At Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), innovation doesn’t just happen in labs or leadership meetings. It’s driven every day by passionate people who care deeply about their patients, their teams, and their community.
At the GBGH Foundation’s Annual General Meeting on June 23, we had the privilege of presenting the 2025 Robbert Hartog Health Innovation Award to two exceptional members of the GBGH Team: Alex Rawn and Alanna Bouffard.
These two deserving individuals exemplify the spirit of the award’s namesake, Robbert Hartog — a longtime champion of GBGH whose legacy continues through this annual honour. The award, established in 2009, includes a $5,000 professional development grant, shared between the recipients to support their ongoing learning and development.
“We are so fortunate to have many incredible people on the GBGH Team,” shares Nicole Kraftscik, CEO of the GBGH Foundation. “Alex and Alanna are innovators who care deeply about patients and the GBGH Team, and they truly exemplify the dedication that drives our hospital forward.”
Meet Alex Rawn: A Steady Force for Change
A familiar and trusted leader at GBGH, Alex Rawn has worn many hats during her years of service, evolving from Registered Nurse to Professional Practice Leader to an outstanding Clinical Supervisor. No matter the role, Alex brings calm leadership, deep compassion, and a remarkable ability to bring teams together.
She’s played an integral role in launching new programs, connecting teams together, and implementing innovative technology across Obstetrics, Surgical Services, and Ambulatory Care. Her nominator, Karen Redpath, Clinical Director at GBGH, shared high praise:
“Alex is widely regarded as a calming influence who works well as part of a team. She is extremely open to feedback and working to improve patient and staff experience. Her approach and collaboration is inspiring.”
Meet Alanna Bouffard: Championing Belonging and Inclusion
As a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, Alanna Bouffard brings incredible skill and compassion to the front lines of care. But her impact doesn’t stop there.
Alanna is a dedicated member of GBGH’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) committee and a passionate advocate for inclusive health care. Her work has helped lead important initiatives at GBGH, including Bell Let’s Talk Day, the #ItStarts campaign, and a learning module to support understanding and proper use of personal pronouns.
“Alanna’s enthusiasm for DEIB initiatives is truly infectious, and her consistent participation and dedication make her a strong champion for our ongoing efforts,” shares Angela Wiggins, VP of people & culture and CHRO at GBGH. “Supporting Alanna through the Hartog award will allow her to continue to pursue her education and bring those efforts back to GBGH for further support and growth.”
The GBGH Foundation is proud to celebrate Alex and Alanna for their leadership, innovation, and heart. Their work is a powerful reminder that excellence in health care is built on people, and we are so fortunate to have them as part of the GBGH family.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s Hartog Award recipients!
