NSHN Richards Landing – Matthews Site Temporary Emergency Department Closure

Upcoming Emergency Department Closure - Richards Landing - Matthews Site on Thursday November 14th. 

Richards Landing, ON – The Emergency Department at the Richards Landing – Matthews Site of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) will be temporarily closing on the following dates due to physician shortages:

·       From 8:00 am on Thursday November 14, 2024 and reopening Friday November 15, 2024 at 8:00 am.

The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care. Every effort will continue to be made and NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation.

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Thessalon Site or Sault Area Hospital.

The closest Emergency Departments to the Richards Landing - Matthews Site are:

·       Thessalon Site – North Shore Health Network – 135 Dawson St., Thessalon, ON

·       Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON

·       Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River, ON

Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 8-1-1. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-007. Or start a live chat with an advisor online at: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.

 NSHN would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your healthcare needs. For further information please visit our website: www.nshn.care or via Facebook “North Shore Health Network.”

NSHN Long-Term Care COVID-19 Outbreak

COVID-19 Outbreak declared at the North Shore Health Network’s Long-Term Care Home. 

UPDATE: As of November 26, 2024 the outbreak has been declared over.

Blind River, ON:  As part of ongoing, proactive surveillance and case finding, COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Long-Term Care Unit of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) located in Blind River. As a result, Algoma Public Health (APH) is declaring an outbreak.

NSHN is working closely with APH to take actions to keep workers, providers, residents and visitors safe including monitoring all residents for new symptoms and closing the unit to new admissions.

Effective immediately, the following precautions are in place for for the Long-Term Care Home:

·       Visitors are required to wear a medical mask at all times, and to perform hand hygiene upon entry and exit.

·       Visits are limited to one resident at a time, in their room.

It is recommended that all non-essential visits be rescheduled to a later date. All visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting is appropriate. Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, etc.) will be encouraged not to visit. For information about Virtual Visiting options please contact the Long-Term Care Recreation Team at 705-356-2265 ext. 2351.

The North Shore Health Network will continue to provide updates on the status of the outbreak. Thank you for your understanding and for treating our workers with kindness and respect. 

For more information on COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website here: https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/covid-19/

NSHN Thessalon Site Temporary Emergency Department Closure

Thessalon, ON – The Emergency Department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) will be temporarily closing on the following dates due to physician shortages:

·       From 8:00 am on Friday October 18, 2024 and reopening Friday October 18, 2024 at 3:30 pm.

The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care. Every effort will continue to be made and NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation.

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital.

The closest Emergency Departments to the Thessalon Site are:

·       Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River, ON

·       Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing, ON

·       Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 8-1-1. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-007. Or start a live chat with an advisor online at: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.

NSHN would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your healthcare needs. For further information please visit our website: www.nshn.care or via Facebook “North Shore Health Network.”

LTC Welcomes RNAO Visitors

Our LTC home welcomed a visit from our partners at the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario today, Janet Chee and Sue Sweeney. We had an opportunity to discuss evidence-based practice, implementation of RNAO Best Practices, Clinical Pathways and the Best Practice Spotlight Organization program. Looking forward to continued growth of our strong partnership at NSHN with the RNAO!

NSHN Long-Term Care COVID-19 Outbreak Over

The outbreak on Long-Term Care is now over. 

Blind River, ON: The COVID-19 outbreak at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN)’s Long-Term Care Home is now over. The outbreak, which began on August 12th, was declared over on Monday September 9th in conjunction with Algoma Public Health.

Universal masking continues across all NSHN sites due to ongoing activity of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in our area. Visitors to the Long-Term Care Home will continue to follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health regarding masking and personal protective equipment.

NSHN extends thanks to our workers, providers, residents, visitors, and caregivers for your attention to infection control protocols resulting in a positive end to this outbreak.

The Thessalon Site Emergency Department was closed yesterday due to a sewer back up. 

UPDATE: As of Midnight last night the Thessalon Site was once again open to patients. Patients presenting today should be aware of a lingering chemical smell due to the cleaning process required. NSHN is working with our service technicians to reduce the odour as quickly as possible.

