Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute
980 Oliver Road P7B 6V4 Thunder Bay, ON, Canada

Mark your calendars - The 16th Annual Research & Innovation Week is coming and this year it’s VIRTUAL! R & I Week showcases Lakehead’s research excellence. Visit the website for more information. #mylakehead #LakeheadRI www.lakeheadu.ca/research-and-innovation

Today, on #WorldCancerDay, we join global efforts to create a world less burdened by cancer. Learn how you can make daily changes to reduce your risk of cancer at www.MyCancerIQ.ca (via Cancer Care Ontario / Ontario Ministry of Health)

Dr. Mitchell Albert, a professor of chemistry at Lakehead University and Research Chair and Scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, has pioneered an imaging technique which is giving researchers a closer look at the damage #COVID19 causes to the lungs and other organs. The technique has also led to a breakthrough in brain imaging, which could improve our understanding of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, autism and epilepsy. Read more at http://bit.ly/new-imaging-tech (via CBC Thunder Bay)

During the week of January 18th to the 22nd, our Hospital is celebrating Employee Recognition Week. The week is dedicated to celebrating the people - medical st...aff, employees, teams, volunteers, Patient Family Advisors and donors - who are making a difference for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario through their outstanding service and dedication. This week, staff are encouraged to visit the Intranet, read the Daily Informed Newsletter and check our social media to learn more about special Employee Recognition Week prize draws, daily trivia, Recognition-O-Grams and more! If you know someone who works at our Hospital, be sure to wish them a happy Employee Recognition Week!

Today, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) launches a new Virtual Emergency Department. The Virtual Emergency Department (ED) offers same-day ...virtual assessments with emergency department physicians. The program is available to people living in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area who are older than 17 years of age, have a non-life-threatening medical issue, and either don’t have a primary care provider or are unable to obtain timely access to one. The Virtual ED program provides patients with safe, quality emergency care from the comfort of their homes, said Dr. Bradley Jacobson, Chief of Emergency/Trauma Medicine at TBRHSC. Virtual assessments are a convenient and accessible care option for patients who qualify, especially at-risk patients who wish to avoid a trip to the hospital and time spent in a waiting room during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each virtual appointment will be booked for 15 minutes, allowing time to establish a connection with the patient’s device, review patient details, perform the assessment and determine next steps. Referrals to community programs, specialists, diagnostic imaging procedures, lab work or prescriptions may be provided upon discharge. The virtual assessments will be offered between 12 pm 6 pm and can be booked by visiting tbrhsc.net/VirtualED. Same-day appointments will be made on a first-come, first-served basis to those who are eligible. Appointments take place through secure video chat. To participate, patients need a computer or smartphone with video, a quiet space, and internet access. Based on current and historical trends, up to 30 ED patients per day could be eligible for a virtual appointment. This could translate to approximately 420 patients per month avoiding an in-person visit to the ED. We’re excited about the positive benefits this program will have for our Emergency Department and for our patients and their families, said Lisa Beck, Director of Trauma, Prehospital Programs, Emergency, Critical Care and Nurse Led Outreach Team at TBRHSC. In addition to the convenience of care from the comfort of people’s homes, diverting unnecessary visits to our ED will result in increased overall capacity and reduced wait times for those who still need to attend in person.

We're excited to share this message to staff from Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, HBScN, M.A., Ed.D, as she begins her tenure as the new President & CEO of our Hos...pital and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute: It is an honor and privilege for me to lead and serve our Hospital and Health Research Institute as your new President and CEO. As we begin our journey together, I look forward to reconnecting with you, our dedicated staff, Professional Staff, Scientists, Patient Family Advisors and Volunteers. In this role, I am here to work with you to build the future of health care. My arrival as President & CEO coincides with the development of our next Strategic Plan, which will provide a roadmap for how we will meet the ever changing health challenges we face. The development of this plan will require extensive engagement with people in our organization, community and region. As we face unprecedented challenge and change in health, there are tremendous opportunities to grow, innovate, integrate, advance and evolve our organization - to advance research, learning and overall health care design and delivery. The Ontario health system is transforming and we have a unique opportunity to be key leaders. Together with our partners, we can capitalize on this opportunity to shape a new system of care. Moving forward, I recognize our strong history and commitment to Patient and Family Centred Care. Through this philosophy, I will work to further inspire and grow our culture founded in trust, respect, compassion, and hope as key foundational elements to a healthy work environment. Bringing joy and meaning to work while investing in our talented and engaged workforce to lead research, innovation and revolutionize care are critical to excellence in Patient and Family Centred Care. Finally, as we continue to advance the COVID-19 response in our community and region, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your commitment and dedication to keep our community safe. I am truly inspired by the way staff, professional staff and volunteers have risen to this challenge - with flexibility, resilience, courage and a caring heart. Thank you for your enormous contributions. A sincere thank you for choosing to work, practice, learn or volunteer here at our Hospital and Health Research Institute. I look forward to continuing the journey together to make us the best organizations at which to work, innovate in, research, learn and most critically, receive leading edge health care. I am proud to say that I am part of the Hospital and Health Research Institute team. Together, we will shape the future of health for our community and region.

Félicitations Jean!

Would you like to be a part of an exciting new research study? *Volunteers Needed for Research Study* Researchers are looking for healthy participants and participants with Alzheimer’s disease to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans using a new gas contrast agent to improve images of the brain.... The study takes place at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and will require a minimum of 2 study visits (maximum of 6). You will be compensated $50 for each MRI study visit. To be eligible for this study you must: - Be over the age of 18 - Not be claustrophobic - Not be pregnant To request more information about this study, please contact the research team at (807) 684-6958. For more information about your rights as a research participant, contact the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Research Ethics Office at (807) 684-6422 or Lakehead University Research Ethics Office at (807) 343-8283.

