Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare is honouring its nursing staff across its Bracebridge and Huntsville hospital sites this week as part of National Nursing Week, which runs from May 11 to May 17, 2026.
The organization is recognizing the vital contributions of its team under the national theme of The Power of Nurses to Transform Health, set by the Canadian Nurses Association. To celebrate, hospital leadership is hosting several events throughout the week, including pancake breakfasts, a thank you dinner, and treat delivery carts. Appreciation lunches are also being provided to staff at both hospital sites thanks to support from the Huntsville and South Muskoka Hospital Foundations.
As part of the recognition, the health organization is highlighting the personal stories of local staff members. Among those featured is Katie Hvidsten, a Registered Nurse First Assistant and operating room nurse who pursued her specialty after a formative experience shadowing in the operating room. Also recognized is Amanda Stewart, a clinical educator who joined the team in 2019. Stewart, who has worked in various departments including labour and delivery, is currently pursuing specialized certification through Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada.
Andrea Lucas, the Director of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive, stated that the organization witnesses the positive impact of nurses daily through their compassion, expertise, and commitment. This sentiment was echoed by President and CEO Cheryl Harrison, who noted her own background as a nurse and praised the staff for their role as leaders and caregivers in the community.
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare serves the region through the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge and the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, with additional outpatient programs located in Burk’s Falls.
