SHA Innovation Awards
Do you want to recognize the incredible work happening across SHA but unsure how to craft a compelling nomination?
SHA Innovates is hosting a short, practical Lunch and Learn on preparing a strong Innovation Awards submission. They’ll walk through the key nomination questions, share insider tips on what makes a standout application, and answer your questions. Whether you’re nominating for the first time or looking to refine your approach, this session will help you showcase innovation with clarity and impact.
Everyone welcome.
Register for “Crafting a Strong Innovation Award Nomination”: Wednesday, February 26, at noon.
SHA Innovation Awards
Innovation in healthcare isn’t just about breakthroughs—it’s about the everyday efforts to improve care, solve challenges, and make a difference. The SHA Innovation Awards recognize and celebrate the teams and projects that are driving meaningful change across Saskatchewan’s health system. From creative problem-solving on the front lines to collaborative initiatives that transform patient care, these awards shine a spotlight on the power of innovation close to home.
Designed to inspire and acknowledge, the awards provide a moment to step back and appreciate the ingenuity, dedication, and impact of SHA teams. Whether it’s a small improvement that makes a big difference or a bold idea shaping the future, we invite you to take part in recognizing innovation and celebrating impact.
Know a project or team that deserves to be acknowledged? Nominate them today.
Nominated initiatives will be recognized during Innovation Month in May 2025. Thank you for taking the time to highlight the incredible work happening across SHA!
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How to Nominate (Step-by-Step Guide)
We aim to make recognizing innovation in your world as easy as possible, and your nomination helps shine a spotlight on the teams and initiatives making a real impact in Saskatchewan healthcare. The nomination form is designed to be clear and efficient, balancing your time with the need for strong, consistent information for our judges.
Below, we’ll guide you through each question, along with tips to help you craft a strong submission.
Step 1: Access the Awards Platform & Create an Account
To submit a nomination, visit the Awards Platform and sign up using your email address. You will receive a 6-digit verification code to complete your registration. Once logged in, you will have full access to the platform, where you can create, edit, and submit your nomination.
You can:
- Save your progress and return later.
- Edit your submission as many times as needed before the deadline.
- Print a PDF copy to work offline and prepare your responses with your team before submitting.
- Upload supporting materials, such as images (optional).
Note: If you have any problems creating an account, please email us at SHAInnnovates@saskhealthauthority.ca for support.
Step 2: Identify the Innovation
Select the initiative you’d like to nominate. Consider projects that have introduced creative solutions, improved healthcare processes, or made a meaningful and impactful difference for staff, patients, or communities.
Step 3: Answer the Nomination Questions
Each response should be concise (120–150 words) while providing enough detail to showcase the initiative’s impact.
1. Define the Challenge
What specific problem or challenge did this initiative aim to solve, and who did it affect? Why was addressing this issue important?
- Tip: Be clear about the need for this innovation—describe the issue in a way that highlights its significance. Consider including a brief example or context to illustrate why this mattered.
2. Describe the Innovation
What was the solution, and how does it differ from typical approaches?
- Tip: Focus on what makes this initiative stand out from the status quo. Did it introduce a new method, repurpose existing resources in a novel way, or overcome constraints creatively?
3. Highlight Collaboration
Who were the key collaborators (teams, partners, or patients), and how did their involvement contribute to the results?
- Tip: Innovation rarely happens in isolation. Showcase how teamwork played a role—whether across departments, organizations, or with the community.
4. Show the Impact
What measurable or observed impact has this initiative had on patients, staff, or healthcare operations? If available, share an example, data, or a story to illustrate.
- Tip: If you don’t have hard data, anecdotes and qualitative feedback can be just as compelling. A short, specific example makes a big difference.
5. Overcoming Challenges
What was the most difficult challenge or barrier encountered, and how was it overcome? What key lessons learned might benefit similar initiatives?
- Tip: Every project faces obstacles—judges value learning as much as success. Share how the team adapted and what insights came from the experience.
6. Future Potential
How might this innovation be adapted for other areas within healthcare? What support or collaboration would be needed to expand its reach?
- Tip: Think beyond the original setting. Could this idea work elsewhere in SHA? What would make scaling or adaptation possible?
7. Alignment with SHA Values
In what ways does this initiative reflect our organization’s values, such as safety, equity, compassion, and our commitment to Truth & Reconciliation?
- Tip: Link the initiative to broader SHA priorities and CARES framework. Even if values weren’t a direct driver, consider how the project aligns with the bigger picture.
Step 4: Submit Your Nomination
Once you have completed all sections, click ‘Submit’ in the Awards Force platform.
- You can edit your submission any time before the deadline.
- You may also upload up to five optional images (JPG, PNG, or PDF) to showcase the initiative. (optional)
**Please note images are not used by the judges and will not affect the assessment of your nomination. Submitted images are for promotion purposes only. **
Step 5: Celebrate Innovation!
The judging process will take place in April, and all nominated initiatives will be recognized during Innovation Month in May 2025. The SHA Innovation Awards Ceremony will be held on May 28, 2025, as part of our celebrations of innovation across the SHA.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize the incredible work happening within the Saskatchewan Health Authority. We look forward to celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and impact of our healthcare teams with you!
If you have any questions, please contact us at SHAInnnovates@saskhealthauthority.ca.
