In 2011, the Sault Area Hospital Board of Directors established the iCcare Awards to recognize an employee, a volunteer, and a physician who regularly demonstrate the iCcare values of Sault Area Hospital:  Integrity, Compassion, Collaboration & Partnership, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. 

Nomination Information

2024 Award Recipients

Employee iCcare Award: Hannah Ketchabaw

Hannah Ketchabaw, a Pre-Transplant Coordinator and Nephrology Nurse with the Algoma Regional Renal Program has left an indelible mark on patient care. Her dedication and excellence truly embody the iCcare Values at Sault Area Hospital.

Hannah’s commitment to expediting kidney transplants for her patients demonstrates the value of integrity. She consistently aligns her words and deeds, instilling trust among those she serves in a field where time is critical and promises must be kept.

Compassion is at the core of Hannah’s approach to patient care. She invests time and effort in establishing genuine connections with her patients, recognizing their unique circumstances and concerns, and providing empathetic care beyond medical realms.

In her role, Hannah demonstrates exceptional collaboration and partnership by readily extending her assistance wherever needed within the clinic, fostering a sense of cohesion and shared responsibility in the care process, and prioritizing transparency and collaboration in navigating patient care journeys.

Hannah’s commitment to patient care highlights her demonstration of accountability. She consistently seeks learning opportunities for growth, and her advocacy for process improvements reflects her deep commitment to patient care and the program.

Hannah embodies the value of respect in the way she treats all her patients and co-workers. She greets everyone with a smile and genuine kindness, listens to their concerns without judgment, and advocates for those in need. She also ensures that her colleagues feel special and recognized.

Excellence shines through Hannah’s commitment to learning and improving her knowledge to enhance patient care, as evidenced by her active involvement in educational opportunities and advocacy initiatives.

Hannah Ketchabaw’s dedication, integrity, compassion, collaboration, accountability, respect, and pursuit of excellence make her an exemplary and invaluable asset to the Sault Area Hospital and the patients she serves.

Physician iCcare Award: Dr. Laura Stone

Dr. Laura Stone is a dedicated physician in the emergency department at Sault Area Hospital. She is recognized for her exceptional dedication to patient care and unwavering commitment to each individual she encounters. Her calm demeanour, kindness, and ability to perform well under pressure set her apart. Her commitment to ensuring patients, families, and staff understand the treatment plan and interventions demonstrates her extraordinary level of care and compassion.

In critical situations such as code blues, code strokes, and traumas, Dr. Stone remains a pillar of strength. She is known for her quick thinking and exceptional performance under pressure. She prioritizes clear communication, ensuring patients, families, and staff are well-informed about treatment plans and interventions.

Integrity is a core value that Dr. Stone exemplifies through her timely reassessment of patients and prompt communication of diagnostic results. She maintains a high standard of compassion by taking the time to explain treatment plans comprehensively and understandably, always showing genuine concern for her patient’s well-being.

Dr. Stone’s collaborative spirit shines through her teamwork in critical situations and her openness to input from all healthcare team members. She upholds accountability by consistently making decisions that align with the hospital’s values and mission, always putting patient care first.

Respect is ingrained in Dr. Stone’s practice. She treats every patient with dignity and compassion, regardless of their circumstances. She handles cases involving mental health and addiction with nonjudgmental care, actively seeking to provide resources and support. Additionally, she ensures cultural sensitivity by utilizing translator services and respecting diverse identities within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Excellence is a hallmark of Dr. Stone’s approach, as she continuously seeks to improve and innovate in her practice. She is dedicated to sharing knowledge and staying updated on the latest medical guidelines, actively engaging in teaching and mentorship to foster a culture of learning and growth.

Overall, Dr. Laura Stone’s impact as a physician extends far beyond the walls of the emergency department, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of working alongside her.

Volunteer iCcare Award: Elspeth Belair

Elspeth Belair has been an invaluable volunteer at the Sault Area Hospital. Her dedication and commitment to her role have made her an integral part of the hospital community.

Elspeth has consistently demonstrated her exceptional people and sales skills, effectively engaging with staff and other volunteers while contributing innovative ideas. Her passion for maintaining a clean and organized store environment reflects her integrity and dedication as she continuously seeks to improve sales and efficiency. Elspeth’s commitment is further evidenced by her diligent tracking of sales and open, light-hearted communication with others.

Elspeth’s collaborative spirit and commitment to teamwork are evident in her interactions with everyone at the hospital. She readily shared her time and support across various departments, including the Cancer Clinic and the SAH Volunteer Association (SAHVA) Gift Shop, where she also held leadership roles within the Volunteer Association. Her willingness to support others and communicate openly has made her a valuable asset within the hospital community.

As a volunteer, Elspeth holds herself accountable for her work, ensuring that the iCcare Store is well organized and stocked to meet the needs of the staff. Her dedication to maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone is a testament to her respect for the well-being and uniqueness of each individual. Moreover, her thoughtful engagement with the Project Search intern highlights her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

In 2021, Elspeth was the Vice Chair of the SAH Volunteer Association. During this period of change and transition, the Volunteer Association was dissolved and the Gift Shop, which was under the Association’s leadership, closed. Elspeth attended many meetings and was personally committed to ensuring a smooth transition for volunteers and SAH. Her compassionate nature shone through as she provided crucial support to her fellow volunteers, helping them navigate the challenges and embrace the changes. Her positive and open communication style has had a transformative effect, fostering understanding and unity within the volunteer community.

Elspeth’s pursuit of excellence is reflected in her adaptability to change and continuous support for innovation. She remains an open communicator, supporting change across the organization and championing a positive approach that resonates with her fellow volunteers and the staff at SAH. Her ability to form meaningful relationships and offer a voice of reason demonstrates her exceptional dedication to the hospital community.

Elspeth Belair’s remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment make her a cherished member of the Sault Area Hospital volunteer team. She embodies the iCcare values and positively affects the hospital community every day.

Past iCcare Award Recipients

Nomination Information

Nominations for individuals (no group nominations) may be submitted by patients, staff, physicians, volunteers or members of our community to any one of the three award categories.

Our Staff - Labratory
Employee Award

A SAH Employee including EllisDon and Compass Staff

SAH Orthopedics Team
Physician Award

A Physician with SAH privileges

Sault Area Hospital Volunteers
Volunteer Award

A SAH Volunteer in good standing

  • iCcare EMPLOYEE – SAH Employee including those associated with the hospital, through EllisDon and Compass
  • iCcare PHYSICIAN – Physician with SAH privileges
  • iCcare VOLUNTEER – SAH Volunteer in good standing 

Nominations for individuals (no group nominations) may be submitted by patients, staff, physicians, volunteers or members of our community to any one of the three award categories.

The nomination process for 2024 is open until Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

The Sault Area Hospital’s Board of Directors will review all nominations to make the selection of this year’s recipient.  All nominators and the recipient(s) will be notified of the Committee’s selection via letter after the May Board of Director’s meeting.

The award will be presented in the spring. Stay tuned for more information. 

Complete and submit an iCcare Nomination Form. 

Nominate a deserving individual by submitting an iCcare Award Nomination form:

Online Nomination Form

For more information or to obtain a paper application form:

For more information on the iCcare Awards, contact Jennifer Doyle at ext. 3601 or email  awardnominations@sah.on.ca