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Patients and visitors to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in mid-May may notice some new faces around the Hospital.

From May 11 to 14, 2026, four surveyors from Accreditation Canada will be on site as part of TBRHSC’s regular accreditation process. Hospitals across Canada participate in accreditation every four years, measuring their programs and services against national standards for quality and patient safety.

Accreditation Canada is an independent, not-for-profit Canadian organization that works with health care experts to develop standards aimed at improving the quality and safety of care. The process helps hospitals recognize what they are doing well while identifying opportunities to continue improving care for patients and families.

During the upcoming visit, surveyors will spend time in different areas of TBRHSC speaking with staff, physicians, volunteers, and patient and family advisors. They may also observe care areas and, if patients or families are comfortable, ask about their experiences receiving care.

“Accreditation is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the care we provide and continue improving for the patients and families we serve,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of TBRHSC, and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Our teams are deeply committed to delivering safe, compassionate, high-quality care every day. This visit gives us the chance to highlight that work, while continuing to learn how we can do even better for the communities we serve across Northwestern Ontario.”

Patients and visitors should know that care will continue as usual during the week. Surveyors will simply be learning more about how teams across TBRHSC work together to support safe, high-quality care.

Providing care to patients from across Northwestern Ontario, leaders say the visit is an opportunity to highlight the dedication of the people who care for patients every day and look forward to continuing to strengthen TBRHSC’s commitment to exceptional care for every patient, every time.

The rate of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in Thunder Bay and the surrounding region has significantly decreased over the past several weeks. In light of this reduced activity, masking protocols at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre will return to “normal state.”

Effective today, May 7, 2026, staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers, and Essential Care Partners/Care Partners (ECPs/CPs) will no longer be required to wear masks for all patient interactions or in situations where a physical distance of six feet cannot be maintained. Masking requirements will instead be guided by an individual risk assessment and personal comfort level related to the task being performed. Choosing to wear a mask above the minimum requirements remains at the individual’s discretion.

All staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers, and ECPs/CPs are encouraged to continue assessing their own level of risk and comfort when deciding whether to wear a mask beyond the minimum requirements. Masking remains mandatory for anyone who does not pass self-screening but whose presence at the Hospital is essential, and in situations where masking is required in accordance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) protocols. ECPs/CPs are discouraged from visiting the Hospital if they are experiencing symptoms of a communicable illness.

Masks will continue to be available at all public and staff entrances at sanitizing stations, as well as within units and departments, for anyone who wishes to wear one.

Staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers, and ECPs/CPs must continue to wear a Level 3 procedure mask at all times while on the Acute Oncology wing of 1A to help protect patients. To further reduce the spread of communicable illnesses, everyone is encouraged to continue practicing proper hand hygiene.

Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping our patients, staff, and Hospital safe.

As Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) advances toward the launch of cardiac surgery in 2028, building a highly specialized cardiovascular workforce is a critical priority.  This work is being advanced in partnership with the University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC), supporting a coordinated, “one program, two sites” model of care.

As cardiac surgery is not yet available in Thunder Bay, a proactive “grow-your-own” approach has been implemented in partnership with the PMCC. Through this model, team members complete their specialized education and transition into clinical practice at PMCC, where they gain hands-on clinical experience at PMCC, a high-volume cardiac centre, before returning home to support the program’s launch.

Cardiovascular perfusionists are highly specialized professionals and essential members of the interprofessional operating room team. Working in close collaboration with cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists, they operate advanced life-support technologies, including the heart-lung machine, which temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Their expertise is critical to ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes in complex procedures.

In recognition of National Perfusion Week (May 3–9), we are proud to celebrate the expertise, dedication, and critical contributions of cardiovascular perfusionists. This year, we are especially pleased to highlight four exceptional individuals who are preparing to join the team at TBRHSC. These professionals will play an integral role in the anticipated launch of our Cardiovascular Surgery Program in spring 2028.

With no perfusion training program currently based in Thunder Bay, each of these individuals has made the significant commitment to relocate to Toronto to complete specialized education at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN, while gaining valuable clinical experience at PMCC. This investment supports individuals with strong ties to Northwestern Ontario in developing advanced expertise and returning to serve their communities.

As we approach the 2028 launch, these future team members will bring the knowledge, skill, and experience needed to deliver high-quality, patient-centred cardiac surgical care, closer to home.

Meet the Team

Scott Longridge completed the Cardiovascular Perfusion Program at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in 2018. With longstanding ties to TBRHSC, he now practices at the PMCC, where he continues to advance his expertise in a collaborative, patient-centered environment focused on innovation and excellence in cardiac care.

Amanda Sanche began her studies in cardiovascular perfusion at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in September 2023 and completed the program in 2025. She has since joined the team at the PMCC, where she is further developing her clinical skills while contributing to high-quality patient care in a leading cardiac centre.

Grace Lovis began her training in 2024 and has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience throughout her studies, recently completing her Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion. During her training, she has gained valuable hands-on clinical experience in cardiac surgery, strengthening her technical skills and clinical judgment. She will graduate this June and begin her career at PMCC, where she will support patients undergoing life-saving cardiac procedures. Congratulations, Grace, on this important milestone.

