Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is celebrating its first birthday. It has been one great year. We have cause to celebrate.

We begin by remembering that one year ago, on February 22, 2004, 77 year old Doris Sparks was admitted as our first patient. Gently removed from an ambulance that had brought her from the old Port Arthur site of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, she was wheeled into the new facility to be welcomed by the applause of many people. During the Welcoming Ceremony, Mrs. Sparks was presented with a Teddy Bear by the President and CEO of TBRHSC, Ron Saddington. As it turned out, the Teddy Bear was the first one she ever had been given. She cherished it.

As fate would have it, and now 78 years of age, Doris Sparks was recently admitted to TBRHSC. Hearing about her presence, on our first anniversary - February 22nd, Ron Saddington took the opportunity to visit her and present her with a second Teddy Bear, which would complete the set of two.

Doris had a surprise for Ron, though. Upon entering the room, he was warmly greeted by Doris as she displayed for him her first bear. She had brought it with her to keep her company. We thank Doris and her family for allowing us to share her picture showing her with her two Teddy Bears.

It has been a great first year. We have successfully launched acute care on a state-of-the-art site. The future looks promising. Explore our website to see our continuing story.

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