Quality Service Awards recognize extraordinary achievements and contributions of employees that extend their efforts beyond day-to-day performance duties by sharing gifts of compassion, patience, kindness and professionalism with clients and colleagues. Employees are nominated for their outstanding service by their peers.
Congratulations to this year’s five award recipients (left to right):

Teresa Mulligan – Health Care Aide, Lorne Memorial Hospital
Brigitte Remillard – Manager, Health Services – Palliative Care
Paula Enns – Regional Coordinator, Infection Prevention & Control
Jayde Jonasson – Activity & Recreation Manager – Foyer Notre Dame
Tamara Burnham – Collaborative Practice Lead – Acute Care

CEO Career Achievement Award honours a Southern Health-Santé Sud employee or service provider with 25 years or more of continuous service, whose passion for their work, sustained positive attitude and high personal ethic has earned them the greatest respect of their peers. The employee or service provider will have made significant contributions to Southern Health-Santé Sud within the scope of their position and fostered wellness in the workplace.

This year, the CEO Career Achievement Award is presented to Donna Unrau, Home Care Nurse – Portage la Prairie. The nomination letters and letters of support we received on behalf of Donna were truly exceptional. With a career spanning over 50 years, there are many stories that were shared. Here are just a couple highlights so everyone can get a sense of her ethic and character.

• Donna began her nursing career in 1973, working in public health, long-term care, and ICU before joining the Home Care team in 1984. She has served communities across Elm Creek, Morden, and Portage la Prairie with dedication and compassion.
• As a Case Coordinator, Donna brings enthusiasm, patience, and deep knowledge of both policy and community resources. She handles complex situations with sensitivity and respect, always striving to find thoughtful solutions. Her ability to connect clients with supports beyond the Home Care Program greatly enhances their care and safety at home.
• Though not in a formal leadership role, Donna leads by example—fostering collaboration, embracing change, and maintaining a positive, respectful approach. She’s known for her strategic thinking, adaptability, and willingness to learn, especially in adopting new technologies.
• Her advocacy was especially evident during Home Care’s response to the Portage Wildfire Evacuation, where she took initiative to assess needs and support displaced clients. Colleagues also highlight her sense of humor, which brings light to even the most challenging days.
• Donna’s decades of service, unwavering commitment, and heartfelt care make her a truly deserving nominee.

The Service Excellence Team Award recognizes a team of Southern Health-Santé Sud employees or service providers for their commitment to excellence and exceptional performance as well as demonstrated achievement in transforming the patient experience. The nomination can reflect the work of more than the past year. This year’s Team award goes to:

Public Health Nursing Team

• Public Health Nurses make significant contributions in all our communities and there are countless examples of how they demonstrate the values of the organization.
• Immunizations have been a huge focus of their work over the last few years. Not only has this team gone above and beyond to make things accessible for people by opening evening and weekend clinics, they also were an example provincially for how to navigate the constant changes.
• This team has been willing to help with sudden and unexpected events such as helping with the wildfire evacuees to provide immunizations and care. The team always demonstrates respect and compassion to their clients while offering the best care possible.
• Public Health Nurses work with people from all backgrounds and social status. They demonstrate compassion to a population of people that are often forgotten or ignored to try and improve their individual circumstances by listening and actioning what they can. This may include helping with housing, food security or advocating for specialized care.

Submitted by: Quality, Planning & Performance
For more info. contact: Trish Braun