Awards for Excellence in Healthcare
The Municipality of Inverness County proudly presents the Awards for Excellence in Healthcare, an initiative created to celebrate the exceptional dedication and contributions of our local healthcare professionals. These annual awards shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in serving our community, recognizing individuals and teams who exemplify excellence in care. Winners are honored each spring at the Awards of Excellence in Healthcare Gala Reception—a celebration of compassion and commitment.
How it works:
- Nominations open in November: Each November, we invite the community to nominate outstanding individuals in a range of healthcare categories, which are announced each year.
- Submit nominations: Nominations can be submitted through the municipal website until February 28, 2026. Additional hard copies of the nomination forms will be available at the Municipal Administration Building (375 Main St., Port Hood), as well as Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and at all East Coast Regional Libraries in the Municipality of Inverness County throughout the nomination period.
- Selection Process: An awards committee, made up of municipal staff and a mix of acting and retired local healthcare professionals carefully review all submissions.
- Award Gala: Winners will be announced and celebrated at a special gala held each spring.
To submit a nomination or for more information contact Ocean Phi Long Le, Healthcare Navigator: ocean.le@invernesscounty.ca | 1-902-323-0057, Municipality of Inverness County, 375 Main Street, Port Hood, B0E 2W0
Guidelines:
- Any organization or individual may submit a nomination.
- The nominee must be a current or former healthcare professional within the Municipality of Inverness County.
- The healthcare professional must work within the Municipality of Inverness County.
- Nominations must be accompanied by a clearly written or typed description (250-500 words) of the nominee’s activities that have gone above and beyond for our community.
- One outstanding nominee in each category will be chosen as the overall winner(s) and winners will be announced at a special Awards Gala in the spring.
- Eligibility of all nominations is at the sole discretion of the awards committee, which consists of municipal staff along with acting and retired local healthcare professionals.
2026 Awards for Excellence in Healthcare
The Municipality of Inverness County is excited to celebrate the outstanding contributions of local healthcare professionals with the second annual Awards for Excellence in Healthcare.
Nominations are now closed, and the stage is set to reveal this year’s winners at the Excellence in Healthcare Awards Gala. Join us for an incredible evening as we celebrate the incredible individuals who make a difference in healthcare across Inverness County. Be part of the moment as we announce this year’s winners, honour healthcare heroes, and bring the community together in recognition and celebration.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 5:30 p.m.
Canton Culturel de Chéticamp
15118 Cabot Trail, Chéticamp, NS
Guests will enjoy:
- A catered meal
- An inspiring awards ceremony
- A vibrant evening of entertainment
Featuring performances by:
- Coastline – a young, high-energy band from Cape Breton made up of talented students
- Jenny Huang – co-founder and artistic director of the Chinese Dragon Culture Heritage Association (CDCHA), presenting a traditional Chinese dance
- Les Voix-Liées – with special guests Betty Ann Cormier, Michelle Lynn Deveau, and Jessica LeBrun Aucoin
- Peter Oyedijo – celebrating African drumming in Cape Breton
- The Inverness County Chamber Singers
- and more!
About the Venue
The Canton Culturel de Chéticamp is not only a vibrant space for arts and culture, but also a hub for community events and celebrations, making it the perfect setting for this special evening.
2026 Award Categories
1. Outstanding Doctor
Recognizes a doctor working in any healthcare field who demonstrates exceptional dedication, diagnostic skill, and compassionate care while significantly impacting patient health and well-being.
2. Outstanding Nurse or Nurse Practitioner
Honours a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP) for excellence in clinical practice, patient advocacy, education, and commitment to quality care.
3. Outstanding Long-Term or Palliative Care Professional
Celebrates a professional working in continuing care and palliative/hospice settings who provides extraordinary comfort, dignity, and support to patients and their families during critical life stages.
4. Outstanding Mental Health Care Professional
Acknowledges a psychologist, social worker, counselor, psychiatrist, or therapist who provides vital services, promotes mental wellness, and advocates for accessible and high-quality behavioral health resources.
5. Outstanding Allied Health Professional
Recognizes an essential health professional such as a Paramedic, Physiotherapist, Pharmacist, Social Worker, Respiratory Therapist, or Medical Laboratory Technologist, who’s specialized in clinical, diagnostic, or therapeutic expertise is crucial to patient care, treatment, and recovery.
6. Outstanding Young Healthcare Professional (30 years and under)
Recognizes an emerging leader, aged 30 or younger, who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, innovation, and potential in their healthcare field, serving as an inspiration to peers.
7. Outstanding Support Services Professional – New
Recognizes the essential behind-the-scenes staff. This includes individuals working in environmental services (housekeeping/janitorial), dietary/kitchen staff, maintenance, laundry, and security roles across all healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics, and long-term care).
8. Outstanding Direct Patient Care Professional – New
This award celebrates the Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs), Home Care Workers, and Personal Support Workers who form the essential backbone of long-term care, community health, and home-based support. This award honors the compassionate, dedicated, day-to-day nature of their essential work.
9. Excellence in Community Health and Wellness (Group or Volunteer) – New
This award recognizes a non-profit organization, volunteer group, or community-based program that has significantly improved the health and wellness for the residents of Inverness County.