Family CARE Grants

The Health Sciences Foundation Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grants are here to support you — the healthcare providers who make the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre exceptional.

Family CARE Grants can enhance the care you provide daily. The Family CARE Grant program is like a workplace suggestion box but with funding to bring ideas to life! This process encourages front-line staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre to propose improvements in patient care and provides up to $4,000 to implement their ideas. This program honours and empowers employees to make a difference.

2024/25 Family CARE Grants

($139,265 Funded, 74 Grants)

Frontline staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre have once again pursued grants to support the ‘little things' that can profoundly make a difference to patient care. Thanks to funding provided by donors to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, $139,265.21 was awarded to fund 74 Family CARE Grants – the highest dollar amount since the Family CARE Grant program began in 2009!

Here's a list of the funded 2024 grants!

Admitting Department

• Stacking Arm Chairs x2, Bariatric Arm Chair x1($1,151.73)
  
  

Adult Mental Health

• Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit: Chalkboard Patient Communication Boards ($4,200.00)

• Brief Intervention Treatment Team: Privacy Decals ($2,000.00)

Assertive Community Treatment Team

• Wellness Program Home Items ($2,766.20)
  
  

Bariatric Care Centre

• Recumbent Stationary Cycle ($3,238.55)
  
  

Cancer Centre

• BLISS Intimacy Education ($122.38)
• Williams Sound Pocket Talker ($303.97)
• Onyx Oximeters 9590 ($2,217.06)
  
  

Capital Projects and Program Development

• East Cafeteria Entrance Bench ($1,286.13)
• Labour and Delivery Entrance Bench ($1,286.13)
  
  

Clinical Laboratory

• Phlebotomy Chair Extra Wide ($2,138.20)
  
  

Emergency Department

• Staxi Wheelchair ($1,855.40)
• Ring Cutters x3 ($474.54)
• Venous Doppler x3 ($3,192.00)
• Thermometers x3 ($2762.49)
• Four Wheeled Walkers x2 ($971.78)
  
  

Hemodialysis

• Lumex Clinical Care Recliner ($2,593.35)
  
  

Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion

• Indigenous Traditional Medicines ($3,962.78)
  
  

Infection Control and Prevention

• Calibration Verification Device and Testing Swabs ($1,957.80)
  
  

Intensive Care Unit

• Boogie Reusable Writing Board x22 ($732.82)
• Patient Slider Boards x2 ($366.00)
  
  

Labour and Delivery

• Wheelchair with Foot Rests and IV Pole ($824.90)
  
  

Mammography

• Mammography Cape (Gown) 5 Cases 24/Case ($3,240.26)
  
  

Maternal Newborn

• Breastfeeding pillows x5 ($661.60)
• Wheelchair with Foot Rests and IV Pole ($832.20)

• Waterless Milk Warmer ($1,400.00)
  
  

Maternity Centre

• Chairs and Change Tables ($3,434.07)
  
  

Medical Inpatient Units

• 2A: Shower Chairs x10 ($1,129.89)
• 2B: Shower Chairs x10 ($1,129.89)

• 2C: Walkers, Bariatric Walkers & Ski's ($742.18)
• 2C: DR200 Holter Monitors ($3,523.34)

 

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Cart, Books and Journals ($1,851.58)
• Ambiance Light Covers & Wall Decals ($1,163.14)
• Flange Rulers & Sizes ($1,552.06)
  
  

Northwest Region Prehospital Care Program

• Birthing Simulator Training Equipment ($4,785.87)
  
  

Nuclear Medicine - Diagnostic Imaging

• Scale Platform with Hand Rails, Wheels and Height Rod ($2,665.84)
  
  

Nutrition and Food Services

• Water Pitchers for Patient Rooms x360 ($2,957.44)
  
  

Occupational Therapy

• Upper Body Exerciser and Hydraulic Table ($2,135.70)
  
  

Operating Room

• Paediatric Waiting Room: 55" TV with Wall Mount ($616.40)

• Operating Room: Stuffed Animals x307 ($3,806.28)
  
  

Patient and Family Centred Care

• Wire Mesh Baskets x136 ($1,820.62)
  
  

Paediatrics

• Outpatient: Wheelchair ($445.34)
• Inpatient: LifeDop Doppler with Digital Display ($3,043.09)
• 1B: Nellcor Portable Oxygen Saturation Monitor ($1,124.35)

• Paediatrics: Needle Distraction/Relief ($1,112.64)
• Paediatrics: Playmat ($50.84)
  
  

PCIU/2C Medical Inpatient Unit

• HugAire Blanket Warmer ($4,000)
  
