Board Chair Message - September 2009

We traditionally have regarded July and August as “slower” months, a time when we collectively get a chance to rest, and relax a bit. However, this summer has been busy. On a number of occasions, we were in Code Gridlock indicating that all beds were full, and the Emergency Department overwhelmed with activity. I want to state again how proud the TBRHSC Board of Directors is of our healthcare teams.

I think back to the TBRHSC Annual Meeting in June. Our membership celebrated our achievements. Throughout the organization, we sensed satisfaction for a job well-done. As an example of our continuing success, we recently received word from Accreditation Canada informing us that we had once again achieved our Accreditation Canada status. In part, the letter to our President and CEO, Ron Saddington, said, “Congratulations for your organization’s leadership and staff commitment in your review and quest for improvement. By participating in the Accreditation process, you are demonstrating a commitment to providing quality care and service, and this should be celebrated”. I know that we seek to be better in everything that we do.

Last spring, we implemented the Patient and Family Centred Care strategy. Congratulations to everyone involved in carrying out this important strategic initiative endorsed by the Board of Directors. Integrating healthcare workers with patients and families means that we are “Caring Together” and advocating for the best patient care possible. Special thanks to our patient advisors, who are sharing their stories of care and offering suggestions to make things even better. Your advice is cherished.

I am looking forward to visiting Board Members and Hospitals in the Region of Northwestern Ontario this fall. Along with various Board Members, including Dr. Gord Porter, our Vice President of Medical Affairs/Chief of Staff, we want to share our vision of Patient and Family Centred Care with everyone. We want to glean advice, as well, from the people we serve as we build strong relationships among our care partners.

I am also encouraged to hear how Dr. Porter and his staff are working on ways to deal with the shortage of Family Physicians in Thunder Bay and around the region. Primary care needs continue to grow as our Emergency Department contends with overwhelming demands every day. As I mentioned, TBRHSC is often “full” with numerous patients being kept as inpatients in the Emergency Department. We want to change this as soon as possible. Solutions to the difficulties we face will not come easily.

This summer, as well, we honoured the first graduates from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. We celebrate our partnership with the Medical School, as well as the Research Institute. With Patient and Family Centred Care providing a great platform, everyone will benefit as we make TBRHSC a great academic acute care environment.

Finally, I also want to commend the Pandemic Care Teams as they refine our Plan of Care, should it be needed. It is complex. Education is on-going.

Thank you for your continued support.

Ingrid Parkes, Chair
Board of Directors

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