Eve Dillion is the final team member participating in the “grow-your-own” initiative supporting the launch of cardiovascular surgical services. She began her studies at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in 2025 and is currently completing her first year of the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program. Upon her expected graduation in 2027, she will help strengthen local capacity and support patients requiring cardiovascular surgery closer to home.

The dedication and commitment demonstrated by these individuals will be invaluable to TBRHSC and the patients we serve. We look forward to welcoming them as key contributors to our future cardiovascular program.

During National Perfusion Week, we invite our community to recognize the vital role perfusionists play in the operating room. Their skill, precision, and vigilance make a meaningful difference in patient care every day.

To learn more about cardiovascular perfusion, please visit these online resources:

Grace Lovis recently completed her Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion. During her training, she has gained valuable hands-on clinical experience in cardiac surgery, strengthening her technical skills and clinical judgment.

(L-R), Grace Lovis, Scott Longridge, and Amanda Sanche will be vital members of the cardiovascular perfusionist team at TBRHSC.

Eve Dillion is the final team member participating in the “grow-your-own” initiative supporting the launch of cardiovascular surgical services. She began her studies at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN in 2025 and is currently completing her first year of the Master of Science in Cardiovascular Perfusion program.

As the impact of heart failure (HF) continues to grow across Canada and throughout the world, it is becoming increasingly important in raising awareness among patients and their families. With the aim to improve the quality of life for people living with HF, this year’s campaign will focus on self-management and self-care in a virtual world. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) hosts programs that support heart failure patients including the Heart Failure Remote Patient Monitoring Program and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a complex syndrome which occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, leg swelling and fatigue. There are many reasons why someone may develop heart failure. The most common causes of heart failure include coronary artery disease and high blood pressure.

Self-care in a virtual world: What you need to know about self-managing heart failure

Did you know that heart failure is on the rise? In Canada there are over 750,000 people living with heart failure which affects people of all ages. Over 90,000 people are diagnosed with heart failure each year in Canada. By 2030, it is expected to cost the Canadian economy $2.8 billion per year. Surprisingly, many people do not understand heart failure. More than 1 in 4 Canadians do not know what heart failure is, and almost half incorrectly think it can be cured. It is more important then ever to be responsible for your own care. There is a lot you can do to live well with heart failure.

What you can do to promote self-care and self-management

Work with your health care team to learn if you are at risk of heart failure. Ask what you can do to help prevent this condition from worsening.

Self-management is team effort

Even though heart failure cannot be cured, there are treatments that can help people feel better and live longer. They often need help from a number of health care providers, family members, and they also need to be active partners in their care. Together you can build a plan that supports your needs and goals.

Become an active partner in your virtual care

For more information, visit Heart failure | Heart and Stroke Foundation or read this patient handout.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is inviting residents of Northwestern Ontario to consider serving on its Board of Directors — because you care about the future of health care in our region. Nearly every person in our community passes through the doors of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at some point whether as a patient, a family member, a caregiver, or a supporter. Those moments matter. And the decisions behind them matter too.

This is an opportunity to contribute your perspective, your judgment, and your commitment to something that truly affects every corner of our community: exceptional care for every patient, every time.

Why This Matters

As the only tertiary health sciences centre in Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay Regional plays a critical role in caring for more than 245,000 people across a vast region. The Board helps guide how care is delivered, how resources are stewarded, and how the organization lives its commitment to equity, compassion, and accountability — today and into the future.

Board members help ensure:

You don’t need to work in health care to make a difference here. You do need a willingness to listen, to learn, and to contribute thoughtfully to complex and meaningful conversations.

Who We’re Looking For

As a skills-based Board, Thunder Bay Regional is seeking to fill two volunteer Board positions with individuals who:

Applicants who bring governance experience in law, finance, or Indigenous health are especially encouraged to apply. Experience in regional and francophone communities is an asset.

What to Expect

Board members are appointed for a three-year term and are expected to participate actively in governance activities, including Board and Committee meetings and ongoing learning.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and letter of interest by Friday, May 15, 2026 to:

Chair, Governance and Nominating Committee
c/o President’s Office
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
980 Oliver Road
Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6V4
TBRHSC.BoardChair@tbh.net
www.tbrhsc.net

Contribuez à l’avenir des soins prodigués dans le Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario: Possibilité de bénévolat au sein du conseil d’administration

Le Centre régional des sciences de la santé de Thunder Bay (CRSSTB) invite les résidents du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario qui ont à coeur l’avenir des soins de santé dans la région à siéger à son conseil d’administration. Presque tous les membres de la communauté se rendront au CRSSTB à un moment ou un autre, que ce soit pour y recevoir des soins, rendre visite à un membre de la famille ou l’aider à se rétablir, ou encore pour soutenir le Centre. Tous ces moments sont importants, comme le sont les décisions prises à cet égard.

Nous vous offrons la possibilité de nous faire part de votre point de vue et de mettre en avant votre expérience et votre engagement à l’égard de notre vision qui touche tous les membres de la communauté et qui consiste à prodiguer des soins de qualité exceptionnelle à tous les patients, en tout temps.

