Celebrating Excellence: GBGH Announces 2026 Board Award Recipients
Recipients of the 2026 Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence at Georgian Bay General Hospital, recognized for their outstanding contributions and for bringing the hospital’s values and purpose to life.
June 25, 2026 – During its annual Team Appreciation Week, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) proudly announced the 2026 recipients of the Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence. These prestigious awards are presented each year to recognize staff and professional staff (physicians, midwives, dentists) who have made outstanding contributions to GBGH while exemplifying the hospital’s core values and advancing its strategic goals.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is a privilege to recognize the outstanding contributions of this year’s award recipients,” says Jim Mulligan, Chair of the GBGH Board of Directors. “Each of these individuals and teams demonstrates a deep commitment to our patients, to one another, and to continuous improvement. Their dedication and compassion help shape a culture of excellence at GBGH and strengthen the care we provide to our community every day.”
2026 GBGH Board of Directors’ Awards of Excellence Recipients:
Inspire Dedication Award – Crystal Handy‑Smith: Crystal Handy-Smith is a thoughtful leader and advocate whose ability to build trust with vulnerable patients and families enhances safety, dignity, and care across GBGH. Through innovative program leadership, education, and a commitment to system improvement, she has made a lasting impact on patient outcomes, staff support, and the organization’s vision of becoming a dementia-capable hospital.
Patients First Award – Emma Malone: Emma is a kind and dedicated social worker who consistently puts patients first, ensuring individuals and families feel heard, supported, and confident in their care. Through her empathetic approach and strong collaboration, she advances safe and seamless transitions, making a meaningful difference in patient experiences and outcomes.
Empower Others Award – Alicia Adams: Alicia is recognized as an exceptional mentor who empowers new nurses with confidence, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. She consistently guides colleagues through complex clinical situations with patience and expertise. Her unwavering support, approachability, and dedication to developing others have a lasting impact on both individual growth and patient care excellence.
Lead with Empathy Award – Julie Lesperance: Julie is a composed leader who consistently delivers safe and respectful patient care while remaining calm and focused during critical situations. Through her empathetic leadership and commitment to supporting others, she fosters confidence, learning, and psychological safety across the care team.
Think Forward Award – Dr. Bonnie Shum: Dr. Shum is a thorough and dedicated physician and GBGH’s Chief of Surgery, who consistently puts patients first, delivering high-quality, patient-centred care with professionalism and respect. Through her leadership and collaboration, she has advanced regional partnerships to improve timely access to surgical care, strengthening patient outcomes and the culture of care at GBGH.
Team Recognition Award – Environmental Services Team: The Environmental Services Team consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, compassion, and collaboration, ensuring patient care areas are safe, clean, and ready to support clinical needs—even in high-pressure situations. Through standardized processes, efficient use of resources, and a commitment to continuous improvement, they enhance patient flow, uphold high safety standards, and strengthen sustainable, high-quality operations across the hospital.
Together, these recipients reflect how GBGH brings its purpose to life—making excellent care personal through compassion, dedication, and a deep commitment to every patient, family, and colleague they impact.