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UPDATE: Please be advised the estimated reopening time for the NSHN Thessalon Emergency Department is 12:00 am Friday September 6th. The infrastructure emergency was related to a sewer back up beyond our control. NSHN wishes to thank the community for their patience and extends thanks to our staff and community partners in remediating the situation as quickly as possible.

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Thessalon, ON – The Emergency Department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is currently closed due to an infrastructure emergency.

·       The Emergency Department is currently closed. The length of closure is not yet determined.

NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation and will provide more information as it becomes available.

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital.

The closest Emergency Departments to the Thessalon Site are:

• Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River, ON

• Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing, ON

• Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON

 Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 8-1-1. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-007. Or start a live chat with an advisor online at: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.

For further information please visit our website: www.nshn.care or via Facebook “North Shore Health Network.”

NSHN Long-Term Care COVID-19 Outbreak

Blind River, ON:  As part of ongoing, proactive surveillance and case finding, COVID-19 has been confirmed in the Long-Term Care Unit of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) located in Blind River. As a result, Algoma Public Health (APH) is declaring an outbreak.

NSHN is working closely with APH to take actions to keep workers, providers, patients, and visitors safe including monitoring all patients for new symptoms, closing the unit to new admissions, and implementing visiting restrictions.

Effective immediately, the following precautions are in place for for the Long-Term Care Home:

·       All Residents continue to be monitored for new symptoms.

·       Visitors are required to wear a medical mask at all times, and to perform hand hygiene upon entry and exit.

·       Visits are limited to one resident at a time, in their room.

It is recommended that all non-essential visits be rescheduled to a later date. All visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting is appropriate. Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, etc.) will be encouraged not to visit. For information about Virtual Visiting options please contact the Long-Term Care Recreation Team at 705-356-2265 ext. 2351.

The North Shore Health Network will continue to provide updates on the status of the outbreak. Thank you for your understanding and for treating our workers with kindness and respect. 

For more information on COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website here: https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/covid-19/

NSHN Thessalon Site Temporary Emergency Department Closure

Thessalon, ON – The Emergency Department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) will be temporarily closing on the following dates due to physician shortages:

·       From 8:00 am on Saturday August 10, 2024 and reopening Sunday August 11, 2024 at 8:00 am.

The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care. Every effort will continue to be made and NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation.

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital.

The closest Emergency Departments to the Thessalon Site are:

·       Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River, ON

·       Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing, ON

·       Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 8-1-1. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-007. Or start a live chat with an advisor online at: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.

NSHN would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your healthcare needs. For further information please visit our website: www.nshn.care or via Facebook “North Shore Health Network.”

2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Award NSHN Recipients

Pictured is Douglas Heggart at the award ceremony in Sault Ste. Marie on June 13, 2024.

The Ontario government is recognizing 6,650 community leaders through the 2024 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards. The annual award honours adult and youth volunteers for their outstanding contributions and continued service at organizations such as non-profits, schools, community centres, hospitals, libraries and community associations.

There are four (4) NSHN volunteers among the dedicated group honoured this year:

• John Frederick

• Douglas Heggart

• Lucille Phillips

• Warren Wiebe

Recipients for 2024 dedicate their time to supporting a wide range of organizations and causes, including helping vulnerable people, hospitals, senior centres as well as local after-school, community and food security programs. These volunteers also participate as board members, help fundraise and strengthen the arts, culture, heritage and recreation sectors. This year’s recipients will be honoured during one of the 45 local award recognition ceremonies taking place across the province between April to July 2024.

Congratulations and sincere thanks to all NSHN volunteers for your continued support and dedication.

For more information about the program or to submit a nomination for next year, visit the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards webpage (https://www.ontario.ca/.../honours-and-awards...). The deadline to nominate is November 15 each year.

Marking 100th Anniversary at Richards Landing - Matthews Site

Pictured (left to right): Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO, Connie Gordon, VP Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive, Joan Clute, Chair - NSHN Auxiliary Richards Landing - Matthews & Bonnie Campbell, Nurse Manager - Thessalon & Richards Landing - Matthews sites.

