February, 2011

Message from: Angèle Brunelle, Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

I begin my thoughts by once again thanking our healthcare workers for doing the tremendous job that they do. I have said before, and I will say it again, that at TBRHSC, when we refer to “Caring together”, it speaks to the teamwork that is ongoing. It speaks to the countless messages that we get from patients and families and friends who tell us how much they appreciate what our physicians, staff, patient care advisors, and volunteers do for them. Yes, we also receive comments regarding healthcare concerns such as “Gridlock” when we are filled to overcapacity with patients, some of whom could go elsewhere – but that is a systemic issue that must be corrected. Just know that we examine every concern to see how we can make things better. That is the only way we can be “leading-edge”. Quality patient and family care is paramount to us. Normal process is that we deal with issues appropriately and in a timely fashion. I am proud of our dedicated teams.

When you think about it, it is really amazing how well things go in our acute care environment. Our teams deal with over a hundred thousand patients in our Emergency Department every year, perform thousands of surgeries, do millions of lab and other diagnostic tests, teach medical learners such as nurses and medical school students, in as seamless a way possible. We consider it a privilege as we feel that we are positioned to meet the volume of acute care needs of people at this time, and in the foreseeable future. We have made it known that we are seeking collaboration on the “after acute care” phase.

I am pleased to say that the development of our new Strategic Plan is underway. We expect to have endorsement of the Plan by the middle of June. In the meantime, we will be engaging a lot of people from every walk of life and status to ensure that we will meet their healthcare needs. We have lofty goals both long-term and short-term based on solid values. Our plans will reflect attention to detail and financial accountability. As we integrate all the teaching and research strategies with our robust acute care environment, it is clear to us that we also want to help other organizations achieve common initiatives. It is the right thing to do. The Board of Directors is meeting the second week of this month to consider our corporate pathway for the next few years. From this session, we will find ways to refine our plans in preparation for our June meetings where our members will review and hopefully endorse our plans for implementation. Even in our initial phase, we are excited about the possibilities. We are embracing opportunities that have been identified to the betterment of patient and family care in Northwestern Ontario. These are exciting times to be planning for the future.

We accept the premise that just when you think that things can’t get any busier, they do. That is why we are always looking for like-minded people who want to join with us. Together, we will achieve great things. Watch for announcements.

Respectfully,

Angèle Brunelle, Chair
Board of Directors