A man who’s spent the last 30 years providing medical services to Northern Saskatchewan has been honored with an award.

Dr. James Irvine was recently presented with the Saskatchewan Healthcare Excellence Award.

He was nominated by the Keewatin Yatthe Health Authority.

The region says Irvine was instrumental in the publication of the Northern Saskatchewan Health Indicators Report which shows both the disparities and strengths of the region.

Irvine says he is honored by the recognition and adds things have changed a lot in the past three decades with more and more northerners becoming involved in local health care.

Irvine says more northerners are employed in the medical field and serving on health boards which is a good sign of progress.