If you have visited the NSHN Richards Landing - Matthews site this past week, you may have noticed a little something new! The beautiful new sign marking the 100th Anniversary of the hospital site now stands proudly out front. The history of quality care and services provided by this site over the past 100 years is remarkable, and NSHN is proud to continue to serve the communities of St. Joseph Island.

Thank you to everyone who worked to have the sign made and to the NSHN Maintenance crew for installation.

North Shore Health Network Among Northeastern Ontario Hospitals Going Digital

On Tuesday June 4, 2024, the electronic medical records of North Shore Health Network patients will be available to authorized clinicians at 23 partner hospitals throughout Northeastern Ontario.

The digital health upgrade will help make health care delivery more efficient, reduce the need for repeat testing and going over patients’ medical histories, and help prevent medical errors by providing clinicians with the information they need to make informed care decisions.

“With other hospitals in the Northeast, NSHN has been working since 2018 to make this digital health transformation a reality,” said Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO. “By making a single fully digital health record, patients will experience more seamless care in the Northeast as they journey through the hospital system.”

The ONE (one person, one record, one system) Initiative is a northeast region-wide project to improve the delivery of health care through the creation of a single electronic health information system (HIS). The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance safe, evidence-based care.  

New Registration space at the Blind River Site. (May 2024)

In addition to the digital transformation – a physical renovation has also been underway at the Blind River Site. Beginning Tuesday, “Nurse First” will be in place for the Emergency Department. This means patients arriving for the Emergency Department will be assessed by a nurse prior to completing registration. The Admitting Department, previously housed at the main entrance of the site, will move closer to the Emergency Department to ensure a smooth patient flow. This will also result in changes to registration for Laboratory and Medical Imaging services moving forward. Volunteers will be on site to assist patients and visitors with navigating the changes. 

“This has been an “all hands-on deck” moment for NSHN, and I truly thank every member of our Team for stepping up,” added Vine.  “On June 4th this system will be “live.” While we have been training and planning for this for a number of years, a transition like this will, inevitably, affect the speed and efficiency with which we deliver services.  I know our patients will be understanding of these possible delays, and know we are working to delivery the highest quality, safest, care possible.”   

The participating hospitals are: 

Anson General Hospital, Iroquois Falls

Bingham Memorial Hospital, Matheson

Blanche River Health, Englehart and Kirkland Lake

Espanola Regional Hospital and Health Centre

Health Sciences North, Sudbury

Hôpital Mattawa Hospital

Hôpital Notre-Dame Hospital, Hearst

Hornepayne Community Hospital

Lady Dunn Health Centre, Wawa

Lady Minto Hospital, Cochrane

Manitoulin Health Centre, Little Current, Mindemoya

North Bay Regional Health Centre

North Shore Health Network, Blind River, Thessalon & Richards Landing

Sault Area Hospital

Sensenbrenner Hospital, Kapuskasing

Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services

Smooth Rock Falls Hospital

St. Joseph's General, Elliot Lake

Temiskaming Hospital, Temiskaming Shores

Timmins and District Hospital

Weeneebayko Area Health Authority, Attawapiskat, Fort Albany and Moose Factory

West Nipissing General Hospital, Sturgeon Falls

West Parry Sound Health Centre

For more information visit: https://www.nshn.care/meditech-expanse

NSHN Expanding Geriatric Outpatient Services at Thessalon Site

 John Stevenson is the first patient to try out the new equipment for expanded geriatric rehabilitation at the Thessalon Site with the assistance of Lisa Straatsma, Registered Kinesiologist (L) and Carli King, Physiotherapy Assistant (R).

Thessalon, ON: The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Geriatric Team is excited to announce that services are expanding at the Thessalon Site.

Effective Thursday May 23, 2024, geriatric rehabilitation services will be available at the Thessalon Site, by appointment.

“NSHN is very pleased to be expanding services at the Thessalon site again,” said Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO.  “Offering care close to home is an important part of supporting health and wellness, and rehabilitation services like this allow older adults to live in their homes more independently for longer, reduce travel barriers to access care, and help support a vibrant community.”

