Family CARE Grants

Helping fund the 'little' things that make a big difference to patient care.

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

($139,265.21 Funded, 53 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 53 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)
  • Ambience 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

2024-venoscope-ii-vein-finder

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

2C Cardiology/Stroke

2024-recliner

Adult Mental Health

2024-sensory-items--adult-mental-health-

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

2024-bariatric-chair

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

2024-backless-quarter-bench

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

2024-zaky-hug-joeyband

MRI Department – DI

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

Paediatric Transport Team

2024-paediatric-stuffies

  • 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

2024-care-communication-cards

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)