Uko Akpanuko
Daily Herald
The Boreal Healthcare Foundation announced on Thursday the recipients of the 2026 Med Gala Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals and teams whose dedication and leadership continue to elevate healthcare across Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan.
“It’s really a great opportunity to celebrate our health care workers and the team within the health are system in Northern Saskatchewan,” Cody Barnett, the CEO, Boreal Healthcare Foundation said. “Its a deep recognition for people that often go unsung and uncelebrated irrespective of the great works that they do in our community.”
The Victoria Hospital laboratory Services Unit, Jaclyn McDonald and Dr. Edward Royeppen are among the honourees for the Boreal Health Care Foundation Med Gala, scheduled for March 27 at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.
This year’s award recipients were selected following a strong community response to the Foundation’s open call for nominations. Patients and colleagues submitted their nominations, and those submissions played a meaningful role in shaping the final selections.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination,” said Cody. “These stories matter. They shine a light on the people and teams who make an extraordinary difference every day, and they directly influenced who was selected to be honoured this year.”
Nominations for theses awards were opened this year and numerous nominations were submitted and the CEO stated that it was a hard decision every year.
The Victoria Hospital laboratory Services Unit, Jaclyn McDonald and Dr. Edward Royeppen are among the honourees for the Boreal Health Care Foundation Med Gala, scheduled for March 27 at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.
“There are so many deserving recipients and its quite hard to pick one each year. We considered the a some of the messages, overall care, the knowledge as well as the professionalism those moments of compassion and the human aspect of healthcare. The count with patients and really make those Challenging times more bearable less stressful. That helps the healing journey too.”
The recipients of the 2026 Med Gala Award Recipients Dr. Edmond Royeppen, Jaclyn McDonald and the Victoria Hospital Laboratory Services Team.
Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Award – Dr. Edmond Royeppen
For his extraordinary commitment to surgical care, clinical leadership, and patient centered compassion. Dr. Royeppen is recognized for his consistency, clarity, and presence across every stage of care. Described by patients as “real, truthful, and invested,” he embodies the kind of healthcare that changes lives, not only through outcomes, but through human connection.
Nursing Excellence Award – Jaclyn McDonald
For her outstanding work in maternal and newborn care, most recently as a lactation consultant in Victoria Hospital’s Obstetrics Unit. Jaclyn has built a trusted reputation for meeting families with warmth, knowledge, and calm reassurance. Her work empowers new parents and elevates the standard of care in one of life’s most tender transitions.
Collaborative Care Award – Victoria Hospital Laboratory Services Team
For their often-unseen yet essential contributions to care across the entire region. From histology to transfusion medicine to prenatal testing, this team ensures timely, accurate diagnostic results—despite increasing demand and staffing pressures. Their collaboration with care providers and commitment to excellence make them the quiet engine behind better health outcomes.
The Med Gala is the Boreal Healthcare Foundation’s premier annual fundraising event, bringing together healthcare professionals, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of recognition, celebration, and impact. Proceeds from the event support critical healthcare priorities at Victoria Hospital and across the region.
“Everyone should come around an enjoy the night especially the recipients , they are very modest people but very deserving. I hope they could enjoy the night with their friends and family,” Barnett added.
Tickets for the 2026 Med Gala are now available and can be purchased at: borealhealthcare.ca/the-med-gala-2026/
The Prince Albert community are encouraged to celebrate this year’s award recipients and support the healthcare professionals who care for the community when it matters most.
By attending the Med Gala, guests directly support both the honourees and the Foundation’s ongoing work to strengthen healthcare close to home.
The Prince Albert and district community is invited to this evening as these healthcare heroes are honoured and vital funds raised to support medical services at Victoria Hospital and across the north on Mar. 27 at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.