Referrals to access the geriatric rehabilitation services may be sent by a provider from hospital, emergency department or walk-in-clinics. Referrals by a primary care provider are preferred to ensure a collaborative approach to care. Where this is not possible, referrals to the service may be initiated by patients themselves or a family member on their behalf. All referrals will be triaged by the intake team.

Referrals should be sent through one of the following:

·        Fax: 705-356-2574 ATTN: Physiotherapy Department

·        Phone: 705-356-2265 ext 2480

·        Email: geriatric@nshn.care

·        Website: https://www.nshn.care/geriatric-team

For more information about the Geriatric Program, please visit our website: https://www.nshn.care/geriatric-team

On Tuesday May 22, 2024 the expanded geriatric rehabilitation services at the Thessalon Site were officially opened. Pictured (L-R):  Lisa Straatsma, Registered Kinesiologist, Sulabh Singh, Registered Physiotherapist and Manager of Allied Health & Geriatric Services, Tim Vine, President & CEO, Joanne Falk, Vice-Chair NSHN Patient and Family Advisory Committee, Carli King, Physiotherapy Assistant.

NSHN Welcomes Sic Sox Circular Ltd in Alternative to Landfill Textile Waste

The North Shore Health Network is happy to welcome a Sic Sox Circular Ltd. box to our Blind River Site, leading the way in creating an alternative to landfill textile waste.

Aligning with NSHN’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan priority to become better environmental stewards, Sic Sox Circular’s mission is to offer a one-of-a kind textile recycling program that provides communities and citizens with a way to participate in landfill diversion of clothing and textiles, with measurable benefits to the North.

Once collected, textiles are brought back to the Sic Sox Headquarters in Brunswick House First Nation, where the volume is weighed and sorted. Gently used donations will be cleaned and resold online at www.sicsoxcircular.ca or at their thrift store location. The landfill-quality material is then diverted to their shredder breaking the textiles down to usable fibers. In their pilot year, the goal is to turn this cellulose fiber into an industry approved housing insulation product.  

NSHN welcomes Sic Sox Circular Ltd. collection bin!

The pink collection bin is available at the Blind River Site in the loading dock area – and is accessible to the public. As a reminder, free 15-minute access is available to the facility with a ticket from the main entrance.

The following items are accepted (please no overflow bags or garbage placed outside the bin):

·        Household and industrial textiles in all conditions.

·        Bedding, towels, pillows in all conditions.

·        Clothing in all conditions.

·        Gently used shoes and handbags.

·        Stuffed animal toys.

For more information about Sic Sox Circular Ltd, visit their website: https://sicsoxcircular.ca

NSHN Acute Care COVID-19 Outbreak

UPDATE: Algoma Public Health (APH) has declared the outbreak over, effective May 7, 2024. Internal protective measures were maintained until May 10, 2024.

Blind River, ON: As part of ongoing, proactive surveillance and case finding, COVID-19 has been confirmed on the Acute Care Unit of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) located in Blind River. As a result, Algoma Public Health (APH) is declaring an outbreak.

NSHN is working closely with APH to take actions to keep workers, providers, patients and visitors safe including monitoring all patients for new symptoms, closing the unit to new admissions, and implementing visiting restrictions.

Effective immediately, the following visiting restrictions for the Acute Care Unit will be in place:

• There will be no general visiting during the outbreak.

• Visiting is limited to Essential Caregivers / Essential Visitors only. Limited to two (2) visitors per day. Length of visits is not restricted unless exceptional circumstances apply.

• End-of-life patients (including end-of-life COVID-positive patients) will have a visiting plan developed with the Nursing Team.

• Visitors are required to wear a medical mask at all times, and to perform hand hygiene upon entry and exit.

Entrance to the Blind River Site.

All visitors should consider their personal health in determining whether visiting is appropriate. Visitors exhibiting signs of influenza-like illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose, sneezing, etc.) will be asked not to visit.

The North Shore Health Network will continue to provide updates on the status of the outbreak. Thank you for your understanding and for treating our workers with kindness and respect.

For more information on COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website here: https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/covid-19/

North Shore Health Network & Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services Sign Protocol Agreement

NSHN President & CEO Tim Vine presents a gift to Karen Kennedy, Senior Director of Services, Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services, in honour of signing the protocol agreement between the two organizations.  

