Nominations Now Open for Prestigious Windsor-Essex Nursing Award
The Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario (RNAO) has officially opened nominations for the 19th annual Lois Fairley Nurse of the Year Community Service Award. This distinguished honor recognizes a Windsor-Essex nurse who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving the community through excellence in nursing care delivery.
Celebrating Nursing Excellence in Local Healthcare
"Once again, it's time to recognize the Windsor-Essex 'Nurse of the Year' — one of the many dedicated and compassionate nurses who make a meaningful difference every day in the lives of patients, families, colleagues, and our community," stated the RNAO in their recent media release. The organization's Windsor-Essex Chapter will select the winner based entirely on public nominations, with the award presentation scheduled for May during Nurses Week 2026.
Honoring a Nursing Legacy
The award bears the name of Lois Fairley, a 1955 graduate of Grace Hospital's nursing program who dedicated her entire career to healthcare in the region. Fairley served at Grace Hospital as both a nurse and head nurse across multiple departments before retiring in 1993. Beyond her clinical work, she was an influential advocate for the nursing profession, serving as provincial president of the Ontario Nurses Association and taking on various leadership roles with the RNAO, including board membership.
Fairley's impact extended to nursing education, where she mentored students in nursing programs at both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College. Following her passing in July 2007, the RNAO established this annual award in her memory the following year, creating a lasting tribute to her contributions to healthcare and nursing education.
Nomination Requirements and Process
Community members wishing to nominate a nurse must submit a letter of 500 words or less that tells the story of how their nominee positively impacted:
- A patient's life or recovery journey
- A family's healthcare experience
- Their workplace environment or team
- The broader Windsor-Essex community
The nomination deadline is April 25, 2026, giving community members approximately two weeks to prepare and submit their nominations. Those interested in participating can find more information and access the nomination form at the official award website: loisfairleynursingaward.com.
A Community-Driven Recognition Program
This award represents a unique opportunity for patients, families, colleagues, and community members to acknowledge the extraordinary work of local nurses. Unlike many professional awards determined by committees or internal reviews, the Lois Fairley Nurse of the Year Award relies entirely on community nominations, ensuring that the recognition reflects genuine patient and community experiences.
The timing of the award presentation during Nurses Week 2026 adds special significance, as it allows the community to celebrate nursing excellence during a period dedicated to honoring healthcare professionals nationwide. This alignment creates a powerful moment of recognition that highlights both individual achievement and the broader importance of nursing in community health.
As the nomination period begins, the RNAO encourages all members of the Windsor-Essex community to consider nurses who have made a meaningful difference in their lives or the lives of others. This annual tradition continues to honor Lois Fairley's legacy while celebrating the ongoing contributions of today's nursing professionals to healthcare in southwestern Ontario.