  

Physiotherapy

• Leg Press Hack Squat Machine & Weights ($2,676.41)
  
  

Post Anesthetic Care Unit

• 16" Swirl Stools with Back x2 ($688.65)
  
  

Radiation Therapy

• Therapy Table Pads ($980.00)
  
  

Regional Trauma Program

• Infant Intubation Training Equipment ($4,835.97)
  
  

Rehab

• 4-Wheeled Walkers x9 & Bariatric Walker x1 ($3,992.71)
• Night Splints x4 ($298.86)
  
  

Renal

• Indigenous Beading Kits ($4,000.00)
• 24 Hour Model GC 1109 Doctor Buddy Stool ($242.52)
  
  

Respiratory Therapy

• Laryngoscope Intubating Equipment ($2,285.00)
  
  

Sioux Lookout Hemodialysis Unit

• Wheelchair with Foot Supports ($730.00)
  
  

Surgical Daycare

• Overbed Tables x4 ($1,540.00)
• Raised Stationary Toilet Commode ($146.88)
• Medical Stepstool with Handrail ($135.54)
  
  

Surgical Inpatient Unit

• 3A: High Back Patient Chair ($1,051.58)

• 3A: Platform Walker with Oxygen Tank Holder ($2,113.62)
  

• 3A: Sensory Items ($1,000.00)
• 3B: Global Nourish Series Patient Chair ($1,051.85)
• 3B: Large Commodes x10 & Bariatric Commodes x2 ($3,528.94)
• 3C: Commode Chairs x2 ($477.43)
• 3C: Venoscope II Vein Finder ($692.97)

 

Telemedicine Department

• AMD VersaScope Camera and Lenses ($4,713.51)
  
  

Transitional Care Unit

• Gift Card for Arts & Crafts Supplies ($250.00)
  
  

Unit Care Aid

• Interactive Kits ($3,642.33)
  
  

Utilization and Patient Flow

• Williams Sound Pocket Talker x5 ($1,997.95)
  
  

Volunteer Services

• Staxi Wheelchair ($1,505.00)
  
  

Women and Children's Program

• Welch Allyn Green Series Exam Light IV and Stand ($2,350.00)
  
  

X-Ray Diagnostic Imaging

• Frontal Lead Aprons for Caregivers x4 ($1,975.24)
  
  

2023/24 Family CARE Grants

($123,417.60 Funded)

Here's a list of the funded 2023 grants!

1A Medical/Oncology Inpatient Unit

• Blood Warmer ($2,434.77)
  
  

2A & 2B Medical Impatient Unit

• Venoscope II Vein Finder X 2 ($1,294.92)
• Elite Otoscope with Plug-in Charger X 2 ($2,392.00)
  
  

2C Cardiology/Stroke

• Recliner Chair ($3,275.87)
  
  

Adult Mental Health

• Sensory Items and Books ($922.99)
  
  

Cancer Centre - Outpatient Clinic

• Blood Pressure Units ($1,821.00)
  
  

Cardiac Rehab - Stress Lab

• Wheelchair ($2884.58)
  
  

Cardio Diagnostics - EEG

• Blanket Warmer ($4,000.00)
  
  

Chronic Complex Diabetes Clinic

• Bariatric Chairs X 3 ($2,200.00)
  
  

Dental Department/Surgery

• Digital Intra Oral Sensor ($4,000.00)
  
  

Diagnostic Imaging

• Leg Rest with Knee Cutouts ($303.91)
• Ankle, Foot, Leg Immobilizer ($588.00)
  
  

Emergency Department

• Suicide Prevention Gowns ($2,910.48)
• Over Bed Table - Latch to Stretcher X 10 ($3,964.00)
• Thermometers ($2,452.00)
• Doppler ($378.00)
• Over Bed Table - Bedside X 4 ($3,020.00)
  
  

Emergency/Sexual Assault Domestic

• Disposable Speculums ($224.40)
• Kleenspec Cordless Illumination System ($474.43)
• Clinical White Noise Machine X 2 ($158.00)
  
  

Hemodialysis

• Lumex Patient Chair for Hemodialysis Treatment ($3,097.05)
• Lumex Recliner Chair for Home Dialysis Training ($1,750.00)
• Wide Platform Digital Scales X 10 ($677.89)
• Digital Wheelchair Ramp Scale ($4,344.00)
  
  

ICU

• Venous Dopplar handheld ($2,128.00)
• Patient Slider Board X 4 ($732.00)
  
  

Indigenous Collaboration

• Backless Quarter Benches ($3,427.00)
  
  

