said Kyle Arnold, Harm Reduction Support Worker Safer Supply NorWest Community Health Centres. “Stigma thrives in silence, but it’s time to speak out. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about saving lives. Together, let’s break the chains of stigma, because every person, every story, deserves to be heard and valued.”
The campaign launch will take place over the next three days (March 26-28), with the signing and Substance Use and Addictions Project members visiting in-patient units to provide education on approaches to reduce stigma and an opportunity to sign the pledge. Initiatives of this Campaign will continue throughout the year. The campaign will also include anti-stigma videos and posters as a learning tool for staff.
Individuals in Northwestern Ontario are at three to four times higher risk for hospital stays for self-harm caused by substance use than the average of many areas in Southern Ontario. In addition, the suicide rate in Northwestern Ontario is 2.75 times higher than the rest of the province. Due to these higher statistics, the TBRHSC’s Substance Use/Addiction Planning Working Group want to ensure that individuals living with addiction who come to the Hospital for help feel respected, safe, understood and supported.
Our Hospital’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre has played a vital role in protecting the health and safety of our staff, professional staff, patients and community members.
Due to a limited amount of COVID-19 activity locally, the demand for testing and treatment services is decreasing significantly. As such, the final day of operation for the COVID-19 Assessment Centre will be March 31, 2024.
Moving forward, COVID-19 testing and treatments will be ordered through primary care providers. In cases where the administration of Remdesivir is determined appropriate, primary care can refer patients to Home and Community Care Support Services North West for treatment.
Thank you to all staff, professional staff and community partners who contributed to the successful operation of the COVID-19 Assessment Centre during the pandemic and until now. Your commitment, dedication, and flexibility have not gone unnoticed.
March 20th is Dietitian Day in Canada. It celebrates dietitians as regulated health care professionals, committed to using their specialized knowledge and skills to translate the science of nutrition into terms everyone can understand to unlock food’s potential and support healthy living for all Canadians.
Dietitians are rigorously trained and regulated health care professionals and remain the most credible source of food and nutrition information. Dietitians can help cut through the clutter of fads and gimmicks. They provide ethical, evidence-based nutrition advice to help you eat in a way that works with your culture and traditions, preferences, nutritional and personal needs such as taste, food skills, budget, and health conditions.
Two of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s registered dieticians — Lindsay Sutherland and Jonelle Armitage —took the time to connect with us and give us a glimpse into their roles.
What does it take to become a registered dietitian?
Dietitians undergo comprehensive and rigorous education. To become a dietitian, you need to complete a university degree in human nutrition and dietetics as well as period of supervised practical training; this is generally a year long. You then are required to pass a national licensing exam.
What inspired you to work in the field?
Everybody eats! We wanted to learn the science behind nutrition and how our body uses nutrients to function and stay healthy. Being a dietitian allows you to combine your love of food and science while helping others understand that something they do every day can greatly impact their health.
What is unique about your role?
We have the opportunity to work with all age groups in all walks of life. Dietitians have many different career options including working in the food industry, working at the community level (such as homecare and with community health centres), working as a clinical dietitian as well as working in public health, just to name a few.
What do you love about your job?
Working in an acute care setting, we often see patients when they are very unwell. Nutrition interventions put in place by Dietitians can positively impact a patient’s course in hospital. A few examples include: helping a child who is admitted with faltering growth by providing support and nutrition education to their family; assisting a patient to optimize their micro/macronutrient intake to support wound healing; providing a critically ill patient with adequate nutrition to support their recovery to go from being on a ventilator to walking around with physio. Seeing the positive impacts of clinical nutrition interventions and knowing that nutrition played a role in patient recovery is very rewarding.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle is part of your messaging to patients. Do you have any personal tips on how to stay healthy?
Enjoy the food you eat and do the things that make you happy! Take a balanced approach when making lifestyle changes and try to avoid an ‘all or nothing’ mentality.
March is National Social Work Month, and Social Work Week (March 4-10), provides an opportunity to raise awareness of social workers as part of the health care team and acknowledge the critical role they have at our Hospital.
