Report from Susan Fraser Chair, Board of Directors January, 2015

As I reflect on the past year, I do so with great pride for the many dedicated staff, healthcare professionals, volunteers and donors who continue to go “above and beyond”. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre faced several challenges in 2014, including extended periods of overcapacity. Yet we also celebrated many accomplishments, thanks to efforts of so many people.

Our successes include being named one of Canada’s ten most admired corporate cultures of 2014 – a testament to the many dedicated people who work and volunteer at TBRHSC, and their commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care. In addition, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care recognized the Emergency Department (ED) at TBRHSC for “its commitment to reducing provincial wait times and improving emergency care for the people of Ontario”.

The New Year brings many opportunities for ongoing success.

TBRHSC is nearing the end of our 2015 strategic plan, and I’m pleased to report that we’re 90% complete. Most strategic plans do not accomplish more than 20-30% of their goals. What we’ve been able to do in the last four years is quite exceptional.

A major reason for this success is the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers, patient family advisors and community healthcare partners. I thank them all for helping us achieve the goals of our 2015 strategic plan.

As we begin to develop a new Strategic Plan to take us to 2020, we will seek input from the community on the following priorities: Seniors’ Health, Acute Mental Health, Aboriginal Health, Comprehensive Clinical Care and a quality Patient Experience.

Starting this month, TBRHSC will be engaging with hundreds of people representing five partners in health (which is based on Dr. Charles Boelen’s model of engagement): health professionals, health managers, policy makers, academic institutions and communities. These groups will meet independently, as well as together, to agree on what is most important for everyone regarding healthcare. This collaboration helps TBRHSC to determine how it can deliver the best care for patients and families.

Members of the community who are interested in learning more about the upcoming engagement sessions are encouraged to contact TBRHSC at 807-684-6010 or lindseyl@tbh.net. In addition to the in-person engagement sessions, patients and families across Northwestern Ontario will be able to contribute their ideas by completing an online survey.

TBRHSC is your hospital, and I encourage you to participate in planning for its future. We
are Healthy Together.

Wishing you all the best in 2015,

Susan Fraser

TBRHSC Board Chair