Healthcare professionals honoured with awards in Inverness County
Local healthcare professionals were celebrated in Inverness County this week.
The second annual Awards for Excellence in Healthcare Gala was held at the Canton Culturel de Chéticamp on Wednesday.
“Tonight was a true celebration of many of our county’s finest healthcare professionals,” said Warden Bonny MacIsaac.
“Inverness County is a place where people not only live and work but also thrive. Events like this highlight the strength and dedication of those who care for our communities.”
The 2026 award recipients are:
• Outstanding Doctor – Dr. Suze Egar, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Nurse – Jessica Deveaux, Sacred Heart Community Health Centre
• Outstanding Long-Term Care Professional – Cathy Spence, Foyer Père Fiset
• Outstanding Mental Health Care Professional – Adam Matthews, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Allied Health Professional – Brenda Rankin, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Youth Healthcare Professional (30 years and under) – Hallie MacEachern, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital
• Outstanding Support Services Professional – Jenny MacDonald, Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital & Betty Deveaux, Chéticamp Medical Clinic
• Outstanding Direct Patience Care Professional – Janet Fortune, Inverary Manor
• Excellence in Community Health and Wellness (Group or Volunteer) – The Inverness County Singers
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Michael Ojoleck, Port Hood (retired dentist)
Each award recipient received a unique stained-glass ornament that was handcrafted by local Acadian artist Polycarpe LeBlanc of Polycarpe Glass Art.
The over 200 guests enjoyed an evening of diverse cultural entertainment that included traditional Celtic and Acadian music, Chinese and Colombian dance, Mi’kmaq and African drumming and a healthcare recruitment video that showcases opportunities in Inverness County.