Laboratory Services

• Turbidity Metre ($2,617.00)
• Drying Oven - Microbiology ($1,559.00)
  
  

Labour and Delivery

• Backpack for CODE OB ($192.00)
• Fans X 7 ($1,276.72)
• Maternal Newborn Bed for Parenting Room on 1C ($1,470.00)
• Manual Breast Pump X 75 ($1,750.00)
  
  

Women and Children/NICU

• The Zaky Hug X 10 ($2,076.00)
  
• Small Tube Positioners ($2079.20)
• Joey Brand Pro X 25 ($1271.00)
  
  

MRI Department – DI

• Armboard for Injections ($1696.86)
• MRI Safe Hearing Protective Earmuffs ($120.00)
• Lockers for Patients Belongings ($650.00)
  
  

Paediatric Transport Team

• Stuffed Animals with TBRHSC Logo ($5,000)
  
  

Occupational Therapy/Rehab

• Manual Wheelchairs each Varying in their Functions X 4 ($12,586.80)
  
  

Operating Room

• Stuffed animals for children (Part of Paediatric Transport Team)
• Lonestar Articulated Retractor ($2,329.83)
  
  

Pediatrics/Pediatrics Outpatient

• Diaper Scale X 2 ($384.00)
• Mounted Axillary Thermometer X 2 ($508.00)
• Sound Machine X 2 ($79.98)
• Push Car & Replacement Parts ($192.48)
  
  

Peritoneal Dialysis

• Utility Carts X 7 ($1,900.00)
• Personal Blood Pressure Cuffs X 35 ($3,954.60)
• Digital Weight Scale X 22 ($1,000.00)
  
  

Quality & Risk Management

• Care Communication Cards ($1,885.00)
  
  

Rehabilitation Services

• Atos Provox Larrybutton Sizing Kit and Larytube Sizing Kit ($1,400.00)
  
  

Renal/Renal - Multi Care Kidney Clinic

• Cycler Travel Cases X 9 ($3,745.44)
• Pivot Disc with Handle ($1,365.00)
• Blood Pressure Machines X 10 ($1,100.00)
  
  

Respiratory Services

• Walking Pulse Oximeter X 6 ($2,700.00)
  
  

Tamarack House

• Primacare Recliner ($4,053.00)
  
  

Transitional Care Unit

• Wheelchair ($2,900.00)
• Pocket Talker ($366.40)
  
  

Ultrasound

• Step Stool for Venous Reflux Studies ($3,354.00)

 

2022/23 Family CARE Grants

($74,773.50 Funded, 46 Grants)

Here's a list of the funded 2022 grants!

2A Medical Unit

• Global High Back Patient Chairs x3 ($3,179.16)
  
  

2C Cardiology/Stroke

• Two-Wheeler Walkers x 10 ($650.70)
  
  

3A Endoscopy

• Two-Wheeler Walkers x 10 ($650.70)
  
  

3C Neurosurgery

• Pneumatic Platform Walker with Oxygen Tank Holder ($2,105.00)
  
  

Cardiac Diagnostics

• Holter Monitors x 2 ($3,975.34)
  
  

Cancer Centre - Outpatient Clinic

• Onyx Oximeters x 5 ($1,514.85)
  
  

Diagnostic Imaging - MRI

• Grab Bars for Change Rooms x 2 ($100.00)
  
  

Emergency Department

• Walkers x 5 ($325.35)

• Vein Finder Probe for Children ($473.61)

• Patient Tablet ($474.57)

• Geriatric Chair ($1,700.00)

• Wheel Chair with Leg Rest ($279.00)

• Commode Chairs x 4 ($336.00)

• Hands Free Water Station ($2,090.00)

• Sound Amplifier ($200.00)

• Triage Desk Speaker x 6 ($460.97)

• Visitor Chairs x 30 ($2,700.00)

• Cell phone/device charging station ($5,972.05)
  
  

Hemodialysis

• Hemodialysis Chair ($2,247.54)
  
  

Labour & Delivery

• Sitting Chair with Arms x 7 ($4,487.28)
• Peanut Delivery Balls x 4 ($618.12)
  
  

Maternal Newborn

• Rocking Chair x 2 ($591.07)
  
  

NICU

• Recliner Chair for Kangaroo Care ($1,788.33)
  
  

OR

• Stuffed Comfort Animals for Children ($678.38)
• Laparoscopic Forceps ($1,875.00)
• Laparoscopic Needle Drivers ($1,533.69)
• Jordan-Simpson Retractor ($5,101.18)
• Pillows/Pillow Cases x 480 ($3,585.60)
  
