Northern Health (NH) strives to make our values – empathy, respect, collaboration, and innovation – the core of what we do every day.
The Dr. Charles Jago Awards, named after our former board chair, acknowledge and celebrate the NH staff, physicians, and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the organization’s goals, reflecting our values in the process.
This award is presented to an individual, or team, who exemplifies outstanding behaviours and actions that demonstrate NH’s value of empathy. By seeking to understand the unique experiences of others - showing concern and understanding for people’s needs and feelings through sensitivity, warmth, and kindness, and by adapting their interaction style to support those needs, while offering compliments, encouragement, and support.
Our recipient this year for the empathy category is Annette Weger, Health Services Administrator for Fort Nelson General Hospital.
In 2018, Annette stepped into the role of Health Service Administrator (HSA) for the Fort Nelson area. This opportunity brought her deep purpose, personal growth, and countless meaningful experiences. A defining moment in her career came in 2024, when Fort Nelson faced an unprecedented evacuation due to wildfire. Thanks to the training from the Health Emergency Management BC (HEMBC) team and the dedication of her team, NH colleagues, and community partners, the hospital was successfully evacuated without injury, making BC history as the first tactical hospital evacuation.
Victoria Mclean, Project Implementation Coordinator, shares the following testimonial in support of this nomination for Annette:
“During the tactical evacuation of Fort Nelson General Hospital on May 10, 2024, amidst a threatening wildfire, Annette exemplified the core value of empathy that Northern Health holds dear.
Despite being on vacation when the evacuation order was made, Annette immediately took the lead remotely. Her efforts and hours demonstrated her unwavering commitment to the well-being of her staff, patients, and community. I witnessed firsthand the patience, respect, and care Annette displayed towards her staff. She understood that they were not only hospital staff having to vacate the hospital but also individuals with families and loved ones to take care of and evacuate themselves.
Annette's ability to balance these dual responsibilities with such grace and compassion was truly remarkable. Her empathetic leadership not only facilitated a smooth and successful evacuation and repatriation but also left a lasting impact on all who were involved. Her actions during this crisis are a testament to her exceptional character.”
Celebrating Annette, a leader rooted in empathy and experience
Annette holds a Master of Arts in Leadership, and a certificate in Health Information Management. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats in health care, including care aide, licensed practical nurse, unit clerk, and registration clerk giving her a wide range of experience that now serves as a strong foundation for her leadership.
Outside of work, Annette and her husband Cory recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They are proud parents to their daughter Aleshia and carry the cherished memory of their son Jordan. Their home is also shared with Memphis, a spirited Morkie pup who keeps things lively.
Annette enjoys home renovations and fully remodeled a condo after moving to Fort Nelson. In the warmer months, she can often be found cruising the streets in her 1979 MGB Roadster convertible, enjoying the freedom of the open road.
Annette is grateful for the recognition she received as the recipient of this award.
“It is truly an honor to receive the Jago Award for Empathy,” she said. “I’m deeply grateful for this recognition. Empathy is such a powerful and essential trait - one that has the ability to transform our interactions and relationships. By understanding and sharing in feelings of others, we create space for deeper connection, compassion and trust. I’m humbled to be acknowledged for something I believe is so important in building stronger, more meaningful communities.”
Please join us in congratulating Annette, our 2025 Jago Award recipient for empathy.
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