Media note from Ron Nelson - TBRHSC Board Chair

We have completed another fiscal year at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. On reflection, we have made great gains as we work through Strategic Plan 2010. I can tell you that without exception, members of our Board are extremely proud of the performance of our healthcare teams. Our commitment to patient care is obvious and we celebrate that.

I know that when the Accreditation Surveyors come here in May, they will see how well we have done over and above the tremendous challenges that threaten to create instability in our organization. For example, if things continue as they are, when the Surveyors see patients on stretchers in the corridors, cancelled surgeries, and people being flown from our city elsewhere to receive care, then I’m certain that they will agree that we need immediate resolution to our incessant problem of overcrowding. They will also acknowledge our increased risk of providing care in less than ideal conditions. Even so, I trust that they will extol the virtues of everyone providing care during these difficult times.

Our Board members know that every measure is being taken to ensure that the highest level of acute care is provided to everyone who enters our facility. However, when our Emergency Department is being overwhelmed with people coming in for care, and fewer people are being discharged at the same time, we are putting physicians, staff, and patients under great stress. Our healthcare providers want to offer patients the care that they deserve, and they will do so to the best of their ability. My concern is that I know many of our teams are at the breaking point. They are tired. It is one thing to work a normal shift and then go home. It is entirely another issue when people are working longer hours because overtime is the only way we can manage the demand. Many days, we are operating well beyond capacity. We are funded for 375 beds. We consistently operate our Health Sciences Center at 50 – 60 beds more than that. Our occupancy rate often exceeds 100%. And yet, we are told to “balance our budget” and “manage the problem” ourselves. Well, we can’t fix it ourselves because a big part of the solution lies outside of our control.

Again, addressing a single piece of the puzzle is not enough. It requires a systemic solution – everyone taking a piece and fulfilling their role. To seasoned healthcare veterans, the resolution requires assurance from everyone that everything is being done to give people the dignity they deserve during their journey from treatment to recovery. That means that once it is determined that patients can be moved to more appropriate accommodations after the acute phase is over, they can be. This opens up space for new patients to be given a bed in a room rather than, as has often happened lately, patients left in corridors on stretchers. That is not how we want to deliver care; nor can we, over a sustained period of time. If, in fact, we are told that this is the “new status quo” and everyone has to accept this, then a number of things have to change including the number of services we deliver. We will know the answer to this point soon when we find out what our budget is for the year that we have just embarked on.

On behalf of the members of the Board, thank you for your support.

Thank you for your support.

Ron Nelson, Chair
Board of Directors

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