Immediate (Thursday, May 6, 2004)

Mike Noble
Fletcher Allen Public Affairs
(802) 847-2886

Vermont Governor, Fletcher Allen To Honor Nurses

National Nurses' Week Kicks off Monday, May 10

BURLINGTON, VT - Vermont Governor Jim Douglas will help kick off National Nurses' Week 2004 during the celebration's opening ceremonies at Fletcher Allen Health Care on Monday, May 10, at 11:00 a.m.

The governor will join Fletcher Allen President and Chief Executive Officer Melinda Estes, MD, and Chief Nursing Officer Mary Botter, PhD, RN, in honoring the academic health center's nursing staff.

"Nurses consistently provide quality and compassionate care," Governor Douglas said.  "Over the years, while the health care industry has changed dramatically, the role of nurses has remained constant. They are the core of the health care system and it is my privilege to honor their dedication and service."

This year's week-long celebration, titled "Nurses: At the Heart of Health Care," will feature a number of guest speakers, award presentations, and other events designed to recognize the many contributions that nurses make to the community every day.

"I am very pleased to recognize our nurses and the care they provide to each and every one of our patients every day," said Dr. Estes.  "Our nurses are an integral part of the care team here at Fletcher Allen, and are so important to our patients and their families."

The opening ceremonies will also feature three Fletcher Allen nurses each giving a personal perspective on her career: Bette Gilmartin, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Renal Dialysis; Jeanette Miller, RN, Resource Staff Pool; and Rhoda Neader, RN, Case Manager, Oncology.