Social workers help patients and families address the impact of illness and treatment. Tremendous stress often stems from hospitalizations that are sudden and, at times, related to catastrophic illness or injury. Social workers, as part of the health care team, provide assessment and appropriate interventions to aid the patient in achieving optimum recovery/rehabilitation and quality of life.
Social workers often have specific expertise in areas such as general medicine, emergency work, paediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, neurology, psychiatry, and palliative and end-of-life care. Thank you to all of the social workers who make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of patients who receive care at our Hospital.
We connected with Karrie Walker, Registered Social Worker in the Trauma and Critical Care Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, to find out more about why she chose the profession of social work.
What inspired you to work in social work?
I started out working with youth as a Child and Youth Worker and making the move to social work seemed like a natural transition. I like the challenge of figuring things out and helping people through difficult times.
What is unique about your role?
My role is unique because each person’s situation is unique, and I never know what someone will need my help with. I get to help patients from all across Northwestern Ontario. Every day brings something new – for example, helping a critically ill patient by finding family, or assisting the Office of the Coroner.
What do you love about your job?
I am passionate about this job because I am able to provide emotional support and resources to patients and families during a very difficult time in their lives. Like I said, the role is dynamic and every day is different.
Learn more about the profession by visiting the Ontario Association of Social Workers website.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. In Ontario, colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer related death. However, if found early through screening and treated in time, there is a 90 per cent chance it can be cured. It’s time to get screened for colon cancer and get back on track with your health.
“In Northwestern Ontario, we are behind the rest of the province in the number of people who are up to date with colon screening,” shares Dr. Jordan Green, Regional Colorectal Screening and GI Endoscopy Lead for Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “Only 58.4 per cent of eligible people in our region are participating in colon cancer screening. During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we are encouraging people to talk to their primary care providers about their colon cancer screening options and take action to get screened.”
Individuals ages 50 to 74 with no first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with colon cancer are at average risk for colon cancer and should be screened using a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every two years. If you have a family history, the recommendations for screening will differ. For example, if you have a first-degree relative who had colon cancer, then a colonoscopy may be a better test. Please check with your primary care provider to determine which test is right for you.
Signs and Symptoms
Some of the signs/symptoms of colon cancer can include:
- Blood in the stool.
- Change in bowel habits.
- Anemia (drop in red blood cell count) that is caused by low iron.
- Weight loss.
However, many people will not experience any symptoms, especially at the early stages of colon cancer. This is why screening people who have no symptoms is important. If you are experiencing symptoms, talk to your primary care provider.
What is FIT?
The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has been used to screen for colon cancer in Ontario since 2018. It is a test that effectively detects microscopic amounts of blood in the stool.
“It is an easy, painless test that you can do in privacy of your own home,” explains Dr. Green. “The test is delivered by mail to your home and you can either drop the sample off at your local Life Labs or mail the sample back using the envelope provided to you within the test kit.”
Once you get the FIT kit, there are simple instructions that help guide you through the process.
How to get a FIT kit
The easiest way is to speak with your family doctor or nurse practitioner about getting checked for colon cancer with a FIT kit. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can visit the Screen for Life Coach if it visits your community or call Health811 by dialing 811 to get a FIT kit sent to your home.
If you would like to learn more about where to get screened or receive a test, visit www.tbrhsc.net/cancerscreening.
Dr. Naana Jumah, an Obstetrician Gynaecologist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Assistant Professor at NOSM University, is an ally and advocate for Indigenous maternal health, and the recent winner of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada’s Carl Nimrod Educator Award. A Rhodes Scholar, PhD in Engineering and Harvard-trained physician, Dr. Jumah has chosen to return home to practise in Thunder Bay, where she grew up after immigrating from Ghana as a child.
She’s quick to credit the many role models who have inspired her—starting with Moffat Makuto, organizer of the Regional Multicultural Youth Center in Thunder Bay.
