WINNER - Leadership in Advancing the Patient Voice

Greg Hemminger

Greg Hemminger is a dedicated individual whose impact on the substance use care system can be felt across the province. As the Lower Mainland regional coordinator for the Tailgate Toolkit Program, Greg has expanded harm reduction outreach to tradespeople by engaging directly with workers at construction sites, boxing gyms and treatment centers providing vital resources and education. Known for his humility, positivity and dedication to systemic improvement, Greg’s efforts have continued to drive meaningful advancements in health care.

Optimizing the Early Years - Winner - BC Autism Assessment Network

Streamlined Assessment Program – Advancing Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The British Columbia Autism Assessment Network launched a new strategy aimed at achieving earlier diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Streamlined Assessment Program is now leading to better quality care for affected children in BC by addressing a growing need for timelier assessments, particularly among minimally verbal children aged less than 43 months, who demonstrate clear signs of ASD symptoms.

Strengthening Health & Wellness - Winner - Northern Health Lab Outpatient Improvement Program

Northern Health Lab Outpatient Improvement Program

Northern Health (NH) launched the Lab Outpatient Improvement Project (LOIP) to address long wait times to access outpatient lab services in Northern BC. Through LOIP, they began offering a blended service model of scheduled and unscheduled lab appointments where patients could self-schedule either online using the HealthElife portal or by phone. Patients can also drop-in and avoid long line-ups using NH Check-In for queueing, and they have the flexibility to bring in a requisition or have it sent straight to the lab.

Returning to Health & Wellness - Winner - Reducing Wait Times for BC Childrens Hospital for PICC Lines

Reducing Wait Times for BC Children’s Hospital for PICC Lines

Children who are cared for at BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) are able to receive timely treatment closer to home – and in some cases, at home itself – thanks to the innovative work of BCCH’s POKe and PIVOT team. The POKe (PICC Opportunities for Kids) and PIVOT (Pediatric IV Outpatient Therapy) team is a combined interdisciplinary team at BCCH, formed to both reduce the waiting time for PICC insertions for IV therapy and increase access to outpatient services.

Living with Illness or Disability - Winner - RISE Community Health Centre

RISE Community Health Centre, part of Collingwood Neighbourhood House (CNH)

RISE Community Health Centre in Vancouver is a primary care clinic offering services including family doctors and nurse practitioners. But what they offer is much more – and is grounded in a commitment to improve the health and well-being of people with chronic illness and disability. RISE (Resilient, Integrative, Socially Just and Equitable) offers team-based care to local residents with supports available for medical and social needs.

Coping with Transition from Life - Winner - Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Comox Valley

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy in Comox Valley

What began as an initiative by two occupational therapists with a passion for person-centred, evidence-based care has become a program improving quality of life for people living with mild-moderate dementia in Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley. The Cognitive Stimulation Therapy initiative delivers evidence-based, non-pharmacologic interventions for mild-moderate dementia to patients and their informal caregivers.

Leadership in Co-Creating Health with Communities - Winner - Clearwater

Shifting Advocacy to Action: Co-Creating Care with Clearwater

In 2022, Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater found itself facing the same severe staff shortages endemic across the health care system. The Interior Health operational team, with support from Communications and Engagement, recognized a solution lay not just in updating the staffing model, but by engaging broadly with the small community of just over 2,300.

Doug Cochrane Leadership in Quality - Winner - Kris Gustavson

Kris Gustavson 

Kris Gustavson is well known in health care circles for her compassion and commitment, and for sharing her wisdom. As the Corporate Director of Accreditation and Patient Experience for the Provincial Health Services Authority, she is respected, trusted and admired for her ability to engage at all levels, and for creating an environment that fosters learning and improving.

Everyday Champion - Winner - Shannon Paul-Jost

Shannon Paul-Jost 

Through a long career in nursing and a desire to make her own community better, Shannon Paul-Jost is an Everyday Champion for older adults. She has years of experience working with seniors and is deeply knowledgeable about this population, their challenges, needs and the barriers they encounter. Her experience has served her well as a Clinical Nurse Specialist on the Long-term Care Services team for Interior Health.