Renovations to Emerge's Triage Area Anticipated in 2025 Thanks in Part to December 50/50s
Published Monday, December 23, 2024
Dr. Kyle Lansdell, Chief of Emergency and Trauma Services at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
by Graham Strong
If there is one area of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre we are all familiar with, it's the Emergency Department. It's one of the busiest in Ontario – and it's the busiest area of the Hospital. Not only is the Emergency Department open 24/7/365 for the residents of Thunder Bay, it's the central trauma hub for all of Northwestern Ontario, accepting patients from the Manitoba border to near White River and up to James and Hudson Bays.
Now, the Emergency Department's triage area where staff assess patients when they first arrive is about to get a makeover to streamline services and improve patient care. Your purchases of December 50/50 tickets over the last two years will help bring those plans to life.
Dr. Kyle Lansdell, Chief of Emergency and Trauma Services at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and one of its emergency physicians, said during the launch of this year's December 50/50 that the renovations to the triage area are much needed.
“I'm thrilled to announce… a major renovation of our Emergency Department's triage area,” said Dr. Lansdell. The anticipated start date is 2025. “This is something our community has been waiting for, and we are just as excited to see these improvements take shape.”
Dr. Lansdell said the renovations will make the Emergency Department better for everyone. The physical changes will not necessarily be noticeable to the average person though. Mostly, the renovations are about improving and upgrading the intake and triage process.
“This renovation will significantly improve patient flow, enhance privacy and safety, and improve the overall experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” he said. “It will make a substantial difference for patients, families, and our staff, and we're confident it will have a lasting and positive impact on healthcare in our region.”
He also acknowledged the crucial role we all play in community-supported healthcare, particularly everyone who buys Thunder Bay 50/50 tickets.
“As many of you know, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation's 50/50 draws have become a key part of our Hospital's fundraising efforts, helping us bring vital equipment and programs to our Hospital faster than ever before. I am deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of our supporters. Thanks to their contributions, a portion of the proceeds from the past two December 50/50 draws has been allocated directly toward improvements to our Emergency Department.”
Renovation of the triage area is just one phase of a multi-phase project that includes other upgrades in Emerge.
This year's December 50/50 has already surpassed the guaranteed $2.5 million Grand Prize! This is one draw you don't want to miss. Get your tickets at the Thunder Bay 50/50 Store at Intercity Shopping Centre (in the Food Court) or buy online and see what the Grand Prize is up to now: thunderbay5050.ca