THUNDER BAY – HEALTH – In 2004, the citizens of Thunder Bay voted to develop a new facility rather than refurbish an existing older hospital. The result was a state-of-the-art health sciences centre that offers patients, visitors, and staff a more comfortable, welcoming environment.
Our ten-year anniversary was the perfect occasion to look back at all that Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has been able to achieve together with healthcare, government, and academic partners for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario – the launch of the Angioplasty Program, the Centre for Complex Diabetes Care, the ambulance-offload nurse program to reduce delays for patients in the Emergency Department, and, of course, the opening of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute.
Our 10th anniversary got off to an exciting start on March 14, 2014 with a media event that included many guests of honour, including Mayor Keith Hobbs. Then Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews, made a special appearance and announced the province’s investment of $14 million to help improve access to emergency care, reduce wait times, and enhance community health care services for seniors and people with complex care needs.
This year also saw the introduction of Reggie, our 10-year anniversary mascot, who visited patients and staff at TBRHSC and attended many local events, including the Teddy Bear Picnic, First Rider Program, Summer in the Parks, Superior Youth Festival, and the Rotary Christmas Parade.
TBRHSC’s 10th Anniversary has not only been an occasion to look back at all that we have been able to achieve together for patients and families in Northwestern Ontario, but also to look forward to building a healthy future together.
“This is just the beginning,” said Andrée Robichaud, President and CEO, TBRHSC. “As we prepare to develop a new Strategic Plan with input from policy makers, health professionals, health managers, community members and academic institutions, I look forward to the achievements of the next 10 years.”
“I am extremely proud of our accomplishments and know there are more advances in patient and family centred care and research in store,” said Susan Fraser, Chair of the TBRHSC Board of Directors. “Judging from the past 10 years, I am confident that healthcare in Northwestern Ontario has a very bright future.”
As we wrap up a year of celebrating, we would like to thank everyone who helped make this year’s events a success – volunteers, staff, community partners, and members of the 10th Anniversary Steering Committee.
To say ‘thank you’ to you – the residents of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario – we have partnered with the Thunder Bay Museum who are currently developing an exhibit on the ‘History of Healthcare’ to be unveiled later this year. Stay tuned for more details!
To see a complete timeline of milestones from the past ten years, visit www.tbrhsc.net/10years.
