Innovation Awards showcases health-care innovations in Saskatchewan

On May 11, 2026, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) 2026 Innovation Awards Ceremony recognized the outstanding work being done across the organization by health-care teams and individuals. Hosted by Chief Operating Officer, Derek Miller, over 200 attendees joined the virtual event to celebrate innovative initiatives across the province. A record of 37 nominations were received.

Projects nominated for an Innovation Award were considered for one of seven award categories. The evaluation process included a panel of judges and a two-stage process designed to ensure fairness, transparency and innovation excellence across the SHA.

2026 Innovation Award categories recipients are:

• Innovation Excellence – Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Forensic Program Expansion
  Initiative that established a standardized, trauma-informed, violence-responsive consultation model that supports early identification, medical risk mitigation, documentation, comprehensive holistic care planning and safety for patients who are experiencing sexual and gender-based violence.
• Hand in Hand – Ready, Set, Eat!
  SHA’s first room service meal delivery model that allows patients and their family members the ability to order meals from their mobile device on demand.
• Impact – Picture Based Communication
  Multilingual image-based communication system that improves communication between health-care providers and non-verbal patients
• Creative - Collaborative Practice within Psychiatry in Southeast 8
  Collaborative Practice Agreement between SHA Mental Health and Addictions and community pharmacists in Weyburn to support psychiatry patients access to care in their home community
• Emerging - Virtual Access to Addiction Medicine (VAAM) Program
  Saskatchewan’s first virtual multidisciplinary service that improves timely and equitable patient access to addiction medicine
• Surfacing Innovation Leadership - Visual Management & Automated Notification of Animal Exposure Investigations
  An interactive visual management dashboard that supports animal exposure investigations and improves patient outcomes
• Patient Family Partners’ Choice - Empowering & Educating Front-Line Clinicians to Prescribe HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) 
  New care model that trains emergency clinicians to independently assess HIV risk and prescribe PEP reducing the reliance on specialist consultation and improve access to care for patients
  • Honorable mention: Okawimaw Kanosimowin Mother’s Bundle
    This culturally grounded, community-led initiative supports Indigenous mothers by integrating traditional knowledge, peer support, and holistic care into maternal services. Through programs like Mama Pod and the Mother’s Bundle, it improves maternal experiences, strengthens cultural connection, and addresses systemic inequities. Widely recognized and scalable, it enhances trust, health outcomes, and culturally safe care while advancing Truth and Reconciliation

Members of the Innovation Awards Committee included SHA Patient Family Partners Sandra Brown and Josephine Joy Cross.

“I have continually been impressed with the great variety of projects that the people who work within the SHA have brought to life in the hope that they will make patient care and the staff work life easier and in all instances safer and more inclusive.” said Sandra Brown, Patient Family Partner, “I want to add my personal thank you to all those who sent in nominations, those who had the vision for doing things a new and different way, and those who participated in bringing these projects to life. You do make a difference every day.”

Josephine was honoured to be a part of Innovation Awards this year and highlighted her own experiences on why innovation in health care matters.

“At its best, innovation helps the system respond with greater compassion, accountability, and alignment to the lived experiences of those we serve.” stated Josephine Joy Cross, Patient Family Partner, “Across the submissions, there was much to appreciate. Teams listening closely, thinking creatively, and strengthening the systems we all rely on as Saskatchewan looks toward the future of care.”

While announcing the recipients for each category, Derek Miller emphasized on how innovation is grounded with SHA CARES values.  

“Those nominated reflect a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people we serve, while demonstrating an approach to innovation that is both meaningful and grounded in our shared values. I am incredibly proud of the dedication, ingenuity, and collaborative spirit demonstrated in each of these projects and it is a privilege to recognize and celebrate this outstanding work.”

To learn more about the 2026 Innovation Award categories and recipients, visit SHA Innovation Awards.