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2024 Award Recipients
Each year, the SHA Innovates recognize groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible in Saskatchewan’s healthcare system. In 2024, we celebrated five remarkable initiatives: a Virtual Physician program keeping rural emergency rooms open, a Pharmacy Care Pilot revolutionizing medication management, a patient-centered community care initiative, a creative Occupational Therapy approach using 3D printing and VR, and a food-sharing program bridging healthcare and social needs.
Below you can read more about each award and the projects that were recognized. As you do, think about, Who’s driving innovation in your world?, and then consider nominating a project today to help us celebrate the next wave of healthcare trailblazers!
Creative Innovation Award: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Some of the best innovations come from rolling up your sleeves and making the most of what you have. The Creative Innovation Award honors projects that embrace ingenuity, adaptability, and hands-on problem-solving.
The 2024 Creative Innovation Award recognized Carmen Valle, a Senior Occupational Therapist at Saskatoon City Hospital. She led a variety of innovative approaches to address health-care challenges within occupational therapy, demonstrating an admirable “can-do” leadership style crucial for fostering a culture of innovative practice within their team. Carmen introduced group therapy sessions to increase capacity and integrated cutting-edge tools such as 3D printing and virtual reality systems to further enhance both tangible and intangible outcomes, ultimately improving the overall patient experience.
Have you seen a team tackle a challenge with creativity and grit? Nominate them today!
Emerging Innovation Award: Pioneering the Future
Some innovations are ahead of their time—bold ideas that break from convention and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Emerging Innovation Award celebrates visionary projects that take risks, challenge the status quo, and lay the groundwork for future transformation.
Our 2024 Emerging Innovation Award recipient was the Pharmacy Care Pilot program in Swift Current. Through collaborative practice agreements, this project enabled pharmacists to assume expanded roles in medication management, disease education, and personalized support - revolutionizing the patient care experience. This pioneering initiative not only enhances patient outcomes but also amplifies patient satisfaction and engagement with healthcare services by increasing access to care and streamlining services – especially for mental health patients.
Do you know a forward-thinking project that’s exploring uncharted territory? Nominate them today!
Hand-in-Hand Innovation Award: Strength in Collaboration
Innovation thrives when people work together. The Hand-in-Hand Innovation Award recognizes projects that bring diverse teams, departments, or organizations together to drive meaningful, system-level change.
Our 2024 Hand-In-Hand Award recipient was the Food Sharing initiative led by the Mental Health and Addictions Team in Melfort. They adopted a low-cost, ground-up approach to addressing client needs by providing meals alongside care services. Starting with donated soups and expanding to utilize surplus food from local sources, the project distributed over 800 meals to vulnerable clients, and enabled 25 harm reduction clients to connect with and receive crucial counseling services. Their efforts illustrated the power of coming together as a community to provide a holistic solution that addresses basic needs before treatment.
Know a team that’s making a difference through partnership and teamwork? Nominate them today!
Impact Innovation Award: Proven, Scalable Change
The best ideas don’t just work—they last. The Impact Innovation Award recognizes projects that have led to measurable, sustainable improvements in healthcare.
Our 2024 Impact Innovation Award recipient was the Virtual Physician for the Emergency Department program. Through HealthLine 811, this program uses digital health tools and technology to avoid temporary emergency department closures in rural communities. Nursing staff are able to assess patients and perform physical exams, then work with a physician virtually. Working remotely, the physician can order tests, reach a diagnosis, and provide treatment orders or refer to a higher level of care.
Know a project that’s creating lasting change? Nominate them today!
Patient Family Partners Choice Award: Innovation with Heart
The most powerful healthcare innovations are those that truly center patients and families. The Patient Family Partners Choice Award celebrates projects that improve patient care, experience, and outcomes—especially for vulnerable or underserved communities.
Our 2024 PFP Choice Award recognized the wonderful Connected Community Care for The Core program in Saskatoon. This initiative recognized the importance of hearing from those facing significant barriers by creating culturally appropriate spaces for authentic, empathetic conversations that center on the needs of underrepresented and underserved populations. This innovative engagement strategy not only improves services for local Indigenous people, addressing a recognized healthcare gap, but also sets a precedent for equitable, culturally sensitive healthcare practices.
Have you seen a project making a real difference for patients and families? Nominate them today!
Patient Family Partners Choice: Honourable Mention
Each year, many outstanding projects push the boundaries of innovation, making a meaningful impact across multiple areas of healthcare. While award categories recognize specific aspects of innovation, the honourable mention is reserved for initiatives that demonstrate excellence across the board—projects that impress in every category and deserve special recognition.
Last year, the Patient Family Partners recognized the MRI-Ultrasound Fusion for Transperineal Prostate Biopsy project at St. Paul’s Hospital for its outstanding contributions to patient-centered care. This initiative introduced a safer biopsy method, significantly reducing infection risks and improving diagnostic accuracy for men’s health. By leveraging MRI-Ultrasound fusion technology, the team not only enhanced patient outcomes but also demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and resource optimization—reducing ICU admissions and surgical suite usage.
Have you come across an initiative that stands out for its innovation, collaboration, and impact on patient care? Nominate them today!
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Problems accessing Awards Force to submit a nomination? Email SHA Innovates.