Importance du CRSSTB

Le CRSSTB est le seul centre tertiaire des sciences de la santé dans le Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario. Il joue donc un rôle essentiel en servant plus de 245 000 personnes réparties dans un vaste territoire. Le conseil d’administration contribue à l’orientation des soins, à la gestion des ressources et au respect de l’engagement du Centre en matière d’équité, de compassion et de responsabilité, aujourd’hui et à l’avenir.

Les membres du conseil participent aux efforts déployés afin que:

Il n’est pas nécessaire de travailler dans le domaine des soins de santé pour apporter une contribution au Centre. Il suffit d’être prêt à écouter, à apprendre et à participer à des conversations complexes et importantes.

Ce que nous cherchons

Le conseil d’administration du CRSSTB mise sur les compétences. Il cherche deux bénévoles qui:

Nous encourageons particulièrement les personnes ayant de l’expérience en gouvernance dans les domaines du droit, des finances ou de la santé des Autochtones à soumettre leur candidature. L’expérience en lien avec les communautés régionales et francophones est un atout.

Attentes

Les membres du conseil sont nommés pour un mandat de trois ans. On s’attend à ce qu’ils participent activement aux activités de gouvernance, aux réunions du conseil et des comités et aux formations continues.

Soumission des candidatures

Nous invitons les personnes intéressées à envoyer leur curriculum vitae et une lettre de présentation d’ici le vendredi 15 mai 2026 à l’adresse suivante:

Président du comité de la gouvernance et des nominations
a/s Bureau du président
Centre régional des sciences de la santé de Thunder Bay
980, chemin Oliver
Thunder Bay (Ontario)
P7B 6V4
TBRHSC.BoardChair@tbh.net
www.tbrhsc.net

For Megan Valente, those small, everyday moments are what define the impact volunteers have at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

It’s the exhausted patient arriving at the front entrance and being helped into a wheelchair to their appointment. The cancer centre patient feeling unwell and being offered a ginger ale. The patient who is visited daily by a Hospital Elder Life volunteer, helping them forget, if only briefly, that they are in the hospital. “These small interactions can make a big difference in a patient’s experience,” says Valente, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Valente has been with Volunteer Services at the Health Sciences Centre since 2018. Her interest in the work was originally sparked in a previous role with the Health Sciences Foundation, where volunteers were part of her portfolio. “I saw how selfless volunteers were and the difference they made for patients and families,” she says. “I knew those were the type of people I wanted to work with.” Today, she supports, guides, and oversees the hospital’s volunteer program that touches nearly every part of the hospital, from recruitment, onboarding, and training to placement, recognition, and ongoing support, while working closely with departments to ensure volunteers enhance the patient and family experience.

“No two days are ever exactly the same,” she says. “At the heart of it, my role is really about building relationships and connection.” Through her work, Valente has gained a deeper appreciation for the role community plays in healthcare. While volunteers are not part of clinical care, she says they offer something just as important—compassion, support, and human connection.

“It’s not just about clinical care, it’s also about compassion, dignity, and connection,” she says. “Volunteers bring a human element that can make a meaningful difference.” Over time, the volunteer program has continued to evolve, expanding opportunities across the hospital and placing greater emphasis on meaningful roles, training, and support to ensure volunteers feel confident and valued. That impact is made possible by the dedication volunteers bring to their roles each day. “They show up in snowstorms, on holidays, and even when things are going on in their personal lives, and they do so with a smile,” Valente says. “Volunteers at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre are truly exceptional people.”

“The biggest thing I want to share with volunteers is the most sincere thank you I can. Thank you for showing up week after week for patients and families. Thank you for being an inspiring part of our community,” she says. “People like you are what make our city and community great, and I just hope you know how appreciated you are.”

During National Volunteer Week 2026 (April 19-25), Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation are celebrating the dedicated volunteers who help enhance the patient and family experience every day. This year’s theme from Volunteer Canada, Ignite Volunteerism, recognizes the power of volunteerism to inspire connection, compassion and community impact.

Knowing that their contributions are valued and meaningful gives volunteers a strong sense of purpose and dedication. Whether offering a listening ear to an inpatient, serving a cup of tea to someone receiving chemotherapy, or providing a warm welcome and wayfinding assistance at the main entrance, each act of kindness contributes to the overall wellness of our community — today and for future generations.

Volunteers play an important role in supporting patient and family centred care at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They serve in many capacities, including as Hospital and Foundation volunteers and as Patient Family Advisors (PFAs).

At the Hospital, volunteers support patients and families in a variety of ways. Some serve in patient-facing roles on inpatient units, while others assist outpatients through hospitality and transport services. Volunteers also provide administrative support, help in reception and greeting roles, assist with fundraising through the Seasons Gift Shop, and share their talents through music and gardening programs.

If you are interested in volunteering at the Hospital, visit www.tbrhsc.net and explore the Join our Team section to apply online and learn more. You can also email TBRHSC.Volunteering@tbh.net or call 807-684-6267.

Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) are volunteers who draw on their personal healthcare experiences to share valuable perspectives on how hospital services affect patients and families.

PFAs help ensure that the patient voice is heard. As partners in care, they provide input into the policies, programs and practices that shape the services our Hospital delivers. By working alongside staff and healthcare providers, PFAs help us better meet the needs and priorities of our patients, families and community.

To learn more about becoming a Patient Family Advisor, visit www.tbrhsc.net and go to Join our Team, call 807-684-7322, or email TBRHSC.PFCC@tbh.net.

Volunteers are also essential to the success of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. They support the Foundation by providing administrative assistance, helping with special events, and selling raffle tickets at locations throughout the region.

To become a Foundation volunteer, call 807-345-4673 or email volunteers@healthsciencesfoundation.ca.

Volunteers are the backbone of our organizations and an essential link to the community. Their generosity, compassion and commitment help make the patient and family experience better in countless ways.

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week 2026, we thank all of the volunteers who make a difference every day. This week, and throughout the year, we recognize the collective impact of volunteerism and the many ways volunteers help strengthen and connect our community.

Thank you, volunteers!

A long time volunteer at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been recognized for more than three decades of service with the dedication of a space that has quietly supported patients in need.

During a special gathering attended by staff, volunteers, and community members, Sonja Aldrich was commended for her 30-plus years volunteering with the Hospital, culminating in the official naming of “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard.”

The Clothing Cupboard provides essential items such as underwear, socks, tops, pants, footwear, and seasonal outerwear to patients who may not have access to appropriate clothing when they are discharged from the Hospital. The initiative ensures individuals can return home with dignity and comfort.

Megan Valente, Operations Coordinator of Volunteer Services at TBRHSC, highlighted the importance of both the program and Aldrich’s role in its success.

“This space represents compassion in action,” Valente said. “Sonja has poured her heart into ensuring patients are cared for in ways that go beyond medical treatment.”

Over the years, Aldrich has taken an active, hands-on approach to maintaining the Clothing Cupboard’s inventory. She regularly visits thrift stores to source quality clothing at low cost, builds relationships with retailers, and seeks out opportunities to maximize donations.

“Today has been a joy and an honour,” said Aldrich. “But honestly, I am so grateful to be able to help support patients in their hour of need. These past decades of volunteering with the Hospital. I have seen first hand that a little kindness goes a long way.”

“It truly reflects patient and family centred care by offering dignity and respect at a vulnerable moment,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Something as simple as clean, well-fitting clothing can restore confidence and help patients feel ready to return home.”

Crocker Ellacott noted that Aldrich’s work reflects a broader understanding of patient care that includes emotional and personal well-being alongside clinical treatment.

In recognition of her dedication, the Hospital formally unveiled the newly named “Sonja’s Clothing Cupboard” during the event.

“Thirty years of service is an incredible milestone,” said Crocker Ellacott. “But what stands out most is the compassion and creativity Sonja has brought to her work. She has made a lasting impression at the Hospital, and a difference in the lives of patients.”

A significant behind-the-scenes transformation is underway at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), with a major renovation and expansion of the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD).

MDRD is a vital service that underpins every sterile medical procedure. The project aims to strengthen patient safety, improve care quality, and increase capacity as surgical volumes and complexity continue to rise.

MDRD is being redeveloped into a modern, purpose-built space designed to meet today’s rigorous health care standards. Planned upgrades include expanded and reconfigured work areas to streamline the flow of instruments from decontamination to sterilization, as well as the installation of advanced washers, sterilizers, and automated cart systems.

New technologies will also be introduced, such as real-time instrument tracking, barcode scanning, and digital documentation. In addition, upgraded air handling systems will enhance ventilation, pressure control, and infection prevention.

Despite the scale of the project, the department will remain fully operational throughout construction. Work is being carried out in carefully planned phases within the existing Hospital to ensure uninterrupted service.

“The upgrade is necessary to keep pace with evolving sterilization standards and increasing surgical demand,” says Phil Thompson, Director, Support Services. “Since the facility first opened, requirements for cleaning and reprocessing medical equipment have advanced significantly. The need for expansion is further driven by the introduction of new cardiovascular surgical services, which will require highly specialized instruments to be processed quickly and in strict compliance with national standards.”

The enhanced MDRD will enable the Hospital to handle higher patient volumes while meeting or exceeding current regulatory requirements.

Once complete, the new MDRD will operate as a highly organized, 24/7 environment with a clear, one-directional workflow. Instruments will move seamlessly through each stage, from decontamination and inspection to sterilization and storage.

Key features will include a closed-loop system connecting directly to surgical suites via dedicated elevators for clean and soiled equipment, as well as clearly separated zones to prevent cross-contamination. Negative air pressure will be maintained in soiled areas, with positive pressure in clean zones.

Automated systems for washing carts and instruments, improved storage solutions, and flexible design elements will support both current operations and future growth.

Cardiovascular surgery is among the most complex and resource-intensive areas of care, requiring large volumes of specialized instruments that must be meticulously processed within tight timeframes.

