May, 2009

Message from: Ingrid Parkes, Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is preparing to implement a Model of Care called Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC). The Model demonstrates how patients, with their families and friends, can play an important role in a positive healthcare experience. In addition, when our Physicians, Staff, and Volunteers embrace Patient and Family Centred Care, the impact is felt right across the region that we serve.

With consensual patient and family care, patients and families and healthcare providers enter into a care agreement that promotes wellness beyond most care strategies that are offered today. It is remarkable that some people say that we don’t need to do this; however, we are moving ahead for very exciting reasons.

As Chair of the Board of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, I want to express that in all my years of dealing with healthcare providers, I have never been as impressed as I am now with the progress we are making in regards to caring for those entrusted to our care. The focus that we have to be the “best at getting better” is incessant.

These are difficult times to be achieving lofty goals. However, we are doing it. I know that our beds are consistently full. Even so, the amount of preparation that goes into planning for events such as a Pandemic is amazing. There is no turning away from these matters. We must be ready. Thank you to everyone for going beyond the call of duty. It is not easy to do this. You make us all proud.

We recently were inspected for our compliance to all aspects of the Fire Code. We performed to the highest of expectations. Our Fire Plan is exemplary. Along with all the members of our Board of Directors, I want to express to everyone that we have the utmost confidence in our Physicians, Staff, and Volunteers to care for our patients, families, and co-workers should an emergency arise. There has never been any doubt. Congratulations, again.

“Safety” at TBRHSC inherently brings a broad scope of understanding to us. That is why it was exciting to hear that we were recently awarded the Dr. William Sibbald Award for Excellence in Patient Safety. It was for our development of the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Clinical Practice Guideline. Our project was evaluated against other outstanding projects, and we were selected as the winner. The symbolic $5,000 award will be used to continue patient safety initiatives.

In addition, with the influenza concern sweeping the world, it is appropriate to applaud our Infection Control Team. Dr. Michael Baker did that recently. He is the Executive Lead – Patient Safety for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Dr. Baker visited TBRHSC to commend us for our Infection Control readiness. He mentioned the Dr. Sibbald award as a significant win for us. Kudos to the team, and everyone involved for the great results with our Hand Hygiene Compliance strategies.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ingrid Parkes, Chair
Board of Directors