Report from Susan Fraser Chair, Board of Directors December, 2014

It’s hard to believe that 2014 is almost behind us. As I look back on the year, I realize how much we have to celebrate. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) met many milestones, including our 10th anniversary, the introduction of bariatric surgery and the Hospital Elder Life Program, and recognition as one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2014. We remain one of Canada’s top 40 Research Hospitals, and made 6th place on a list of the world’s 30 most architecturally impressive hospitals. TBRHSC also received recognition from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for “its commitment to reducing provincial wait times and improving emergency care for the people of Ontario”.

As always, I am extremely proud of the TBRHSC team and hold in the highest regard the many staff, physicians, volunteers and donors who support our success. They continue to demonstrate outstanding commitment, despite challenges with overcapacity.

The ongoing issue with overcapacity is driven largely by too high numbers of Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients, as with many hospitals across Ontario and Canada. We worked with our partners – the provincial government, the LHIN, St. Joseph’s and CCAC – to ease some of the pressure as we neared a crisis situation last spring. That support helped, and our ALC numbers have decreased.

There is much more to be done to effectively address this issue. We look forward to continuing to work positively with our partners, including the provincial government, to address the universal issue of an aging population and building community capacity to provide the most appropriate care for that population.

Regardless of Gridlock, patients will be provided the care they need at TBRHSC.

A recent development is the designation of TBRHSC as one of 11 hospitals in Ontario that will handle suspect Ebola cases. While the likelihood of a confirmed Ebola case presenting at our hospital is extremely remote, we must nonetheless be prepared as part of our commitment to care for our community and our obligation as a partner in the Ontario health care system. The hospital has formed an Ebola Task Force to oversee this preparedness work.

I commend TBRHSC leadership and staff for the considerable work accomplished in order to provide the safest care possible to the people of our community.

Looking forward, I know that 2015 will bring many more achievements and celebrations, as well as challenges. As we begin to develop a new Strategic Plan to take us to 2020, we will seek your input. In the new year, we will provide opportunity for the entire community to contribute ideas. TBRHSC is your hospital, and I encourage you to participate in planning for its future. We are Healthy Together.

In the meantime, I wish you and your loved ones they very best of the season, and a happy and healthy new year!

Respectfully,

Susan Fraser

TBRHSC Board Chair