The burden of cardiovascular disease in Northwestern Ontario is extremely high. When compared to the rest of Ontario, we have the highest rate and incidence of:
- cardiac disease
- amputations (three times the provincial average)
- high blood pressure
- stroke
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- risk factors contributing to these chronic diseases include smoking, alcohol use, poor diet and poor exercise
One Program, Two Sites
To improve access to care in the region, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been working with University Health Network (UHN)’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre to co-develop a Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS) Program at TBRHSC since 2013. TBRHSC and UHN developed and executed the One Program, Two Sites Model for the provision of Cardiac and Vascular Surgical Services.
This partnership will support the successful implementation of a corridor of Cardiovascular Services, seen as a requirement to implementation of a cardiovascular surgical program in Thunder Bay. The developing TBRHSC program will be guided and mentored by the experienced team at UHN. Wherever possible, TBRHSC will establish processes based upon those approved and utilized by UHN professionals to ensure consistent quality standards across the two sites.
The partnering process will extend across the various structural levels of the two organizations. From Chief Executive Officers and administrative leaders, to clinicians and physicians, technical staff and front-line care providers, all participants will share information and skills to provide high-quality, efficient cardiovascular services. Having cardiac surgery available in Northwestern Ontario can mean the difference between life and death; it’s our time to have life- and limb-saving surgical care here at home.
A Phased Approach
A comprehensive plan was established for a cardiovascular sciences program aimed at enhancing patient care and advancing clinical outcomes in cardiovascular health. The first phase of this initiative focused on the development and implementation of the vascular surgery program, achieving several key milestones:
2015 The vascular component of the cardiovascular sciences project was officially launched, serving as a foundational step in expanding the institution’s capabilities in addressing complex vascular conditions.
2017 The program successfully performed non-complex endovascular aortic repairs (EVAR) at the TBRHSC, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive surgical options for patients with aortic diseases.
2018 The recruitment of three highly skilled vascular surgeons was completed, which enabled the establishment of the Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation (RAVE) clinic, providing 24/7 vascular coverage, ensuring prompt and accessible care for patients with urgent vascular needs.
The second phase of developing a comprehensive Cardiovascular Surgery Program at TBRHSC is set to expand services significantly. This phase will introduce advanced procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valve repairs and replacements, specifically targeting patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease and valvular heart disease.
The Cardiovascular Surgery Program aims to deliver both elective and urgent surgical interventions for revascularization and heart valve replacement. This will encompass a diverse range of patient needs, including those requiring immediate medical attention as well as those scheduled for planned surgeries. Services will cater to both outpatient and inpatient populations, ensuring broad accessibility to vital cardiac care. Meanwhile, patients presenting with more complex surgical conditions will continue to be referred to the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre (PMCC) at the University Health Network (UHN) for specialized management and advanced surgical procedures. This collaboration ensures that all patients receive the highest level of care tailored to their specific medical needs.
What is included in the new expansion?
The primary objective of this project is to transform TBRHSC into a state-of-the-art facility capable of delivering comprehensive cardiac and vascular surgery programs. This initiative addresses a critical gap in healthcare services, as it is the only major geographic region in Ontario currently without access to cardiac surgery. To fulfill this vision, significant expansions and renovations are required.
The cardiovascular surgery program will feature:
- Outpatient Cardiovascular Care Clinic: This specialized clinic provides services for postoperative examinations for cardiovascular patients. It will offer non-invasive cardiac and vascular diagnostics as well as rapid assessments for medically stable cardiac and vascular patients.
- 14-bed Cardiovascular Surgery Unit (CVSU): A specialized unit designed to provide post-operative care for patients undergoing heart and vascular surgeries, ensuring a supportive environment conducive to recovery.
- 6-bed Coronary Care Unit (CCU): An advanced care unit equipped to monitor and treat patients with severe heart conditions, staffed by trained personnel capable of providing intensive care.
- Hybrid Operating Room: A technologically advanced surgical suite combining imaging and surgical capabilities, allowing for a range of complex procedures to be performed in a single setting.
In addition to the expansion, renovations will enhance existing facilities, including:
- Medical Device Reprocessing Department: Upgrades to ensure that reprocessing procedures meet the highest safety and efficiency standards for surgical instruments and devices.
- Operating Rooms 9 and 10: Will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment designed specifically for cardiac surgery. These facilities will feature advanced surgical instruments, monitoring systems, and imaging technology to ensure the highest standards of care. Additionally, the layout of the rooms will be optimized to streamline workflow for surgical teams, enhancing collaboration and efficiency during procedures. This setup aims to provide an ideal environment for both surgeons and patients, facilitating successful surgical outcomes.
- Pre-Admission Clinic: To accommodate growth, the pre-admission clinic requires expansion for phlebotomy collection and electrocardiogram. This enhancement aims to improve patient comfort and efficiency.
These improvements will not only elevate the standard of care provided at TBRHSC but also significantly enhance the accessibility of cardiac and vascular services for the regional population.
When will the project be completed?
Like all major hospital projects, the TBRHSC must follow specific steps as directed by Ontario Health. As of the summer of 2025, the cardiovascular surgery project is at Stage 3.2 (Construction) of the Hospital Capital Planning and Policy Manual.
In alignment with the construction timeline, the launch of clinical operations is expected to occur in early 2028. The most recent construction updates can be found here.
Coming Soon: Recruitment Opportunities
With any new service, recruitment of qualified staff is essential to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care. Not only are physicians required, but many other disciplines are needed to support the care and related activities that is required. Below are some examples of the positions:
- Cardiac Surgeons
- Cardiac Anesthesiologists
- Registered Nurses
- Allied Health
- Support Services
For current recruitment opportunities and how to apply, visit Join Our Team.
Are you admitted and have been referred for cardiac surgery?
Our Regional Cardiovascular Triage Nurse will connect with you at the bedside at TBRHSC to explain the process steps involved in travelling to our partner site (UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre), or other cardiac sites.
A travel package including information on travel grants, hospital map and hotel suggestions will be discussed and provided. Note: Travelling home via commercial flights is the standard process for all patient post cardiac procedure and or surgery. For further information, please contact the Regional Cardiovascular Triage Nurse at the following:
807-684-6676
tbrhsc.cvsurgerycoordinator@tbh.net
See “Preparing for Your Return Home from Toronto”.
For more information, please visit the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre Health Information page.
Thank you for our partners
A project of this magnitude necessitates a collective effort and cannot be successfully executed in isolation. Whether participants are engaged in a significant capacity or contributing in a smaller role, we wish to convey our deepest appreciation to each individual for their unwavering patience, steadfast support, and invaluable contributions. Your involvement is critical to our progress and success. Thank you for being an essential part of this endeavor.
