THUNDER BAY – Healthbeat – As the seasons change, I am reminded that transitions often bring progress. That is certainly the case as Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre continues a journey from a community hospital to an academic health sciences centre. Recent activity demonstrates our progress is advancing patient care.
For example, the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute launched its new strategic plan, which echoes the research plan of the Health Sciences Centre. Building on previous success, and has three major goals: Impact through Excellence in Imaging; Enabling of Research Strategic to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre; and Economic Growth and Sustainability.
I encourage you to view the strategic plan at www.tbrri.com to learn more.
Another exciting indication of development was the ground-breaking at the site of the future health services centre on the Health Sciences Centre campus. The new building represents tremendous opportunities for the Health Sciences Centre: Academic activities with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University and other institutions can be enhanced; there is opportunity for commercial expansion, such as physicians’ offices and a pharmacy.
Most significantly, the new health services centre will further expand the range of programs and services available to patients and families, including Cardiac Services, conveniently close to the Health Sciences Centre. Expanded outpatient services help keep people healthier and out of the hospital, freeing up beds for other patients. Providing the right care at the right time at the right place is best for patients and families.
Robust medical research, meaningful academic activity and enhanced outpatient services all contribute to better outcomes for the people of our community. We are on our way to achieving our vision of “Healthy Together” as an academic health sciences centre.
Susan Fraser
Chair, Board of Directors
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