The expanded MDRD will increase processing capacity, maintain reliable turnaround times, and support the specialized equipment needed for cardiac and vascular surgeries. The upgrade is essential to ensuring the long-term success and safety of the cardiovascular surgery program.

As part of the project, the department will grow from approximately 7,750 square feet to 11,060 square feet—an increase of more than 40 percent. The added space will allow for improved workflow, additional equipment, and future expansion.

Renovations are being carried out in multiple stages to avoid disruptions to patient care. Initial renovations to surrounding support areas are already underway and are expected to be completed by spring 2026.

Following that, portions of the MDRD will be temporarily relocated to allow for phased upgrades within the department itself. Full completion of the project is anticipated in early 2028.

While much of this work happens out of public view, its impact is felt in every sterile procedure. This expansion ensures that TBRHSC teams have the tools, space, and systems they need to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality care, now and into the future.

For Be A Donor Month, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is raising awareness about the urgent need for organ and tissue donors in our community and across the province.

As the population ages, the demand for organ and tissue donations continues to grow. A single donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation. These generous decisions, which are often made during incredibly difficult moments, represent an extraordinary gift from donors and their families.

At TBRHSC, our team approaches every conversation about donation with care and compassion, ensuring patients and families have the information they need to make informed, life-saving choices. Taking the time to discuss organ and tissue donation with your loved ones can have a profound and lasting impact on other families.

“The collaboration between TBRHSC and Trillium Gift of Life Network (Ontario Health) is essential in saving lives. On average, about 1,400 people in Ontario are waiting for an organ transplant,” says Dylan Blake, Trillium Gift of Life Network’s Specialist – Organ and Tissue Donor Coordinator at TBRHSC. “By registering your consent, you are making a selfless decision to help others. Your choice can make a life-changing difference.”

Be A Donor Month is an important reminder to consider becoming an organ and tissue donor. Start the conversation with your loved ones, and take a step that could save lives.

Learn more and register at www.beadonor.ca. It only takes two minutes to potentially save or enhance many lives.

The compassion and dedication demonstrated every day by the staff, professional staff, volunteers and learners at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is second to none; which is why celebrating Employee Recognition Week is so important. We, the Board, recognize the collective commitment to the health of patients and families of Northwestern Ontario is what sets us apart. In March we set aside a week to express our appreciation through small gestures, recognizing the dedication and exceptional work of those who support patient care – both directly or indirectly.

As a part of this celebratory week, we also hold our iCare Impact Awards – a forum for staff to recognize others for their efforts and outcomes that positively impact our patients and their families. This year’s winners reflect what our people do each and every day:

Congratulations to all our award winners and nominees for their work in advancing our vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time.

This month, we also celebrate the generosity of our volunteers and Patient Family Advisors, who give so freely of their time. Their contributions to our Hospital community are invaluable, enhancing the care experience for patients and families and making our organization a warm and welcoming place. If you know or see a volunteer, please take this opportunity to thank them for their incredible commitment, and the meaningful difference they make in our community.

I would also like to recognize the volunteer members of the Board of Directors. Thank you for gifting your time and talent to guide the Hospital’s priorities, provide strategic direction and oversight in order to improve the quality of care for patients and families of Northwestern Ontario.

Finally, coming up next month, surveyors from Accreditation Canada will visit our Hospital. Accreditation ensures we meet nationally endorsed standards, provides a formal process for ongoing evaluation, and allows for discussion of education and training. We look forward to sharing details from the survey with the community when they are available.

A decade after it first launched to raise awareness about cervical cancer, Northwestern Ontario’s annual cervical screening campaign is returning this month with a new name and a renewed call to action.

Formerly known as ‘Pap-A-Palooza’, the month-long initiative has been renamed ‘Cervical Screen-a-Thon’ to reflect recent changes to the Ontario Cervical Screening Program. In 2025, Ontario replaced the traditional Pap test with a new cervical screening test that checks for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to cervical cancer.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is leading the 10th annual campaign in partnership with more than 40 clinics and health centres across Northwestern Ontario. From April 1 to 30, participating sites are encouraging eligible individuals to book their cervical screening test as part of a regional effort to increase screening rates.

“This 10th anniversary milestone reflects the strength of our community partnerships and a decade of commitment to cervical cancer screening across Northwestern Ontario,” said Tarja Heiskanen, Manager, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services at TBRHSC. “Cervical Screen-a-Thon is about turning awareness into action and encouraging more people to take that important step for their health.”

Northwestern Ontario screening numbers are below provincial targets and we are hopeful the campaign will increase screening participation across the region.

“Only about half of eligible individuals in Northwestern Ontario are up to date with cervical screening,” said Dr. Naana Jumah, Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario Regional Colposcopy and Cervical Screening Lead for the northwest region. “We continue to diagnose cervical cancer in people who were overdue for testing. Regular screening allows us to detect changes earlier and significantly improve outcomes.”

The Ontario Cervical Screening Program recommends screening for individuals who:

To find a participating clinic near you and to learn more about Cervical Screen-a-Thon, visit tbrhsc.net/screenathon.

Behind every colonoscopy, every polyp removed, and every cancer detected early is an entire team working together.

