Recognizing 2025 Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award Recipient: Chantal Crawford
Community: Sundre
A forward-thinking registered nurse (RN) from Sundre is being hailed as a rural healthcare hero.
Chantal Crawford, who currently serves as site manager at the Myron Thompson Health Centre, thrives on challenges and isn’t afraid to try new initiatives to improve patient care and assist her staff.
“We are very lucky to have Chantal as our site leader with her passion for rural nursing and commitment to her community,” says Gerry Greschner, in her nomination of Crawford for a 2025 RhPAP Rhapsody Healthcare Heroes Award.
Whether she is training her staff, upgrading her own skills, or encouraging students, Crawford is gifted in having “360-degree vision,” adds Joyce Wicks, chair of the Sundre Health Professionals Attraction and Retention Committee.
“She has her ear to the ground and is an excellent and respectful communicator to multiple internal and external stakeholders.”
RN Audrey McKenzie says Crawford worked with Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) to set up the first rural placement site for third year nursing students.
“The project was a raving success, spreading to other rural sites, and resulted in six out of 12 of the students applying for positions with the Sundre Hospital,” she says. Due to its success, RDP sent a second group for placement in 2024. Crawford also promotes “grow your own” health professionals by supporting initiatives such as RhPAP’s Let’s Go Rural!
The best interest of patients is always on Crawford’s mind.
“Chantal creates an opportunity for a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare by ensuring daily rapid rounds occur at noon to allow each discipline involved to be part of a patient’s care.”
Although she works as site manager, Crawford “walks the talk” when it comes to further education and continues to be certified for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Trauma Nursing, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and more. She often trains her own staff and was instrumental in opening a simulated training centre where health professionals can practise skills.
Crawford also worked with Dr. Jonathan Somerville, RhPAP, and Sundre Hospital Futures to coordinate a bedside ultrasound course for area physicians.
She has been instrumental in securing much needed equipment for the community by working closely with Sundre Hospital Futures and the Sundre Hospital Ladies Auxiliary.
Crawford, who farms with her family in the area, has worked in rural healthcare for 16 years.
“Her enthusiasm for everything she does, and her strong work ethic has certainly carried on into her healthcare career,” says Gerald Ingeveld, chairman of the Sundre Hospital Futures, who has known Crawford since she was a child.
“Chantal is an inspiration to all of us, particularly to those who work alongside her in healthcare and in her many roles.”