  

Paediatrics

• Neo Veinlite vein finder ($341.13)
• Portable Standing Scale ($678.15)
• Paediatric Wheelchair ($657.90)
• Adapted & Special Needs Wedges and Rolls ($2,864.00)
• Cosco Life Stroll Plus Travel System x 2 ($451.93)
• Child Size Table & Seats for Courtyard Outside ($2,074.99)
• Medela Waterless Milk Warmers x 2 + case of liners ($2,244.99)
  
  

Paediatrics Outpatient

• Neonatal Transilluminator vein finder ($725.00)
• Thermometer - Axilla ($225.00)
• Wide Clinical Care Recliner ($1,403.13)
  
  

Radiation Therapy

• Music Compact Disc (CD) Collection ($250.00)
  
  

Renal Program

• Blood Pressure Machines x20 ($1,999.80)
• Portable Oxygen Saturation Probe x 5 ($375.00)
• Scale (20), Blood Pressure Monitor x 20, Digital Thermometer x 20, Peritoneal Dialysis Belt x 30 ($4,016.80)
• Dumbbells x 6 sets and Resistance Bands x 10 sets ($711.70)
  
  

Stroke Prevention Clinic

• TV ($960.49)
  
  

Surgical Day Care

• Overbed Table x 5 ($2,500.00)
• Thermometers x 4 ($2,600.00)
  
  

2021/22 Family CARE Grants

($71,032.70 Funded, 31 Grants)

Here's a list of the funded 2021 grants!

1A

• Posey Sitter Alarms x 5 ($1,877.89)
• Desktop Fans x 50 ($2,259.44)
• Tympanic Thermometers x 18 ($3,620.52)
• Infrared Thermometers x 10 ($3,066.26)
• Platform Walker with Oxygen Holder ($2,075.00)
  
  

2A Medical Unit

• High Back Patient Chairs x 4 ($3,788.17)
  
  

2B Medical

• Wander Bracelets x 10 ($2,257.51)
  
  

2C Cardiology/Stroke

• Cubii x 2 ($682.84)
  
  

Adult Mental Health

• Kitchen Fridge, Kitchen Aid and Food Processor for Patients' Kitchen ($3,904.00)
  
  

Chemotherapy Department

• Raised Toilet Seats x 6 ($1,100.00)
  
  

Internal Medicine Unit

• MTC Pocket Talker x 2 ($361.58)
  
  

Maternal Newborn

• Double Breast Pump Kit x 50 ($1,864.50)
• Silicone Breast Pump x 50 ($1,130.00)
  
  

Medical Transitions Clinic

• MTC-Thigh Cuffs x 4 ($97.92)
  
  

Nursing Practice

• EHOB Inflated Waffle Boot x 70 ($3,965.50)
  
  

Hemodialysis

• Hemodialysis Chair ($2,247.54)
  
  

OR

• Handheld Dental X-Ray Unit ($4,000.00)
• Pelvic Instrument Set – Trocar Guides x 2 ($2,620.01)
• DeVilbiss Vaginal Speculums x 12 ($3,222.53)
  
  

PACU

• Bumper Pads for Standard Stretcher ($170.20)
  
  

Paediatrics - Child Life

• Therapeutic Distraction items for infants and children ($1,036.06)
  
  

Prevention and Screening Clinical Services

• Heart Rate Monitor, tablet, non-touch thermometer, pulse oxiodometer and dynamometer ($3,040.13)
  
  

Rehab

• Spirit Fitness Recumbent Stepper ($4,000)
• Pediatric Walker ($303.00)
• Cubii Jr x 2 ($585.34)
  
  

Renal Program

• Personal Blood Pressure Monitor x 30 and Utility Cart ($3,683.10)
  
  

Respiratory Therapy

• Wearable Pulse & Oxygen Level Monitor ($3,955.00)
  
  

Surgical Day Care

• Over bed table x 6 ($2,610.30)
  
  

Telemedicine

• Bariatric Scale with height rod and grab bars ($2,810.90)
  
  

Vascular/Wound Care

• Bidop 3 Pocket Doppler with PPG Probe and PAD Smart Kit ($3,267.00)
  
  

Wound Care Program

• Oculus Quest VR Headset x 4, Oculus Quest carry cases x 4, VR Cover Facial Interface and Foam replacement set x 4, Initial purchase of 20 relaxing & tranquil experiences for patients to select from ($3,688.00)
  
  

2020/21 Family CARE Grants

($61,592.51 Funded, 24 Grants)

Here's a list of the funded 2020 grants!