In the Endoscopy Unit at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, five gastroenterologists and nine general surgeons perform more than 10,000 endoscopic procedures each year with the shared goal of detecting colon cancer early, preventing cancer by removing precancerous polyps, and caring for patients when it matters most.

This important work is supported by a highly skilled and coordinated team, including:

During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize not only the importance of screening and early detection but also the dedicated health care professionals working behind the scenes to make it possible.

We send our deepest condolences to Elder Aaron Therriault’s family, friends, his community of Aroland First Nation, and all those affected by this loss as our dear friend makes his way to the Spirit World.

Elder Aaron, also known by his Anishinaabe name Animkii-gaabowii (Thunder Spirit), was a respected Elder who called Thunder Bay home since 1983. His dedication to his culture, language, and tradition, shared through education, song, and storytelling, made him a deeply valued presence in our community and at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).

He could often be seen around the Hospital, smiling and carrying his drum. He participated in many Hospital initiatives and his positive presence and guidance helped to move the work forward.

Elder Aaron provided support and guidance to patients alongside our Spiritual Care team. He sat with many patients at the end of their lives, helping them begin their journey to the Spirit World. The compassion he showed brought comfort to both patients and their families.

Elder Aaron served as an Elder for the Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Health Primer training, designed by our partners N’Doo’owe Binesi at St. Joseph’s Care Group, and delivered by TBRHSC. Through his teachings and guidance, he supported staff in developing stronger cultural safety skills and a deeper understanding of Indigenous health. He helped shift attitudes and bring people together in a more meaningful way.

His voice was central to TBRHSC’s annual Truth and Reconciliation Report, which highlights the Hospital’s efforts to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. His reflections, grounded in the teachings of the Medicine Wheel and the spirit of the Sacred Circle, helped shape the Hospital’s approach to reconciliation and the path forward.

The greatest gifts he gave us were the Anishinaabe names he offered through ceremony, laying a foundation to move the work forward in a good way. He gifted the Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion portfolio’s Indigenous departments the name Miskwaa Biidaaban meaning ‘Red Dawn’, and the youth-focused career experience the name Kinomagai Akosii-agamong Anokiiwin, meaning ‘Teaching Hospital, Career or Work.’

These were the first traditional names gifted to Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion, and the significance of that moment will not be forgotten. Elder Aaron saw the dedication to this work as a sign of compassion and love, and a commitment to building respect and common ground. He shared that people heal through love, through culture, and through the support of those who carry the teachings. He saw opportunities to grow and do things better. He hoped we would learn from one another, and that by walking this path together, we would find a better way forward for patients, families and our staff.

Elder Aaron’s spirit lives on in the names he gave us and the teachings he shared. Everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him was touched by his knowledge, generosity, and belief in what we were doing and why it mattered. We give thanks for a life of service and will remember him fondly for his tremendous contributions to the well-being of the growth of our Hospital. We are grateful. We will carry his teachings forward.

It’s not a conversation most people want to have: stool samples and cancer. But when it comes to colon cancer, avoiding the conversation can be far more uncomfortable than having it.

Colon cancer often develops without symptoms, which is why regular screening is one of the most effective ways to catch the disease early. In many cases, the first warning sign is something only a stool test can detect. When detected and treated early, 9 out of 10 people with colon cancer can be cured. Yet in Northwestern Ontario, 42 per cent of eligible adults are overdue for screening.

“For most people between the ages of 50 and 74 who are at average risk and have no family history of colon cancer, screening starts with a simple test you can do at home every two years,” says Dr. Nicole Zavagnin, Regional Primary Care Lead for Ontario Health – Cancer Care Ontario at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “The fecal immunochemical test, or FIT, looks for tiny amounts of blood in the stool that aren’t visible to the eye and can be an early warning sign of cancer.”

One common myth that prevents people from getting screened is the belief that the test is invasive. “A FIT is not a colonoscopy,” explains Dr. Zavagnin. “It’s a simple at-home test that involves collecting a small sample of stool and does not require a hospital visit, sedation, or time off work. If you have a family history of colon cancer, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about the screening option that’s right for you. When a FIT result is abnormal, a colonoscopy is the important next step to find the cause.”

Another myth about cancer screening is that if someone feels healthy, they don’t need to get tested. In reality, screening is designed for people who feel well, before symptoms appear or illness develops.

“Screening is a proactive step you can take while you’re feeling healthy,” says Dr. Zavagnin. “It gives us the best chance to find cancer early, when treatment is less complex and outcomes are significantly better.”

This Colon Cancer Awareness Month, ask your healthcare provider if you are due for screening. People without a healthcare provider can get a FIT from the Screen for Life Coach (807-684-7777) or by calling Health811. The test is quick, private, and covered by OHIP for eligible individuals.

Talking about colon cancer screening might feel uncomfortable at first, but it can be one of the most important conversations you have.

Registration is now open for SCOPE (Surgical Care Optimization & Primary Care Education), hosted by the Regional Surgical Services team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Who should attend?

MDs, NPs, PAs, medical students, nurses, physiotherapists, and chiropractors.

