Enhancing Patient Care: Modernizing Beds at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre While Giving
Published Monday, April 6, 2026
New patient beds set up TBRHSC's Auditorium A & B.
When Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) retired 76 inpatient beds, many more than 20 years old and no longer meeting the demands of modern care, the organization, supported by the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, saw an opportunity to make a difference beyond the Hospital's walls.
While some beds could not be repaired, many remained fully functional. Rather than sending them to waste, TBRHSC committed to giving as many as possible a second life, repurposing them for use abroad and for local training, turning a necessary upgrade into a win for patients both locally and globally.
Through a partnership with Medical Equipment Modernization Opportunity (MEMO), a volunteer-based organization that redistributes surplus Canadian hospital equipment to health care facilities in developing countries, many of these beds will now support patient care in hospitals with limited resources. Destinations include Zimbabwe and Cuba, where access to basic hospital equipment and patient comforts can be scarce. On January 6, 2026, the first shipment of 40 retired beds left TBRHSC, beginning their journey to hospitals in need.
Additionally, four of the retired beds were donated to Confederation College for training purposes. Beds beyond repair will be responsibly disposed of.
New patient beds on the move, ready to make a difference.
“A patient bed is not just a piece of furniture, but is integrated into the care and compassion that our patients need. Patient beds are the most used equipment in our Hospital, and the new beds will allow for the best opportunity to heal,” said Craig Kozlowski, Director of Corporate Patient Flow at TBRHSC.
The replacement process for inpatient beds at TBRHSC is guided by regular audits and operates on a first-in, first-out basis. This ensures that the oldest beds are prioritized for replacement, maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.
“New beds are essential because many of our current beds are more than 20 years old, parts are no longer available, and they have become obsolete,” continued Allan Korol, Manager, Facilities and Biomedical Services at TBRHSC. “The newer beds incorporate current technology and design, which significantly improve patient care.”
Made possible through the generosity of donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, $3 million is being invested over five years to replace 195 inpatient beds with new Hillrom Centrella™ Smart+ patient beds. Community support through donations, participation in Foundation events, and the purchase of Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets makes investments like these possible.
These smart beds automatically adjust to each patient's needs, support mobility and fall reduction, and empower families to participate in care, all while keeping staff connected and able to respond quickly. Together, these capabilities help prevent pressure injuries, accelerate wound healing, and reduce hospital stays, while easing the physical demands on staff and making care more efficient and sustainable. This investment reflects our commitment to improving patient outcomes and supporting our health care team.
Article By: Gina Fata