Recognition Programs

St. Mary’s was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Hamilton in 1923 and opened in October of 1924. Since that time, the hospital’s staff, physicians and volunteers have proudly carried on the legacy of providing care with dignity, compassion and respect – the hallmarks of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

The Mission Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have contributed in an exceptional manner to the health care ministry of the Sisters, St. Mary’s General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health System and/or St. Joseph’s Resource Development System.

Nominations are accepted internally and from members of the community. Nominees can include current and former staff, physicians and volunteers and board of trustee members. Posthumous nominations are also accepted. Nominations, which are accepted every year until the end of January, are considered by a selection committee with an awards presentation held in June. Recipients names and biographies are displayed on a wall in the hospital’s main lobby.

If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please email info@smgh.ca.

Past Recipients:

 *indicates posthumous award

The Reverend Rip Kirby Award of Excellence was established in 1995 to recognize the late Reverend Rip Kirby and St. Mary’s employees who demonstrate a commitment to the mission, values and to excellence.

Reverend Rip Kirby served as St. Mary’s Director of Pastoral Care from January 1985 until his sudden death on April 30, 1995. He was a visionary leader whose wise, warm, generous and caring attitude earned him the respect of patients, staff, families and physicians. Through his work he demonstrated his commitment to St. Mary’s mission, values and to the pursuit of excellence.

Do you know someone that demonstrates the Mission & Values of St. Mary’s? Nominations for this award are accepted each month. Any employee, visitor, patient, volunteer or physician can nominate a St. Mary’s employee for this award.

If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please email info@smgh.ca.

Recent Winners

The Lackner Award for Medical Excellence was created to commemorate, recognize and honour the eighty years of service to the St. Mary’s Mission & Vision by Dr. Harry Lackner, his son Dr. Allister Lackner and grandson Dr. John Lackner.

Who is eligible? The award will be presented to a physician who demonstrates excellence in patient care, innovation, compassion for the individual, and a commitment to the Mission of St. Mary’s and the values of the St. Joseph’s Health System.

Who can nominate? Any physician credentialed with St. Mary’s is eligible for nomination.  A member of the Medical Staff, a member of the St. Mary’s General Hospital staff, a St. Mary’s volunteer, or any member of the general public may nominate a physician for this award.  All nominations will remain confidential. If you are interested in submitting a nomination, please email info@smgh.ca.

How is the recipient selected? Nominations will be considered and approved by the Nominating Committee.  The committee will choose one award winner amongst all nominations. Those nominations that are not chosen will not be carried over to subsequent years.

PAST RECIPIENTS