What can participants expect?

Participants will get up to date practice guidance on various medical/surgical conditions, master orthopedic physical assessments, and learn new clinical skill sets in cortisone injection practice. Participants will have the opportunity to network with our Central Intake team to better incorporate electronic referral platforms and pathways into their primary care practice and various community programs and services to optimize patient care.

Participating Specialties

Hematology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Otolaryngology, and Surgical Oncology.

When and where is this happening?

Date: May 4, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Valhalla Inn, Thunder Bay, ON

To register, visit https://event.fourwaves.com/scope

Early Bird Registration closes on March 13, 2026.

Registration closes on April 20, 2026.

For more information, please contact Katie Cardy, NP-PHC at (807) 684-7103 or Katie.Cardy@tbh.net.

*This program has been certified for up to 7.5 Mainpro+® credits and up to 7.5 MoC Section 1 learning hours.

As Heart Month comes to a close, we want to take one more opportunity to recognize the dedicated professionals of our Cardiovascular Services Team. Each member plays an essential role in ensuring that cardiac patients across Northwestern Ontario receive the exceptional, compassionate care they deserve.

The Cath Lab is supported by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team that includes Registered Nurses, Medical Radiation Technologists, a dedicated clerical and data team, and Interventional and Diagnostic Cardiologists — including a Cardiologist with a specialization in electrophysiology. Here, members of the Cath Lab team are displaying the new Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) system for advanced intra-coronary imaging to support Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), often called coronary angioplasty.

Members of the Cath Lab team are seen here displaying the new Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), a temporary mechanical, catheter-based device used in emergencies to assist a failing heart by increasing blood flow to the coronary arteries and reducing the heart’s workload.

Cardiac Diagnostics – Electrocardiogram (ECG): At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCTs) and ECG Technicians perform electrocardiograms, providing accurate and timely cardiac assessments to support patient care and treatment planning.

Cardiac Diagnostics – Pacemaker and Device Clinic: Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCTs) in the Pacemaker and Device Clinic provide specialized support for the implantation of permanent pacemakers, working closely with the Cardiac Cath Lab team to ensure safe, precise, and effective patient care.

Cardiac Diagnostics Stress Lab: Stress tests are conducted by skilled Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCTs) and Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRTs), with oversight and support from Cardiologists. Here, our clinicians are pictured with our GE CASE Stress System, working together to provide accurate assessments, safe testing, and personalized care that helps patients understand their heart health and guides treatment decisions.

Cardiac Diagnostics – Echocardiogram (ECHO): Above are members of our dedicated Cardiac Sonography team who work across our three ECHO labs. Several hold dual certification as Cardiac Sonographers and Registered Cardiology Technologists (RCT), bringing advanced expertise and specialized skills to the care of our patients.

Inpatient Cardiology (2C) is supported by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team committed to delivering comprehensive cardiac care. The unit includes Registered Nurses (RNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Pharmacists (RPh), Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), Social Workers (SW), Registered Dietitians (RD), clerical staff, housekeeping, Nutrition and Food Services, clinical leaders, and both General and Interventional Cardiologists — all working collaboratively to support patients throughout their hospital stay.

Cardiovascular Rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to help patients manage cardiovascular disease, reduce the risk of future heart-related events, and achieve a healthier, more independent lifestyle. The program is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that includes Registered Nurses, Kinesiologists, a Registered Dietitian, a Social Worker, clerical staff, and a Cardiologist. Patients may participate in a 16-week guided exercise program that incorporates education, counseling, and personalized nutritional coaching to support long-term heart health.

The Screen for Life Coach has released its 2026 travel schedule with a new regional hub model designed to keep cancer screening accessible for communities across Northwestern Ontario. Operating from four hub locations between April and October 2026 will allow the Coach to continue providing uninterrupted screening services despite ongoing mechanical issues.

The Screen for Life Coach (Coach) is a mobile cancer screening bus that delivers breast, cervical, and colon cancer screening services in one convenient place.

“The current Coach is nearing the end of its lifespan after supporting cancer screening in Northwestern Ontario for 13 years,” says David McConnell, Director of the North West Regional Cancer Program at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. “We understand the critical role the Coach plays in making screening accessible in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities where services may be limited. By adopting a temporary hub model as we wait for our new mobile screening bus, we’re able to bring screening services closer to home for communities in the region.”

The Coach will be screening in the following communities during the 2026 travel season:

Patients due for screening in the surrounding communities are encouraged to travel to the Coach for their appointment. Travel grants are available for those travelling 100 kilometers or more to access screening services on the Coach.

“Our schedule looks different this year but the screening services that we provide and our ability to screen remains the same,” emphasizes McConnell. “With less time spent travelling, we will be able to screen more individuals this season.”

Who should get screened?

Anyone who is eligible for breast, cervical, or colon cancer screening can visit the Coach. In Ontario, screening guidelines for average-risk individuals include:

Screening on the Coach is available at no cost for those with a valid OHIP card. A doctor or primary care practitioner’s referral is not required for average-risk individuals within the recommended screening age ranges.

