April 10, 2007

Message from: Ron Nelson, Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

We continue to be confident that the funding announcement from the Federal Government regarding the Molecular Medicine Research Centre on Munro Street is imminent. And, while TBRHSC Administration is working diligently to secure the final funding piece to this exciting opportunity, I want to congratulate our founding Scientific Director of the Molecular Centre, Dr. John Rowlands. This academic appointment through Lakehead University reflects the on-going implementation phase of our partnership at MMRC.

On another note, I want to thank everyone who is adhering to our “No Smoking” policy. This matter is a long-standing issue for TBRHSC. As you know, there are those who feel that smoking is just a bad habit, while others recognize it as an addiction that is a contributor to serious disease. To understand why people smoke and contribute to their own health demise, Dr. Scott Sellick and Dr. Patricia Smith have launched a major behavioural study in Northwestern Ontario to track, among other things, a number of indicators that impact the lives of smokers. We look forward to the conclusions from the study because the information will help us greatly in finding ways to treat smokers and assist with Smoking Cessation Programs. We already celebrate the efforts of our “Quit Coach”, Dr. Jim Morris. He has been tireless in his desire to work with patients, families, and our own staff members to find ways to enable smoking cessation before related disease takes its toll. We have numerous examples of success to report as many people are trying to change their lives and not smoke. One more shining example is our Adult Mental Health Program where patients, who used to expect smoking privileges in a specially designed smoking room, have been smoke-free for months. The Cessation Program is working.

However, because so many people have come forward with complaints about smokers on our campus, I feel that it is important that every smoker think of the health of others at least and refrain from smoking on the property. Furthermore, and please let me make this point strongly: those who do not respect the principle of a clean Health Sciences Centre environment which is free from cigarette butts, ashes, plastic and cardboard wrapping, and do not want to abide by our “no smoking policy”, will respect the presentation of a “ticket” by an enforcement officer as someone just carrying out their duty without fear of reprisal.

I make my point one other way. The financial generosity of the citizens of our city and region helped us build this great health facility. Let us show our respect by preserving the pristine appearance of our entrances, sidewalks, roadways, lawns, and ponds. By our actions, people will know that our healthcare standards are consistent from the moment you enter the property right through the clinical pathway of care. Let us be proud of what we have here. It is a world-class facility.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Ron Nelson, Chair
Board of Directors