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 Deadline is April 8, 2026

Nomination Information

2026 Award Recipients

Employee iCcare Award: Robin Dechamplain

For more than 30 years, Robin Dechamplain has been a dedicated Intensive Care Unit nurse at Sault Area Hospital, providing exceptional care, leadership, and support during some of the most challenging moments patients, families, and colleagues face. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, Robin has earned a reputation as the person people turn to when it matters most. Respected and trusted across the organization, she is known for her calm presence, clinical expertise, and unwavering commitment to doing what is right for patients.

Robin exemplifies integrity, accountability, compassion, and respect through her actions every day. She is a strong advocate for patient safety and quality improvement, never hesitating to raise concerns or pursue opportunities to strengthen care. She approaches difficult conversations with professionalism and purpose, always focused on improving outcomes and building trust. Her willingness to speak up, even when it is uncomfortable, has helped create meaningful change and strengthen the culture of accountability across the organization.

Compassion is at the heart of everything Robin does. Whether caring for critically ill patients, supporting families through difficult moments, or guiding colleagues through complex situations, she consistently brings kindness, patience, and reassurance to every interaction. She has a remarkable ability to make people feel supported, valued, and confident, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Robin’s impact extends far beyond the bedside. As a mentor, educator, and trusted resource, she has supported the growth and development of countless nurses and healthcare professionals throughout her career. She generously shares her knowledge, creates environments where others feel safe to learn, and is always willing to step forward when her expertise is needed. Her influence can be seen not only in the patients she has cared for, but in the many individuals and teams she has helped succeed.

Through her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Robin has left a lasting mark on Sault Area Hospital. She is the kind of nurse people hope will be there when they or their loved ones need care—a trusted presence whose impact will be felt for years to come.

Physician iCcare Award: Dr. MacKenzie Ludgate

Dr. MacKenzie Ludgate is a dedicated physician in the Emergency Department at Sault Area Hospital. He is widely respected by patients and colleagues alike for his unwavering commitment to patient-centred care, his calm and steady presence in high-pressure situations, and his ability to foster trust through compassionate and honest communication.

Dr. Ludgate exemplifies integrity in every aspect of his practice. He consistently places the well-being of his patients above convenience or external pressures, ensuring that every decision is guided by sound clinical judgment and ethical principles. He advocates for both patients and colleagues, speaking up when situations do not align with best practices or professional standards. Through open, honest, and transparent communication, he builds trust and accountability within the healthcare team.

Dr. Ludgate demonstrates exceptional compassion and respect in his interactions with patients and families. He is highly attuned to the emotional needs of those in his care, approaching each encounter with empathy, patience, and understanding. He takes the time to listen without judgment, ensuring patients feel heard, valued, and involved in their care. Many patients express that Dr. Ludgate is the first provider who truly listened to their concerns, leaving them feeling respected and understood during some of their most vulnerable moments.

A natural leader and trusted colleague, Dr. Ludgate is approachable and supportive to team members at all levels. His thoughtful insight, patience, and willingness to help make him a valued resource within the Emergency Department. His calm demeanour allows teams to remain focused and collaborative during critical moments, helping to create an environment where high-quality patient care can thrive.

Dr. Ludgate deeply values the contributions of the interdisciplinary healthcare team and recognizes that the best patient outcomes are achieved through collaboration. He readily engages colleagues from across disciplines and does not hesitate to involve additional expertise when it will benefit patient care. He also embraces feedback with humility and accountability, continually seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve his practice.

The lasting impact Dr. Ludgate has on those he cares for and works alongside is a testament to his character, professionalism, and dedication to exceptional patient care.

Volunteer iCcare Award: Patti-Jo Duggan

For more than seven years, Patti-Jo Duggan has dedicated her time, insight, and lived experience to ensuring the voices of patients, families, and caregivers are heard and valued throughout Sault Area Hospital. As a Patient and Family Advisor, she has been a passionate advocate for patient-centred care, helping to strengthen partnerships between patients, families, and healthcare teams across the organization.

Patti-Jo is widely respected for her unwavering commitment to meaningful patient and family engagement. Through her involvement on numerous committees and initiatives across the hospital, she consistently brings thoughtful perspectives that help shape decisions, improve care, and ensure the patient and caregiver voice remains at the forefront. Her contributions have spanned the Algoma District Cancer Program Patient and Family Advisory Council, the Corporate Patient and Family Advisory Council, the Ethics Committee, Senior Friendly Council, Cardiology Governance Committee, Accreditation activities, leadership interview panels, focus groups, community engagement initiatives, and document reviews.

Throughout her time as a Patient and Family Advisor, Patti-Jo has been instrumental in advancing patient-centred initiatives across Sault Area Hospital. She helped champion the Caregiver ID Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported Essential Care Partner work, contributed to the Grateful Patient Program, helped launch the Ministry’s Patient, Family and Caregiver Declaration of Values, and participated in the Delirium Quality Improvement Project. She also represented the Patient and Family Advisory Council on a major post-pandemic research initiative conducted in partnership with AOHT, Sault Area Hospital, and Algoma University that explored the experiences and needs of caregivers across Algoma. Through her dedication and advocacy, she has helped embed patient, family, and caregiver perspectives into meaningful organizational improvements while strengthening community and academic partnerships.

Patti-Jo exemplifies collaboration, compassion, accountability, and respect in all that she does. She approaches every interaction with thoughtfulness and empathy, fostering open dialogue and building strong relationships with staff, leaders, patients, families, and fellow advisors. A trusted and respected voice across the organization, she consistently advocates for care that recognizes the emotional, informational, and support needs of patients and caregivers.

The lasting impact Patti-Jo has had on patient and family engagement at Sault Area Hospital is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving the care experience for others. Through her service, she has helped strengthen a culture where patients, families, and caregivers are valued as true partners in care.

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.

Nominations are reviewed annually in April. 

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

Nomination Deadline is April 8, 2026

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  [email protected]