Blind River, ON – In an event held at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Blind River Site on April 9, 2024, NSHN and Nogdawindamin Family & Community Services (Nogdawindamin) officially signed a protocol agreement, sealing their commitment to collaborative and responsible partnerships in the greater safety and protection of Anishnawbek children.

NSHN and Nogdawindamin will collaborate to ensure that all children are safe and receive appropriate, consistent services, respecting their families’ and their communities’ inherent authority to care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs and customs. 

Nogdawindamin provides prevention and child welfare services to members of the 7 First Nation communities within NSHN’s catchment area, including residents who reside on and off reserves within the Algoma and Sudbury districts. The seven First Nations include: Batchewana First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Serpent River First Nation, Sagamok Anishnawbek and Atikameksheng Anishnawbeck.

This collaboration aims to improve cooperation, coordination and communication among all systems and professionals to ensure a consistent, effective and integrated response to child abuse and neglect grounded in Anishnawbek values.

“This agreement formalizes the existing relationship NSHN has had for many years with Nogdawindamin. It is an important opportunity to recommit ourselves to serving children and families across the North Shore in a culturally appropriate way, with the support of the team at Nogdawindamin” stated Tim Vine, NSHN President and CEO. “In addition to agreements with other Indigenous service providers, this protocol agreement, and the continued and strengthening relation it represents, helps move NSHN toward creating a culturally safe space for Indigenous patients, residents, and clients.”

"Our collaboration with North Shore Health Network marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety and protection of Anishnawbek children. By working together with NSHN, we are dedicated to providing culturally appropriate services that respect the inherent authority of families and communities to care for their children based on unity, traditions, values, beliefs, and customs. This partnership aims to enhance cooperation, coordination, and communication to offer a consistent and integrated response rooted in Anishnawbek values” stated Karen Kennedy, Senior Director of Services, Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services.

NSHN Expanding Medical Imaging Services at Thessalon & Richards Landing – Matthews Sites

 With the help of Tatjana Johnston, the very first Ultrasound patient at the Thessalon Site, Sonographer Melanie Grimard test runs the equipment ahead of launching the new service on April 2, 2024.

The North Shore Health Network Medical Imaging department is excited to announce that services are expanding at the Thessalon and Richards Landing – Matthews sites in April.

Effective Tuesday April 2, 2024 ultrasound services will be available at the Thessalon Site once a week. Ultrasound appointments at the Thessalon Site will be booked between 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, one day per week.  All requisitions should be sent to the Blind River Site by providers for triaging – including any specialists or non-local providers. At this time, there are some ultrasound types that are unable to be completed in Thessalon, these appointments will remain in Blind River. Instructions will be provided to patients in advance of their appointment.

Effective April 2, 2024 there will be an increase in available appointments for X-Ray at the Richards Landing-Matthews Site to 3 days per week. Appointments will now be available on Mondays 9am – 1 pm, Wednesdays 1pm – 5pm, and Fridays 9am – 1pm. The schedule will be updated for weeks with Statutory holidays.

“We are so pleased to support more communities along the western part of our catchment area by offering more diagnostic services closer to home.” – Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO

NSHN Celebrates March for Meals with Communities Across Ontario

Blind River, ON - The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Community Support Services is pleased to participate in the 22nd annual #MarchforMeals – a month-long campaign celebration to increase awareness and community engagement with local Meals on Wheels providers across Ontario.

“This March we join in recognizing the dedication of volunteers in our community who tirelessly deliver meals, helping to address food insecurity and social isolation, enabling so many to remain healthy and independent at home.” Said Tim Vine, NSHN CEO.

The March for Meals campaign kicks off today with the assistance of Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman. NSHN will also join other Meals on Wheels Programs across Ontario during March for Meals Community Champions Week, from March 18 to 22, to raise awareness about the power of Meals on Wheels.

“Thank you to all 2024 Community Champions for stepping up to promote the importance of this program and to the dedicated volunteers who are vital in keeping the Meals on Wheels program running year-round” said Vine.

