TBRHSC Board Chair’s Message (October 2024)

For me, the transition from summer to fall brings with it a feeling of excitement; the anticipation of getting back into a routine and days becoming busier as the weather cools down. I hope that Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) staff, professional staff, learners, volunteers and members of the Board took time over the summer to reset, recharge and connect with family and friends. Before the summer break, our Hospital celebrated a successful year at the Annual Meeting of the Corporation in June. In my new role as Chair of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Board of Directors, I’m pleased to announce the return of our existing Board of Directors, and the reappointment of the President and Chief Executive Officer to a new term.

Joining the Board is Jesse Fiddler as the new Community Member on the Governance and Nominating Committee. Darlene Furlong was appointed as the new Community Member on the Patient Safety and Quality of Care Committee.

Returning to the Board of Directors for a three-year term is Christine Bates. Along with myself, continuing their terms of office on the Board are Charles Campbell, Dr. Andrew Dean, Kimberly Ferris, Douglas Judson, Michael Pelletier, James Peotto, Matt Simeoni, Joy Wakefield, and Gord Wickham.

Recently departed Board Director and Treasurer John Hatton was remembered fondly and honoured for his leadership, his passion and dedication to the Hospital and the community.

The Board includes the ex-officio Directors Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO, Adam Vinet, Chief Nursing Executive, Dr. Bradley Jacobson, Chief of Staff, Dr. Sarita Verma, (former Dean, President and CEO, NOSM University), and Dr. Elrasheed Osman, President, Professional Staff Association.

I am looking forward to working with this incredibly motivated group, aligning the care we provide to the needs of the community and the people we serve. We continue to advance the Hospital’s Strategic Plan 2026; TBRHSC’s 2023-24 Annual Report was released and highlights last year’s accomplishments and our continued commitment to patient and family centred care.

Speaking of which, this month marked 15 years of Sharing and Caring Together, a week-long event demonstrating our successes in patient and family-centred care, culminating in an exhibition displaying some of the initiatives that have been developed to improve the patient experience.

Leading up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, our Hospital’s Indigenous Collaboration, Equity and Inclusion portfolio organized events to honour the survivors and underscore the importance of Truth and Reconciliation. Starting with a sunrise ceremony, events for staff throughout the month included hand drum making, beading, drumming, and an education session with an Elder and Residential School Survivor. As part of our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, and the 94 Calls to Action, our Hospital also recently published a report sharing our progress on the Calls to Action and our next steps. We are committed to promoting transparency with our response to the Calls to Action and to continually working towards creating an environment of inclusion, equity and compassion at our Hospital.