1A Medical Oncology Unit

• Tympanic Thermometers x 14 ($3,500.00)
• High Back Chairs x 4 ($3683.80)
  
  

2C Stroke Unit

• E-Z Type II Transfer Disk ($988.75)
• Platform Walker with Accessories ($2,085.00)
  
  

3A

• Commode Chairs x 4 ($3,718.32)
  
  

Chemotherapy

• Patient Room side chairs x 16 ($3,600.00)
  
  

Child Life - Paediatrics

• Children's Push Vehicles ($2,030.55)
  
  

Maternal Newborn

• Newborn Cotton Baby Hats ($4,045.50)
  
  

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

• Sounds Ear Noize Activated Warning Signs ($1,539.00)
  
  

NWO Regional Stroke Network

• Creation of Video for Stroke Patients ($4,000.00)
  
  

Operating Room

• High Definition Sinuscope (0 Degree) ($3,500.00)
• Applied Scope Warmer Bottles and Bases x 8 ($3,984.29)
• Compact Sized Blanket Warmer ($3,559.50)
  
  

Palliative Care

• Williams Sound Pocket Talker and Amplifier x 4 ($800.00)
  
  

Regional Cancer Program Outpatient Clinics

• Tympanic Thermometers & Berrcom IR Thermometers x 5 ($1,774.10)
  
  

Rehabilitation

• EVA Platform Walker with Accessories x 3 ($6,255.00)
• E-Z Type II Transfer Disk ($988.75)
• Physio Trainer Pro UBE Chair Bike/Utility Cart ($2,699.43)
• Small Bariatric Staircase ($1,237.35)
• Bowflex Extreme 2 Total Gym with Attachments & Accessories ($3,766.18)
  
  

Renal Services

• Miscellaneous Items for Home treatment option ($2,688.92)
  
  

Women & Children's Program

• Oculus GO VR System ($1,148.07)

 

2019/20 Family CARE Grants

($64,988.74 Funded, 31 Grants)

Here's a list of the funded 2019 grants!

1A Medical Oncology Unit

• Chemotherapy Chairs x 2 ($3,981.22)
• Commodes x 3 ($525.85)
• High Back Chairs x 5 ($3,351.85)
• Tympanic Thermometers x 10 ($2,011.40)
• Motion Activated Bedside Lights x 49 ($2,324.99)
• 3-in-1 Commode & Footrest ($1,050.43)
  
  

2A Medical/Renal Unit

• Fall Mat with Sensor x 10 ($2,398.90)
• Bedside Lamps x 10 ($386.40)
  
  

2B Medical Impatient Unit

• Seat Belt Alarms x 10 ($1,714.00)
• Inflatable Shampoo Basins x 6 ($511.00)
  
  

3C Surgical Unit

• Pneumatic Support Walker with Oxygen Tank Holder ($2,527.63)
  
  

Adult Mental Health Unit

• Anti Suicide Blankets x 5 and Smocks x 5 ($4,025.06)
• Kitchen Stove, Sink, Dishwasher, and Sink Garbage Disposal ($3,226.15)
• Guitar and Musical Instruments ($744.52)
• Safehouse Nightstand ($1,369.04)
  
  

Cancer Program/Outpatient Clinic

• Blood Pressure Unit, Anderoid Dial, obile Stand with Adult Cuff x 10 ($3,275.00)
  
  

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Unit

• Interactive Panel Device ($3,785.00)
  
  

Emergency Department

• Fetal Doppler ($536.75)
• Speculum Light for Exams ($603.00)
• Portable Cardiac & Oxygen Monitor ($3,950.00)
• Toilet Safety Rail ($695.00)
  
  

Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)

• Alzheimer's/Dementia Activity Blankets x 5 and Pillows x 5 ($696.45)
  
  

Indigenous Collaboration

• 20 ft Tipi with Storage Shed, Birch Firewood, and Swiss Army Blankets x 20 ($3,997.00)
  
  

Intensive Care Unit

• Overbed Tables x 11 ($2,685.38)
  
  

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Breast Pump with Trolly x 2 ($5,000.00)
  
  

Operating Room

• Vac-Pac Surgical Positioning System ($881.00)
• Armboards for Spine Bed ($4,517.74)
  
  

Perioperative Services

• Bulkamid Scope & Sterilization Containers ($3,450.00)
  
  

Rehab Services

• Boogie Board LCD Writing Tablets x 5 ($226.00)
  
  

Renal/Kidney Clinic

• Folding Metal Patient Walker ($89.99)
  
  

Surgical Day Care

• Free-Standing Bar Fridge ($451.99)

 

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