Report from Gord Wickham

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.