WINNER - Optimizing the Early Years

BC Women’s Hospital Allergy Clinic Team

The BC Women’s Hospital Allergy Clinic Team is Canada’s first dedicated centre for testing and removing penicillin allergies in pregnant individuals, significantly improving outcomes for both patients and newborns. Since its inception, the clinic has helped 800 patients, reducing unnecessary medical interventions and complications related to postpartum infections and caesarean wounds. The initiative’s success has established penicillin allergy delabelling as a standard of care, leading to cost savings for the system and inspiring similar programs across Canada.

WINNER - Strengthening Health & Wellness

Inter- and Intra-Health Authority Relocation Working Group

This pioneering initiative has helped strengthen health services during climate-related emergencies, particularly in the context of evacuations from long-term care, assisted living and independent living facilities. Developed through collaboration between multiple health organizations, the toolkit prioritizes patient-centred, culturally-safe care. Its successful implementation during the 2023 wildfire season demonstrated its profound impact on maintaining continuity of care and minimizing trauma, setting a new standard for emergency management in health care.

WINNER - Returning to Health & Wellness

Bridging Care Program

The Bridging Care Program offers an alternative to hospitalization for individuals with acute psychiatric challenges in Greater Victoria, providing intensive day programs with personalized care. In its first year, 135 clients successfully completed the program, showing improvements in mental health and wellness, and reducing inpatient admissions. Due to its success, plans are underway to expand the program with a virtual model to reach a broader population.

WINNER - Living with Illness or Disability

Cowichan Health and Care Plan ‘Adapting a COPD model of care to meet the needs of a community’

The Cowichan Valley has one of the highest rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in BC. One of the first initiatives the Cowichan Health and Care Plan launched was a program to better support patients and health care providers to manage COPD and reduce hospitalizations in the region. Since its implementation, the COPD outreach program has empowered more than 750 clients to manage their condition confidently, resulting in fewer hospital visits, improved self-management, and enhanced quality of life for participants.

WINNER - Coping With Transition from Life

Palliative Care Assess, See, Treat and Refer Pathway

This initiative focuses on symptom management, psychosocial support and collaboration with community care teams to ensure comfort and quality of life for palliative patients. The pathway was yielded through the Paramedics & Palliative Care Project, developed by BC Emergency Health Services, and integrates a patient-centred approach to end-of-life care that prioritizes treatment at home over hospital transport. By formalizing processes and equipping paramedics with new tools, the pathway has improved care delivery, respected patient wishes, and reduced strain on emergency services.

WINNER - Leadership in Co-Designing Health with Community

Cowichan Indigenous Connection Team

The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project Nuts’a’maat Alliance, Island Health and the Cowichan Valley Primary Care Network have been working with local Indigenous communities to foster trust between leaders and communities while advancing culturally safe designs, programs and care that feels welcoming and inclusive to all. Through two Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Connection grants, the Cowichan Indigenous Connection Team has led to the creation of an Indigenous Advisory Council, the development of culturally-safe care tools, and the integration of Indigenous art and design elements into the new hospital. Ongoing co-design with the communities has fostered trust, built leadership, and enhanced health services, focusing on cultural safety, anti-Indigenous racism, and improving care for all.

WINNER - Achievement in Sustainable Health Care

The Critical Air Project

Climate change poses a significant challenge to health care, with inhalers contributing notably to greenhouse gas emissions. Through the Critical Air Project, Valeria Stoynova and Celia Culley have implemented innovative policy, operational and educational strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of inhaler use while maintaining high-quality patient care. Their work serves as a model for sustainable health care practices, inspiring efforts nationwide to address climate impacts in health care systems.

WINNER - The Doug Cochrane Leadership in Quality Award

Linda Dempster

Linda Dempster has demonstrated compassionate leadership in BC’s health care system for over 38 years, championing initiatives that improve quality and patient-centred care. In recognition of her contributions, she has been awarded the Doug Cochrane Leadership in Quality Award, which honours leaders who reflect the passion Doug had for compassion-led health care. Much like Doug, Linda’s passion and unwavering commitment for quality of care and a remarkable patient experience are hallmarks of the legacies she will leave.

WINNER - Everyday Champion

Deborah Roberts

Deb Roberts, a Licensed Primary Care Paramedic, has dedicated nearly 25 years to BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). In 2013, she founded the High School EMR Program, a dual-credit course for Grade 11 and 12 students, providing Emergency Medical Responder certification and inspiring health care careers. Starting in Port Alberni, the program has expanded province-wide, earning Deb recognition for her leadership and contributions to youth development and BCEHS recruitment.