Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has received its first acute care patient. Doris Sparks, age 77, was transported by ambulance from the Port Arthur site of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital and officially welcomed to TBRHSC during a short ceremony, held Sunday morning at nine o’clock at the main entrance. Click here for the FULL 'Moving Memories' photo gallery.

The Chair of the Board of Governors, Stephen Wright, applauded Doris Sparks for being the first patient saying that, “she represents people from all walks of life who find themselves occasionally in need of care”.

The President and CEO of TBRHSC, Ron Saddington, celebrated the arrival of Doris Sparks by wishing her a speedy recovery. A recovery that would, in part, reflect on the world-class care that she would receive at the new Health Sciences Centre.

Two other people passed on their regards to Doris Sparks, as well. Don Caddo and Keith Jobbitt, both former Chairs of the Board of Governors of TBRH and key contributors to the success of the new Health Sciences Centre, congratulated Doris.

Don Caddo mentioned, “Doris couldn’t be in better care than the staff of the new Health Sciences Centre”. Keith Jobbitt said, “Doris looks better already. And she has just came through the door. We wish her a short stay and a quick recovery”.

Doris Sparks thanked everyone for the honour of being the first patient. In a quiet voice, Doris said she and her family were thrilled to find out that she had been chosen to be the first patient. She accepted a “TBRHSC Care Bear” from Ron Saddington and then was moved to her room.

As Doris was moved down the corridor, other ambulances began arriving with patients as the entire Port Arthur site continued to relocate.

On Monday, February 23, patients at the McKellar site will be transferred.

:: click here to view the Photo Gallery of Doris Sparks ::

:: back to Media Releases ::