Front row, from left: Kelsey Samborski, Gilbert Katerynych, Dr. Patricia Campbell and Dr. Aaron Prystupa. Back row, from left: representatives from River Valley Eye Care, Krista Jamieson, Pat Gotto and Terry Strubey. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

Acts of Care

‘It’s the little things and the big things’: Battlefords Healthcare Heros night honours those behide care

Mar 13, 2026 | 1:14 PM

When a young patient left her appointment recently, she turned back to Dr. Patricia Campbell with a simple promise when asked about a follow-up visit.

“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 recalled.

“So, it’s the little things and the big things. There are so many moments in healthcare.”

For Campbell, a family physician in North Battleford, those moments are part of what has kept her devoted to medicine for more than three decades.

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On Thursday evening at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts, that quiet dedication was recognized publicly as Campbell received the Healthcare Hero Award during the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation’s first Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Evening.

Healthcare Hero Award — Dr. Patricia Campbell (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Campbell has worked in North Battleford since 2012. She practices family medicine in primary health care and also provides palliative care at Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH), caring for patients across a wide stretch of the region.

“I have the privilege of looking after people from birth right up until death,” she said.

Despite the recognition, Campbell spoke with humility about the honour.

“There are so many more people in the system that are more deserving than me.”

The evening brought together healthcare workers, volunteers and community partners to recognize the people whose work strengthens patient care across the Battlefords and surrounding communities.

“Every single day across our region, extraordinary things are happening inside our healthcare system,” said Leanne Ducommun, executive director of the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation.

“Most of the time, they are the quiet moments: a nurse sitting beside someone scared, a physician taking the time to answer one more question, a volunteer bringing comfort into a busy hallway.”

The awards were created to highlight those acts of care that often unfold away from public view.

Following nominations submitted by colleagues, patients and community members, recipients were selected by an independent judging panel.

Several individuals and organizations were honoured during the inaugural ceremony.

Rising Star Award

Kelsey Samborski received the Rising Star Award, recognizing emerging healthcare professionals whose dedication and compassion are already shaping patient care.

Rising Star Award — Kelsey Samborski (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Allied Health Impact Award

Krista Jamieson was presented with the Allied Health Impact Award, acknowledging the work of allied health professionals who guide patients and families through complex healthcare journeys.

Allied Health Impact Award — Krista Jamieson (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Nursing Excellence Award

The Nursing Excellence Award went to Gilbert Katerynych for care that reflects skill, compassion and professionalism.

Nursing Excellence Award — Gilbert Katerynych (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Physician Champion Award

Dr. Aaron Prystupa received the Physician Champion Award, recognizing physicians whose leadership and commitment extend beyond clinical care.

Physician Champion Award — Dr. Aaron Prystupa (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer Pat Gotto was named Volunteer of the Year for contributions that support healthcare teams and patients across the region.

Volunteer of the Year Award — Pat Gotto (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Business Champion Award

River Valley Eye Care received the Business Champion Award for its ongoing partnership and support of local healthcare initiatives.

Business Champion Award — River Valley Eye Care (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Donor Legacy Award

The evening also included a tribute honouring the Donor Legacy Award in memory of Theresa Kolberg, whose generosity continues to support healthcare in the community. Before her passing, Kolberg donated $437,000 of her estate to five local charities in the Battlefords, including $137,000 to the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation.

A tribute honouring the legacy of Theresa Kolberg is presented during the Battlefords Healthcare Foundation’s first Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Evening at the Dekker Centre for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2026, in North Battleford. (Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Terry Strubey, partner of the late Theresa Kolberg, accepts the Donor Legacy Award on her behalf.

For Campbell, the recognition served as a reminder of the shared purpose behind the work happening every day inside clinics, hospital rooms and care spaces across the region.

“Health care is for the community and it’s staffed by community members,” she said. “So we’re not just here because it’s a job, we’re here because we’re part of the community.”

Looking ahead, Campbell hopes others will feel inspired to follow the same path.

“I would say that to anybody young who is thinking about getting involved in healthcare, do,” she said.

“You won’t regret it. It’s a wonderful career.”

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com