Meals on Wheels is a service that is entirely dependent on local volunteer delivery three days a week to promote wellness and independence and to improve the nutritional status of individuals in our community. In 2023, 12 volunteers delivered a total of 2,929 meals throughout the Blind River community.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Meals on Wheels volunteer or other volunteer opportunities offered through the NSHN Community Support Services – visit our website: www.nshn.care/volunteer

Want to learn more about the Meals on Wheels program? Contact Maiya Hallett, Community Support Services Manager, at 705-356-2265 ext. 2455.

Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman delivers a hot meal to Dan Williamson as NSHN kicks off participation in #MarchforMeals.

NSHN Clinical Assessment Centres & Oximetry Outreach Program Closure

NSHN Clinical Assessment Centre

After nearly 4 years in operation, the Clinical Assessment Centres – located in Blind River and Thessalon – and the Oximetry Outreach Program operated by the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) will be closing at the end of this month.

The last day for specimen collection at the Centres and intake to the Oximetry Program is Monday February 26 and both will officially close as of March 11, 2024.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSHN Assessment Centres and Oximetry Outreach Program have provided safe and timely access to COVID-19 testing and support through the patient’s healthcare journey after testing positive for COVID-19 or experiencing ongoing respiratory issues.

“I want to thank the Clinical Assessment Centre & Oximetry Outreach Program teams who have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to relieve pressure on emergency departments and to help protect our communities” said Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO. “It is important to note that COVID is still in our communities, and we urge anyone who feels unwell to continue taking precautions to help limit the spread of respiratory ailments.”

The closure decision comes as funding for the program has not been renewed.

As NSHN continues to work with community partners to prepare for the closure, additional information will be posted on our website: https://www.nshn.care/covid19

For more information on COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, please visit Algoma Public Health’s website here: https://www.algomapublichealth.com/disease-and-illness/infectious-diseases/covid-19/

NSHN Foundation Development Officer Appointment

After a thorough selection process, Charlyn Breckenridge has been selected as the successful candidate for the position of Development Officer at the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) Foundation.

Charlyn is deeply passionate about making a positive impact within our communities, and is committed to working collaboratively in furthering the Foundation’s vision of ensuring appropriate healthcare is within reach. Her ongoing community volunteerism and positive community relationships along with her communication, project management research and data analysis skills will guide her growth and success in the role.   

 As the NSHN Foundation’s Development Officer, Charlyn will be focusing on collaboratively developing and executing a fundraising plan with a focus on major gifts, corporate sponsorship, endowments, and large-scale events and growing the overall community profile of the Foundation. The position will now report directly to the NSHN Chief Executive Officer, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the NSHN Foundation Board.

 Please join us in congratulating Charlyn and welcome her as she transitions into her new role on April 1, 2024.

Welcome to our new Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive

Welcome to NSHN

Connie Gordon R.N, BScN, MPH(N)

Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive (CNE)

Starting on January 8, 2024

The North Shore Health Network (NSHN) is pleased to welcome Connie Gordon R.N, BScN, MPH(N) as Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive (CNE) after an extensive search, starting on January 8, 2024.

Connie is a dynamic collaborative leader with the right mix of skills and experience, with 15 years of senior health sector leadership. She is a highly developed executive nursing leader with demonstrated abilities in senior leadership across a broad range of sectors and portfolios (acute and long-term care, public health, mental health and addictions) and extensive experience and expertise in strategic and service planning, human resource and budget management, health policy development, and infection control.

“We are excited to welcome Connie to our team,” said Tim Vine, President and Chief Executive Officer at NSHN. “With her proven track record in a complex health care environment, she will be a great asset to our organization and the communities we serve.”

"I am immensely grateful for this leadership opportunity and very excited about the future of health care at NSHN" says Gordon. "I look forward to leading and working with our staff and management team to maintain the highest level of excellence in care for our patients and their families".

Thank you to Mary Ellen Luukkonen for her steady hand as interim VP/CNE over the last nearly two years, and for supporting the organization with Connie’s transition to NSHN.

Gordon previously served as the Chief Nursing Executive for St. Joseph’s Hospital Elliot Lake and Algoma Public Health, responsible for human resource planning, quality nursing and allied health practice, and enhancing nursing and allied health contributions to organizational effectiveness.