“Being a newcomer to Canada, I was part of that youth group when I was a kid,” she recalls. “We travelled around the region and did programming for high school students throughout Northwestern Ontario and on reserves. As immigrant and refugee kids, we saw that the kids who had the hardest time adjusting to life in so-called ‘Canada’ were the kids coming from reserves. I saw that then, and it stuck with me. It was an area where I wanted to continue working and have a meaningful impact.”
Dr. Jumah first trained as an engineer, earning a PhD from the University of Oxford on a Rhodes Scholarship. “I loved engineering, but I really missed the kind of interactions I had when I was working with Moffat in the youth group, getting to know people and being part of their lives,” she says. “I applied to medicine hoping to do both.”
She didn’t initially intend to pursue obstetrics and gynecology. But, when a close family member passed away, Dr. Jumah had to rearrange her medical school clerkships. The result was a long clerkship in obstetrics, gynecology, and gynecological oncology, and she fell in love. “I realized that obstetrics and gynecology brought together all my interests. There was a combination of clinics and work in the operating room. There was an option for advocacy; the issues were important. The combination of skills was a really good fit,” she says.
Dr. Jumah has become a strong advocate and ally. She has supported numerous initiatives to help improve maternal health for Indigenous peoples, including working with Confederation College to train Indigenous women as lay maternal infant support workers, and creating a curriculum to train health-care workers in delivering culturally safe care that builds communications and trust with patients.
The work of which Dr. Jumah is proudest is supporting her colleague, Lisa Bishop, to develop an Indigenous midwifery program in Thunder Bay under an alternative funding model for Indigenous midwifery from the Ministry of Health. She supported the funding application for the program and helps in hospital if a patient needs care from an obstetrician.
“It’s been amazing to see the practice grow,” she says. “I’ve played a small part in trying to be an effective ally. I think it speaks to something tangible that we can do as health-care providers in trying to work towards reconciliation. It’s the right thing to do for patients, and it works towards the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action—more Indigenous care providers, providing care in a culturally appropriate way.”
“Because of who I am, as a Black physician and immigrant, the challenges that patients face can be more obvious to me than they might be to physicians who have a different background,” she says.
For Dr. Jumah, Black History Month is a time to recognize the breadth of contributions from Black Canadians who have been here for generations, as well as immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa.
“Black History Month recognizes the importance of Black Canadians to the wider country. I think oftentimes the contributions are noticed in sports, arts, and entertainment. Outside of that, contributions are often overlooked, and that’s a stereotype of who Black people are. We’re good at sports, we’re good at music, but we’re not good at other things—like academic or technical accomplishments. Black History Month allows the spotlight to be shone on the community as a whole. That goes a long way into breaking those barriers and eliminating those stereotypes,” she says.
When we think about healthcare, we often think about cancer, cardiac, stroke, and other “big” diseases. But the truth is, patients in the city and across Northwestern Ontario rely upon the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for a wide range of care programs every day. In the operating rooms alone, patients come for surgeries of all types including orthopaedics for new knees and hips, urological and gynaecological conditions, eye surgery, and more. They may not be “life-saving” treatments in all cases, but they are all life-changing.
“It’s not glamorous, but it means a lot to the person having the operation,” said Deb Everts, one of the OR Team Leaders at the Health Sciences Centre.
Everyone who purchases a ticket in the Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw helps contribute to important equipment like some of the everyday instruments so desperately needed for these operations.
This includes a new set of cataract surgery instruments. What you may not realize is that a busy surgical program like the one at our Hospital requires many different sets of the same instruments available at all times.
“We do upwards of 15 cataract surgeries per day and 60 per week,” said Ryan Kelly, another OR Team Leader.
Sterilizing instruments between operations is a lengthy procedure, so the team needs enough sets to treat all the patients on that day. In fact, extras are better.
“If the surgeons open up a set and one of the instruments is damaged or missing, we have to open up a whole new tray,” said Ron Garon, Manager Perioperative Services at our Hospital. “Same thing if a set of instruments happens to drop to the floor.”
“If we didn’t have extra sets on hand, we’d have to reschedule those surgeries.”