On November 20th, Jean Bartkowiak will officially retire as a senior health care leader and as President and CEO of our Hospital and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regi...onal Health Research Institute. As he enters his final week, Jean shares some personal reflections on his past five years of serving the community. See more

Today we thank all veterans, members of the armed forces, and those that made the ultimate sacrifice. #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #CanadaRemembers

As of today, November 10, 2020, there are 23 active cases of COVID-19 in the area served by the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. As a result of the rapid climb... in cases, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre must implement precautions to protect the patients, Essential Care Partners, staff and professional staff of our Hospital. As the only provider of acute and specialized health care services in our region, steps must be taken to ensure critical services continue to be available to those who need them. Effective Wednesday, November 11, Care Partners are not permitted until further notice. Essential Care Partners (ECPs) are welcome. ECPs are permitted to visit between 0800-2000 (8:00 am - 8:00 pm) and apply to the following: - a patient who is dying or very ill (for whom imminent death is anticipated or possible in the next 72 hours): maximum of four ECPs, no more than two present at a time; - a patient under 18 years old; - patients undergoing surgery: maximum of one ECP; - women giving birth: please visit www.tbrhsc.net for more details; - outpatients who require assistance to attend their appointment: maximum of one ECP if needed; - patients being discharged and ECP requires health teaching that cannot be provided post-discharge or virtually (e.g. suctioning, injections); - patients with cognitive, mental health, or behavioural issues that impact the care team’s ability to provide safe care: maximum of one ECP; - patients with communication needs that cannot be easily addressed with existing resources and impact the care team’s ability to provide safe care: maximum of one ECP; - patients in the Intensive Care Unit: maximum of one ECP; - patients undergoing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) up to seven days before MAID is to occur): maximum of four ECPs, no more than two present at a time. We recognize that these restrictions are difficult for patients and their loved ones, and encourage use of personal devices to stay connected. Free wifi is available at the Hospital. For information on Virtual Visitation options provided by the Hospital, please visit www.tbrhsc.net. At this time, there is no impact to clinical programs and services. Surgeries, diagnostic testing and outpatient services continue at current volumes. Our Hospital is committed to meeting the needs of our community. Urgent care will always be safely provided to those who need it. Community members are urged to reduce the spread of infection. Please wear a mask, maintain physical distance of 2 meters, practice hand hygiene, and travel outside of Northern Ontario only if absolutely necessary. In addition, follow the Public Health Guidelines: - Gathering limit for select organized public events and social gatherings (e.g., private gatherings at home, in parks, etc., barbeques): 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors - Gathering limit for organized public events and social gatherings: 50 people indoors; 100 people outdoors - Gathering limit for religious services, rites or ceremonies, including weddings and funerals: 30% capacity of the particular room, subject to physical distancing, indoors; 100 people, subject to physical distancing, outdoors We are grateful to the community for their collective effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. We are in this together. Local COVID-19 case status: https://www.tbdhu.com/coronavirus Provincial COVID-19 case status: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-0 Canada COVID-19 case status: https://www.canada.ca//2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.ht COVID-19 Daily Situation Report videos: http://tbrhsc.net/covid-19-information

Jean Bartkowiak will officially retire as a senior health care leader and as President and CEO of our Hospital and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Resear...ch Institute on November 20th. Tracie Smith recently sat down with Jean to discuss his fondest memories and accomplishments from the past five years. This video is also available on our YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/Retrospective-JeanBartkowiak (Hit the subscribe button to be notified of all new content)

The health and safety of all staff, professional staff, patients, care partners and the community is our utmost priority. In response to the rise in COVID-19 ca...ses in Ontario, travel restrictions will be reinstated at our Hospital. Effective Tuesday, October 6th, travel outside of Northern Ontario (Parry Sound to the Manitoba border) in the past seven days will result in a failed entrance screening. These travel restrictions apply to staff, professional staff, patients who require non-urgent care, volunteers, learners, Care Partners and Essential Care Partners and are in line with the recommendations of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit for the protection of our community. We understand that travel restrictions can be difficult, especially for those who are separated from friends and family. However, Ontario has entered the second wave of the #COVID19 pandemic and we must be extra vigilant for the protection of all, including the most vulnerable patients in our care, said Dr. Stewart Kennedy, COVID-19 Incident Manager. Travel restrictions in the first wave were integral to limiting the impact of COVID-19 in our community and Hospital. Your continued understanding and cooperation is highly appreciated. Patients with Care Partners or Essential Care Partners who have travelled outside of Northern Ontario in the past seven days will be permitted to identify an alternate. Our Hospital is committed to helping patients and families stay connected and offers virtual visits through FaceTime and Skype. If you would like to arrange a virtual care visit with a patient admitted to our Hospital, please contact the Telemedicine Department at Tel. (807) 684-6711 or email [email protected] between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Travel restrictions can change frequently and will be updated as the situation evolves.

Great news on the health research front: The Canada Foundation for Innovation has provided a Lakehead University and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute team with a $98,655 grant to develop new drugs that will help prevent, diagnose and manage cancer. In Canada, cancer is the leading cause of death, which is why Dr. Jinqiang Hou, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Lakehead University and Research Chair at the Health Research Institute, believes an effective di...agnostic method would improve the quality of life of many people while reducing health-care costs. Learn more: http://bit.ly/CFI-Grant-Oct2020