Sharing and Caring Together 2026: Celebrating 17 Years of Collaboration and Care

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 17 years of Sharing and Caring Together, recognizing the important contributions of Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) and staff in advancing patient and family centred care across the Hospital.

A collaboration between TBRHSC’s Patient Family Advisors and the Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) department, Sharing and Caring highlights the ongoing commitment to improving the patient experience by bringing together patients, families, volunteers, and staff to share perspectives, celebrate achievements, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Patient Family Advisors are volunteers who contribute their time, knowledge, and personal experiences of care to help the Hospital understand what is working well and where improvements can be made. Their insights play an important role in shaping programs, services, and practices that reflect the needs and priorities of patients and families.

“Sharing and Caring is an opportunity to recognize the meaningful impact that Patient Family Advisors have on the patient experience,” says Rachael Shaffer, Interim Director of Nursing and Health Professions. “By sharing their experiences and working alongside our staff, our advisors help us see care through the eyes of patients and families. Their voices are essential to fostering a culture of compassion, collaboration, and continuous improvement throughout our Hospital.”

The annual event (which took place from October 19 to 23 this year) provides opportunities for PFAs and staff to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Through educational sessions, informal discussions, and opportunities to showcase initiatives from across the Hospital, participants explore how the principles of patient and family centred care are being integrated into everyday practice. The weeklong event culminates in an Expo, where 22 departments/units displayed their contributions to patient and family centred care.

“Being a Patient and Family Advisor gives me an opportunity to share my experiences and help make a difference for others receiving care,” says Kristen Anderson, Patient and Family Advisor at TBRHSC. “It’s rewarding to know that by working together with Hospital staff, we can help improve the experience for patients and their families.”

Sharing and Caring is made possible through the dedication of Patient Family Advisors, the collaboration of Hospital staff, and the generosity of community donors. TBRHSC extends its sincere appreciation to everyone whose time, commitment, and support help make this event possible.