NORTH BATTLEFORD — Dr. Patricia Campbell, a family doctor in North Battleford, said it's the little things and the big things that make her work so rewarding.
She recalls a touching moment involving a young patient she saw on March 12.
"A little kid said to me today when I asked her to come back after six weeks, she said: 'I'd love to come back.' That was such a thrill to have a seven-year-old say that, 'I want to come back and I want to see you.'"
Campbell, who has worked in the community since 2012, was honoured with the Healthcare Hero Award in a ceremony on March 12 at the Dekker Centre in North Battleford during the first annual Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Awards organized by the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation (BHC Foundation).
Campbell encourages more people to get involved in the health-care field.
"Health care is for the community, and it's staffed by community members," she said. "We're not just here because it's a job, we're here because we're part of the community. It's an honour to work in a community like this. It's an honour to be part of a community like this. And as a new Canadian, I'm very aware of that. I would say to anybody young who is thinking about getting involved in healthcare, do it. You won't regret it."
During the evening, attendees heard inspiring stories of health-care successes.
A total of 101 submissions with 63 nominees were received for the Healthcare Heroes Celebration. Awards were given out in eight categories.
After a nomination process that invited submissions from colleagues, patients and community members, recipients were selected by an independent judging panel.
The full list of the 2026 Healthcare Heroes Award recipients are:
· Rising Star Award — Kelsey Samborski
· Allied Health Impact Award — Krista Jamieson
· Nursing Excellence Award — Gilbert Katerynych
· Physician Champion Award — Dr. Aaron Prystupa
· Volunteer of the Year Award — Pat Gotto
· Business Champion Award — River Valley Eye Care
· Healthcare Hero Award — Dr. Patricia Campbell
The evening also included a tribute recognizing the Donor Legacy Award, presented in memory of Theresa Kolberg, whose passion for community and generosity continue to impact healthcare locally, said the BHC Foundation.
“Theresa believed deeply in the power of community,” said Leanne Ducommun, executive director of the BHC Foundation, during the tribute. “Through the gifts made in her memory, her generosity continues to live on, supporting patients, families, and healthcare teams across our region. That is what legacy truly is. It is love extended beyond a lifetime.”
