Staff and leadership at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre gathered Tuesday to celebrate another successful year of the Family CARE Grants program.

Founded in 2009, the Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grants program funds staff-driven ideas and initiatives to improve care, efficiency and comfort for patients at the hospital.

Last year, all 42 Family CARE Grant ideas were funded, a 100% approval rate.

Some of the items making a difference this year include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

“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,” said 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.”

Funding for these projects came from donor support. Over $126,000 was invested into these improvements, including $15,000 from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Volunteer Association.

“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. “Our staff truly embody patient and family-centred care and play a vital role in shaping meaningful improvements”

View the full list of 2025–2026 Family CARE Grants at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare