Nominees for the 2025 Essential Pieces Award were recognized for exemplifying DRDH’s Mission, Vision, and Values through their outstanding teamwork, dedication, and compassion. Congratulations to team members Phillip, Abbie, Michelle, Tracy, and Jennifer (as well as Jessica and Sue, who are not pictured) on this well-deserved recognition
Deep River and District Health (DRDH) held its annual Spring Soirée on April 11, to recognize the exceptional efforts of its staff. The event celebrated service milestones, retirements, and peer-nominated excellence, highlighting the individuals who contribute to a culture of compassion and quality care across the organization.
Janna Hotson, President and CEO of DRDH, expressed her gratitude for the team’s ongoing dedication. She noted that the event is a meaningful tradition that allows the organization to pause and appreciate the people who are central to its mission. Hotson praised the team’s daily commitment and shared how proud she was to celebrate their achievements.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Essential Pieces Award, a peer-nominated honour given to a team member who reflects DRDH’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The 2025 award was presented to Michelle, the Office Coordinator with the North Renfrew Family Health Team. She was nominated by several of her colleagues, who recognized her for her adaptability, teamwork, and strong commitment to patients and fellow staff members. Michelle has played a key role in the success of the Integrated Virtual Care program by improving systems to better serve patients and remote healthcare providers.
Michelle, Office Coordinator at the North Renfrew Family Health Team, was presented with the 2025 Essential Pieces Award from Janna Hotson, DRDH President and CEO, and
Sarah-Lynn Parker, Manager of Clinical Services – Primary Care, in recognition of her outstanding contributions, collaboration, and dedication to all those we provide care for
Hotson described Michelle as an exceptional team member who brings initiative, positivity, and professionalism to every task. Her contributions help ensure smooth operations and compassionate care, making her a vital part of the DRDH community.
This year, seven nominations were received for the Essential Pieces Award, showing the widespread excellence across the organization. Staff members from Nursing, Information Technology, Dietary, Recreation, and Scheduling departments were among those nominated.
The event also recognized long-serving employees who reached significant service milestones in 2024. Three team members received five-year service pins, four were honoured for ten years of service, six reached fifteen years, and one team member was celebrated for twenty years of dedication. DRDH also acknowledged three retirees who had each given over a decade of service to the organization.
Hotson emphasized that these milestones reflect more than just time served—they represent a lasting commitment to high-quality care and the people DRDH serves. The organization expressed sincere thanks to all attendees and honourees, marking another successful year of celebrating the people who strengthen DRDH every day