Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is inviting patients, families and staff to recognize health care professionals who go above and beyond in delivering patient and family-centred care, as nominations open for the annual Exceptional Healer Award.
The award, created by KHSC’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, honours a physician, nurse or allied health professional who exemplifies the core principles of patient and family-centred care: dignity and respect, information sharing, participation and collaboration.
“Each year, this award shines a spotlight on clinicians at KHSC who truly embody the principles of patient and family-centred care,” says Patti Cox, co-chair of the KHSC PFAC. “These individuals consistently demonstrate dignity, respect, open communication, and a genuine commitment to working in partnership with patients and families.”
Patients, family members and KHSC staff can nominate doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and dietitians, across the Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital sites. Nominees should demonstrate innovation in patient care and an exceptional bedside manner marked by approachability, empathy and collaboration.
“We encourage patients, families and colleagues to nominate health care professionals who bring creativity, compassion and collaboration to every interaction,” says Sue Bedell, co-chair of the KHSC PFAC and founder of the awards. “While these values are reflected across KHSC, Exceptional Healer nominees distinguish themselves by creating care experiences that go above and beyond expectations.”
Who can nominate
Patients and family members may nominate a KHSC health care professional who has provided care to them within the last two years. Staff may nominate colleagues on a patient care team, provided the nomination is supported by the patient or family member involved.
Eligibility
Physicians must hold a current appointment at KHSC and have been credentialed at the organization for at least two years. Other health care professionals must be KHSC staff or associates with hospital privileges for at least two years.
Criteria
Nominees should create an outstanding patient care experience by demonstrating behaviours such as:
- Showing compassion as skillful clinicians through approachability, flexibility and empathy
- Using novel approaches to deliver compassionate care
- Listening to and respecting patient and family perspectives and choices
- Encouraging patients and families to be equal, informed partners in care
- Honouring each patient’s unique values, culture and background in care planning
How to nominate
Nominators must complete a short form that includes yes-no questions and a brief description of the nominee’s qualifications based on the award criteria. Please provide examples to support nominations.
The deadline for submissions is February 20, 2026.
Nomination forms can be submitted online or downloaded and sent to KHSC. Questions about the award or the nomination process can be directed to @email.