That’s true of the all the vital instruments that are purchased with Thunder Bay 50/50 proceeds, including new sets of orthopaedic instruments. These sets come in two sizes: large for hip surgery and fractures and small for smaller bones such as hands and shoulders. Urological instruments help surgeons access the bladder and even the kidneys without the need for cutting through layers of muscle, skin, and organs. This greatly reduces the risk for infection and also reduces recovery times for those patients. A cystoscope and a scope for examining knees and shoulders round out the list.
As you can imagine, these highly specialized, precision tools are not cheap.
“These tools are very delicate, very expensive,” Garon said. “Some of the more complex pieces such as the ureteroscope (a flexible camera that reaches the bladder and kidney) are repairable, but repairs alone can cost five to ten thousand dollars. Some equipment can cost hundreds of thousands to replace.
“This is the most highly used equipment in our Hospital – it’s used every day so we have to repair or replace them often.”
Your Thunder Bay 50/50 ticket purchase will help ensure our patients aren’t waiting on equipment replacements or repairs. Ask anyone who has had a hip replaced or who has regained their sight after cataract surgery – it’s a pretty big deal to them! Help us support our OR teams with the equipment they need by buying your Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets at: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/5050
On February 22, 2004, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) opened, combining the services of McKellar and Port Arthur General Hospitals and Cancer Care services. McKellar and Port Arthur General Hospitals had merged in 1995 to become the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, providing acute care for Northwestern Ontario.
Although the province originally planned to refurbish one of the sites, the community decided to build a new, modern facility. The opening of a state-of-the-art healthcare facility promised a bold new era for healthcare in Northwestern Ontario.
Since opening in 2004, TBRHSC has expanded in its size, as well as its programs and services. The successes of the past 20 years and those that are certain to come, could not have been achieved alone. For the role that our staff, donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, community members and partners in health had in building excellent healthcare in Northwestern Ontario, we thank you.
Keep an eye on our socials throughout the year as we’ll share some of the most significant milestones and memories from the past 20 years.
📸: To mark the official 20th anniversary of our Hospital’s opening, staff were treated to cake and coffee in the cafeteria today as a small way of celebrating this milestone. Thank you to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation for sponsoring this celebration for us.
At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), the Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) philosophy guides everything that we do, with the goal of delivering exceptional care for every patient every time.
The PFCC department is continuously evaluating strategies to improve continuity of care and transitions for patients leaving the hospital setting. These strategies include the use of patient-oriented discharge summaries (PODS) and patient-oriented education tools (POETs) which provide patients with pertinent discharge instructions and address barriers to patient education such as health literacy and environmental factors. Additionally, the Post-Discharge Liaison (PDL) role was created to manage follow-up care for patients transitioning out of the hospital setting. PDLs are trained nurses who contact patients by phone within 72 hours of discharge. Lastly, patient feedback regarding the discharge process is also monitored through patient experience surveys, which are delivered to patients via email or SMS. Feedback is then provided to unit managers to implement changes in their Quality Improvement plans.
On February 9, 2024, PFCC’s Joanita Nakimuli (Discharge Transition Lead) and Hafsa Siddiqui (Data Specialist) had the pleasure of presenting the impact of these strategies at the SJCG Centre for Applied Health Research Showcase. Preliminary findings show that, although the use of PODS has traditionally been relied on for communicating post-discharge instructions, PDL phone calls are essential for filling gaps in patient understanding and adherence to the post-discharge care plan. For example, between August – December of 2023, 98-99.8% of patients who received PODS /POETs required interventions from PDLs. Of these, education and medication follow-up accounted for the largest proportion of interventions.
Together, PODS/POETs and PDL phone calls show promise in improving continuity of care and transitions for patients visiting TBRHSC and may lead to fewer adverse events in the post-discharge setting.
We send our deepest condolences to Mona Hardy’s family, friends, her community of Rocky Bay First Nation, and all those affected by this loss as our dear friend makes her way to the Spirit World.
Mona’s intelligence, respect, sincerity, humour and empathy made her a key figure within the community, and her life experience allowed her to engage with people in meaningful ways.