“This schedule is a temporary approach for this year as plans for a new cancer screening bus are underway that will include a more robust destination schedule, with the goal to be operational in 2027,” continues McConnell. “We look forward to sharing more updates as the launch date approaches, and we thank the public for their patience and understanding as we do our best to make screening accessible for the region.”

Booking is now open for the Screen for Life Coach’s 2026 travel season. To book an appointment for breast, cervical, or colon cancer screening on the Coach in any of the hub communities, call (807) 684-7777. For more information about the Coach, including answers to frequently asked questions about this travel season, visit tbrhsc.net/screenforlife.

The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Regional Cardiovascular Program fosters the development and delivery of collaborative care across Northwestern Ontario, supporting the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of people with conditions affecting the cardiac and vascular system.

TBRHSC provides cardiovascular services including Cardiac Diagnostics (ECHO, Stress Testing, ECG, Holter Monitor Clinic), Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Pacemaker Clinic, Rapid Access Vascular Examination (RAVE) Clinic, Cardiovascular Rehabilitation, alongside the dedicated cardiac and vascular units where patients received specialized care. Across these services, highly skilled interdisciplinary teams work together to provide care and support the needs of patients and families from across Northwestern Ontario throughout their care journey. The team consists of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, general and interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, cardiac sonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers, medical radiation technologists, data specialists, clinical nurse specialists, registered cardiology technologists, ECG technicians, registered respiratory therapists, respiratory aides, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, physiotherapists, registered dietitians, pharmacists, clerical and administrative staff along with clinical leaders across the program. TBRHSC’s Regional Cardiovascular Program strives to promote collaboration, partnership, and equitable access to care in the North.

The team responsible for developing the new Cardiovascular Surgery Program is working with internal and external partners to bring cardiac surgery to Northwestern Ontario, strengthening our ability to provide specialized care close to home. This work builds on a partnership that began in 2014 with University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, using a “One Program Two Sites” model that supports shared standards, learning, and clinical expertise across teams. Phase 1 successfully introduced vascular surgery services at TBRHSC, and phase 2, now underway, focuses on launching cardiac surgery, creating new opportunities for staff growth, collaboration, and advanced practice.

“Our Regional Cardiovascular Program reflects our commitment to ensuring people across Northwestern Ontario can access high-quality, specialized cardiac and vascular care closer to home,” said Wayne Taylor, Director, Cardiovascular, Medicine and Renal Program at TBRHSC. “Through strong partnerships, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a clear focus on equity and collaboration, we are strengthening cardiovascular care across the region. The expansion of services, including the introduction of cardiac surgery, represents an important milestone for our organization and for the patients and families we serve, today and into the future.”

The expansion will include a new hybrid operating room, two operating rooms for open-heart surgery, a 14-bed Cardiovascular Surgery Unit, a six-bed Coronary Care Unit, a Cardiovascular Care Clinic and expansion of our Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) at TBRHSC. To support this expansion and the many people and families who access our services across Northwestern Ontario, the Program works closely with regional partners to promote collaborative design and equitable implementation across the region. Data guides quality improvement and service planning, supported by TBRHSC data specialists, while promoting evidence based best practice across the program. Together, the team is continuing to strengthen clinical services and regional presence to support exceptional care for every patient, every time.

For Heart Month, we caught up with Stephanie Needham, a Cardiovascular Data Specialist at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC), to get an inside look at the work the data team does and what makes their roles truly special.

Why did you decide to become a part of the Cardiovascular Services Data team?

The team of three consists of two registered nurses and one data analyst with a background in data analytics. We each came into the health care data world a bit differently.

For myself, I started from a cardiovascular surgery referral and procedure management aspect. I quickly saw the challenges posed when data was inconsistently collected or poorly understood, resulting in data quality issues affecting reporting outcomes. Understanding the data (including its limitations), what it is needed for, or how it will be used, is so important.

Tell us about your role.

We work to ensure the collection and analysis of quality data. The data is used internally for operational purposes (volumes, wait times, referral patterns, etc.) and externally to meet provincial reporting requirements (i.e. provincially mandated data collection by Ontario Health / CorHealth). We work closely with other departments at TBRHSC in Health Records and Decision Support to strengthen the data available as a whole. We also participate in a quality database for the Vascular program — the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI), which is an international registry program designed to improve the quality, safety and effectiveness of vascular care through benchmarking, long-term follow-up and regional quality improvement, with an overall aim of improving patient outcomes.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

One of the most challenging aspects of this work is taking the information out of the existing systems that staff utilize everyday and making it useful for administrative and operational purposes. We work hard to streamline processes and to minimize duplication in data collection for staff. We also work to ensure that data is replicable. The importance of understanding differences across available datasets both within the Hospital and outside is key when planning for the future.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession?

There are many rewards but in particular, when the data and associated information we provide is utilized to support discussion, decision making and quality improvement, to improve Hospital services and ultimately, the care provided to patients and families.

Any advice for those considering a career in health care?

Health care is diverse and has a great deal to offer, especially if you look beyond some of the more traditional roles. There is a great deal happening all the time behind the scenes to support the system and those on the front lines in the provision of exceptional care for every patient, every time.

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