The Sault Area Hospital held its 2026 Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on June 22, 2026, bringing together staff, physicians, volunteers, and residents to honour exceptional care and share updates on the hospital’s financial health and leadership.
Outgoing President and CEO Ila Watson was recognized for her years of service. Watson, who first joined the hospital in 2009 and has led it since August 2021, is retiring this month. Greg Zambusi, currently Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will step in as Interim President and CEO on June 27, 2026, while the hospital searches for a permanent replacement.
The hospital reported a $9.4 million deficit for the fiscal year, a figure that came down significantly from an initial projection of more than $20 million. Hospital leaders credited additional funding received during the year for narrowing the gap, while acknowledging persistent pressures from rising costs and growth in services. SAH now stands as Sault Ste. Marie’s largest employer, with roughly 2,600 employees, including about 2,150 staff and roughly 180 physicians and locums. That is up from 1,850 staff when the current hospital opened in 2011.
The evening also focused on the people who bring the hospital’s values to life. The 2026 iCcare Awards—named for the hospital’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, Collaboration and Partnership, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence—went to three individuals. Robin Dechamplain, an ICU nurse with more than 30 years at SAH, received the Employee Award. Dr. MacKenzie Ludgate, an Emergency Department physician, received the Physician Award. Patti-Jo Duggan, who has served as a Patient and Family Advisor for more than seven years, was honoured with the Volunteer Award.
The hospital’s most prestigious recognition, the Dr. William Hutchinson Award, was presented to Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova. A paediatrician and Sault Ste. Marie native who leads Paediatric and Neonatal Services as well as Women and Children’s Health at SAH, DellaVedova follows a tradition of excellence established in 1982 in memory of local surgeon Dr. William Hutchinson. The hospital also welcomed new Board Directors Ian Grant, Deborah Graystone, and Stephanie Pagnucco, along with Community Members Kaela Campbell and Rebecca Langille-Rowe.
The annual gathering gave residents a chance to see the people behind the care and hear directly about the hospital’s challenges and progress. More highlights are available at the SAH website.