As a long-serving volunteer, Mona dedicated over 10 years of her life to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF). Her exemplary dedication displayed the essential role volunteers fulfill to help ensure patients have the best experience possible. Mona advocated for a strengthened relationship between patients and professional staff by providing input on policies and processes.
Mona was one of the first Patient Family Advisor volunteers at TBRHSC. Mona’s insight, openness and empathy have made her very well respected and sought out in her role as a Patient Family Advisor. In this role, she sat on the Indigenous Advisory and PRIDE committees. As a strong advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, she brought light to issues and gave a voice to the transgender community, not only at the Hospital but also throughout Thunder Bay.
Mona spent quality time with patients who were undergoing renal dialysis, becoming a mentor to patients and their families. This connection allowed her to help patients learn how to live and self-manage their lives on dialysis. To brighten the spirit of renal patients, she would host BINGO and organize an annual Mother’s Day Tea Party for Renal patients and staff, which always brought a smile to patients.
Additionally, as a dedicated volunteer at the TBRHSF, Mona has inspired the community to donate to the Foundation. She would often be in the main hallway, selling tickets for Foundation draws and interacting with patients and visitors, bringing joy to all through each interaction.
In 2021, Mona was recognized for her outstanding contributions to volunteering and was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. This prestigious award is the highest honour for volunteer service that an individual can receive within the Canadian Honours System.
Everyone she knew was touched deeply by the incredible qualities that Mona possessed. Her heart was full of love, kindness, and compassion. Mona’s positive outlook on life was contagious, and she always went beyond to help others. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she will be remembered for what it means to be a truly caring person.
The flags at the Hospital will be lowered to half-mast on Friday, February 16, in honour of Mona.
Our Cancer Centre’s Radiation Therapy Department received a provincial innovation award from Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario for their Remote Treatment Planning initiative. This award recognizes significant contributions to quality and innovation in the delivery of cancer care in Ontario.
Each cancer patient coming to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) for radiation therapy undergoes detailed treatment planning prior to beginning their radiation treatment. This complex process entails creating a unique radiation plan for each patient with the goal of maximizing dose to the target volume or tumour while minimizing dose to nearby organs.
“It is important to have health care services, like treatment planning, available in our region to avoid having to send our patients to other sites for treatment,” explains Dr. Margaret Anthes, Medical Lead for Radiation Oncology at TBRHSC. “However, there is currently a shortage of health care providers who are specifically trained and qualified in radiation planning in North America. The Remote Treatment Planning model demonstrates the success of creative solutions to health human resource challenges.”
The Radiation Therapy Remote Treatment Planning initiative was implemented to improve treatment wait times while keeping care close to home in Northwestern Ontario. The local team developed a sustainable infrastructure plan that would enable secure remote treatment planning. The initiative had two main components. The first component was hiring qualified treatment planners to perform work remotely. This meant that treatment plans could be developed by experienced planners who were living outside of the region and then treatment would happen at TBRHSC’s Cancer Centre in Thunder Bay. The second component was the development of workflow, training and infrastructure to ensure seamless execution of these treatment plans.
“Since implementing this model over one year ago, our Cancer Centre has seen positive impacts to access to care and wait time improvements,” shares David McConnell, Director, Regional Cancer Care North West. “Other cancer centres from across Canada have now expressed interest in this model and have been exploring its use at their sites.”
While introducing the novel solution of remote treatment planning, the Cancer Centre has continued with other strategies to improve wait times including hiring additional radiation therapists, training existing staff to fill these roles, and recruiting support from physics staff.
The team recognized for this award includes Isaac Tavares, Patrick Rapley, Diane Brett, Melanie Zappitelli, Margaret Anthes, Mellissa Linke, David McConnell, Peter McGhee, Helen Norton, Joanna Vestby, Stacey Cervini, Cheryl Cummins-Holder.
For the full list of Quality & Innovation Award recipients, visit https://bit.ly/3GM6FbN.
To learn more about cancer care at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, visit bit.ly/TBRHSC-Cancer-Care.
