NBRHC Celebrates Nurses Week with Prestigious Leadership Award
The recipient of the 2026 Leslie Burt-Manary RN Leadership Award is Steven Hodge
In honour of Nurses Week, the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) is pleased to announce Steven Hodge as the recipient of the 2026 Leslie Burt-Manary RN Leadership Award.
Hodge is a Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) and Team Lead for Nickel Lodge and was nominated for this award by his peers for his outstanding nursing leadership, dedication and professionalism. Hodge’s presence on the units reinforces best practices and supports consistent, patient‑centred nursing care, even in complex or challenging situations.
Described by the nominators as kind, compassionate and invested improving patient care, he is widely respected across the organization. “His personality is infectious and the love for his job shines through” the nominators shared. ‘It is really refreshing to see someone like Steven so eager to share his knowledge and expertise.”
Beyond his roles as CNE and Team Lead, Hodge is also a dedicated trainer for gentle persuasive approach, non-violent crisis intervention, trauma informed care and basic life support, ensuring all staff are equipped to deliver compassionate, safe, and effective care. His use of actual experiences from his own nursing experience and sense of humour create a welcoming environment where staff feel valued and encouraged.
Chantal Voyer, Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, NBRHC says Hodge’s passion for nursing, positive energy, and genuine care for both patients and colleagues leave a lasting impact across the organization.
“This award highlights the qualities of nurses, their knowledge, skills, compassion and dedication to patient care, no matter what circumstances they are facing,” Voyer said. “As we celebrate nurses and nurses week, this is a fitting way to celebrate all nurses and their commitment to caring for our community.”
Burt-Manary’s mother, Pauline Burt, and daughter Meghan Manary (who is also a nurse at NBRHC) congratulated Hodge, saying this is a legacy her mother would be proud of. “It’s an honour for me and my family to be a part of celebrating exceptional nurses and remembering all the ways my mother cared for others throughout her life.”
Pauline Burt says her daughter loved being a nurse and had a positive outlook on life. “Leslie often said, ‘It’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.’” Burt-Manary shared her own cancer experience on social media in hopes of demystifying the journey and helping others. “Her witty sense of humour stayed with her throughout her illness,” her mother added.
Tammy Morison, NBRHC Foundation President & CEO explains that an endowment fund is established through significant donations that are invested to earn annual interest or income. A portion of the income is reinvested to grow the fund and a portion granted to the Health Centre to provide ongoing resources to a care area important to you.
“The endowment fund and bursary is a meaningful way to remember the impact Burt-Manary had in motivating others to continue their education and aspire to become the best nurses they could be,” says Morison. “In 2018, the endowment fund was seeded with a donation from Mrs. Burt.”
