Family CARE Grants Turn Simple Ideas into Meaningful Impact for Patient Care
Published Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Hospital staff and leadership gathered to celebrate the 2025 Health Sciences Foundation Family CARE Grants, highlighting the $126,983 invested in frontline ideas to enhance patient care across the Hospital.
Frontline staff at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre play a critical role in shaping how care is delivered, bringing forward ideas that make a real difference for patients and families.
Through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grants program, many of those ideas are able to be brought to life.
Now in its 17th year, the Family CARE Grants program continues to empower frontline healthcare workers to lead meaningful improvements across the Hospital. These staff-driven initiatives reflect real needs at the bedside and are designed to enhance care, comfort, and the overall experience for patients, their families, and the staff who support them.
This year, 100% of submitted Family CARE Grant ideas have been funded, bringing every frontline idea to life.
This was made possible through donor generosity, including a $15,000 contribution on behalf of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre's Volunteer Association, and represents an investment of more than $126,000 into patient care.
Over the course of my career at the Hospital, I've seen firsthand the level of thought and care frontline staff bring to their patients,” says Sandra Willson, Board Director with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and Co-Chair of the Family CARE Grants Selection Committee. “While larger investments often draw attention, it's often the simplest, most thoughtful improvements that can make the greatest impact.”
“We're proud to support the ideas coming from the Hospital's frontline staff, who see every day where improvements can make a real difference,” says Glenn Craig, CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “We are looking forward to the fall cycle and all the great ideas that will continue to be generated from frontline staff.”
“Our deepest thanks go to our staff, who are often the first to recognize opportunities to improve the care experience for patients and their families, and who bring forward valuable perspectives and ideas,” says Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. “Our staff truly embody patient and family-centred care and play a vital role in shaping meaningful improvements”
Some of the items making a difference this year include:
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Medi Teddy IV bag covers for Paediatrics will help reduce fear and anxiety for children by concealing blood or medication bags. These reusable, BPA- and latex-free covers attach to IV poles and feature an open back for easy access by caregivers.
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A vibroacoustic therapy rocker for Child and Adolescent Mental Health will provide a calming sensory experience by combining gentle rocking with therapeutic sound vibrations. Designed to support relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional regulation, it will help patients self-soothe and manage distress more effectively, potentially reducing reliance on medication.
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A Ring Rescue Kit for the Emergency Department will allow clinicians to quickly and safely remove rings from swollen or injured fingers, reducing complications and improving patient comfort. Made in Halifax, this innovative system can cut through modern materials like titanium and stainless steel, and has also been featured on the tv show The Pitt.
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Three accessible outdoor picnic tables will provide inclusive seating in two garden areas on the ground floor, featuring a design that accommodates individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or IV poles. These durable, eco-friendly tables will create more welcoming outdoor spaces for patients, visitors, and staff, supporting comfort, connection, and overall well-being.
These projects represent just a few examples of how frontline ideas are enhancing patient care and experience. View the full list of 2025–2026 Family CARE Grants at: www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare