FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kawartha Lakes Nurse Receives Prestigious 2026 WeRPN Award of Excellence in Care of Older Ontarians
Award honours the legacy of Martha Thumlert and recognizes exceptional nursing care, compassion, and advocacy for older adults.
LINDSAY, ONTARIO — November 10, 2026
Chad Peterson, Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), community nurse with SE Health, and founder and Director of Nursing at Inspired Care Nursing, has been named the 2026 recipient of the WeRPN Award of Excellence in Care of Older Ontarians.
The award was presented on October 29, 2026, during the annual general meeting of WeRPN, the professional association representing Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario.
This prestigious recognition celebrates nursing professionals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving the safety, dignity, independence, and quality of life of older adults.
Honouring Martha Thumlert: The Meaning Behind the Award
The WeRPN Award of Excellence in Care of Older Ontarians carries a deeply meaningful history.
The award honours the memory of Martha Thumlert, whose death following a hospital-acquired infection brought attention to the importance of patient safety and quality care for older adults.
Martha’s story serves as a lasting reminder that every older adult deserves compassionate, attentive, and respectful healthcare.
Her legacy reinforces the responsibility of nurses to advocate for vulnerable patients, recognize potential complications, promote patient safety, and ensure that dignity remains central to every healthcare interaction.
The award recognizes RPNs whose professional practice reflects these principles through compassionate care, innovation, advocacy, and leadership.
For Peterson, receiving an award connected to Martha’s legacy represents both a professional honour and a reminder of the responsibility nurses carry when caring for older adults.
Official WeRPN Award Information:
https://www.werpn.com/about/
A Career Built on Compassion and Community Nursing
A 2018 graduate of Fleming College’s Practical Nursing program, Peterson has dedicated his nursing career to providing skilled, compassionate care to individuals and families throughout Ontario.
For the past five years, he has worked as a community nurse with SE Health, providing care to patients in Kawartha Lakes and surrounding communities.
His clinical experience includes advanced wound management, vascular access care, chronic disease management, and specialized nursing interventions for individuals with complex healthcare needs.
Community nursing provides a unique opportunity to understand the challenges older adults experience beyond their medical diagnoses.
For many patients, maintaining independence, remaining in familiar surroundings, managing chronic conditions, and preserving dignity are just as important as the clinical care they receive.
Peterson’s approach emphasizes not only treating immediate healthcare concerns but also educating patients and families, identifying potential complications early, and helping individuals maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Expanding Access to Nursing Care Through Inspired Care Nursing
Recognizing the growing demand for accessible, personalized nursing services, Peterson established Inspired Care Nursing, serving Kawartha Lakes and surrounding areas.
The organization focuses on supporting older adults, individuals living with chronic conditions, and families who require additional nursing support in their homes.
Services include professional nursing foot care, health status monitoring, dementia care education, and specialized private nursing care.
The goal is to complement existing healthcare services while promoting prevention, early intervention, patient education, and independence.
As Ontario’s population continues to age, accessible community nursing services will become increasingly important in supporting older adults and reducing preventable health complications.
Recognition That Reflects the Impact of Nursing
Peterson was nominated for the award by a nursing colleague at SE Health who recognized his commitment to patient-centred care and his dedication to improving the lives of older adults.
His nomination reflected the compassion, professionalism, and clinical judgment demonstrated throughout his community nursing practice.
The recognition also highlights the often-unseen contributions of nurses who enter patients’ homes every day, build trusting relationships, support families through difficult circumstances, and provide reassurance during vulnerable moments.
While clinical knowledge and technical skills are essential, the human connection between nurses and patients remains one of healthcare’s greatest strengths.
Highlighting the Essential Role of Registered Practical Nurses
Registered Practical Nurses are an essential part of Ontario’s healthcare system, providing skilled nursing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement residences, community settings, and patients’ homes.
Their responsibilities extend beyond direct clinical interventions to include patient education, advocacy, preventative care, health monitoring, and collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
As healthcare needs become increasingly complex, recognizing the contributions of RPNs is vital to strengthening the nursing profession and ensuring older adults receive safe, effective, and compassionate care.
The 2026 WeRPN Award of Excellence in Care of Older Ontarians represents an opportunity to celebrate not only one nurse’s achievements but also the dedication of nursing professionals across Ontario.
Recognition in the Community and Beyond
Peterson’s achievement has also received recognition through Fleming College and local media, bringing additional attention to the importance of nursing excellence and compassionate care for older adults.
Fleming College — Graduate Recognized for Excellence in Older Adult Care
Kawartha Lakes Weekly — Kawartha Lakes Nurse Receives Award for Care of Older Adults
WeRPN — Official Awards and Recognition Information
These articles provide additional background on the recognition and Peterson’s professional journey.
About Chad Peterson, RPN
Chad Peterson is a Registered Practical Nurse, a 2018 Fleming College graduate, and the founder and Director of Nursing at Inspired Care Nursing.
He has worked in community nursing with SE Health for five years, supporting patients with a wide range of healthcare needs.
His professional interests include older adult care, dementia education, patient advocacy, nursing leadership, preventative healthcare, and improving access to community nursing services.
Peterson is the recipient of the 2026 WeRPN Award of Excellence in Care of Older Ontarians.
Media Contact
Chad Peterson, RPN
2026 WeRPN Award Recipient
Founder and Director of Nursing
Inspired Care Nursing
Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Website: https://inspirecare.ca
Available for interviews, professional commentary, and additional information regarding the award, community nursing, and the care of older adults.
