Springfield Hospital and Baystate Medical Center Nursing Alumni Make Special Gift to Continue Excellence

“Nurses are the difference.”

This sentiment, made by Baystate Health Chief Nursing Officer Joanne Miller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC CNE, is made evident by the work and dedication of our Nursing team each day.

That team has a long and storied history, beginning back in 1892 when Springfield Hospital, now Baystate Medical Center, launched its first diploma program, training numerous incredible and talented nurses. These nurses resided in the former Porter building during their training. However, in 1999, the nursing school closed as hospital-affiliated diploma programs transitioned to associate and baccalaureate programs. Remarkably, almost 3,000 nurses graduated from the Baystate School of Nursing. The beautiful nursing sculpture outside the Chestnut Conference Center, donated by the Baystate School of Nursing Alumni, serves as a poignant tribute to the former school of nursing. As we celebrate nearly 106 years of the rich history of the Baystate School of Nursing, we also contemplate the significant changes in healthcare since the graduation of Springfield Hospital's first nursing class in 1894.

Recently, four Baystate School of Nursing alumnae, Gail LeClair (Class of ’64), Ann Tompkins (Class of ’53), Marty Pilon (Class of ’57), and Barbara Gurka (Class of ’64), met with Joanne and Katy Patrick, MSN, RN, CNL, Program Director for Nursing Outcomes Improvement and Magnet, to discuss the changes in nursing and to celebrate a special gift from the Springfield Hospital Nurses Alumni—$20,000 to support the Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation project. This gift, one of many during their 13 years of support, is the final one for the group, as they begin to close the chapter on the alumni association.

The Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation will create a centralized facility within Baystate Medical Center to support the education and training of current nurses and the next generation of nursing talent who will care for our patients. This comprehensive investment will create an invaluable asset for Baystate Health’s already excellent nurses, enabling them to stay current on the most effective practices. Additionally, the investment will play a critical role in recruiting and retaining future generations of nursing talent.

“We are really impressed with the work being done at Baystate Health to support nurses today,” shared Gail. “The Nursing leadership team is listening to their nurses and truly hearing them to ensure that they have access to the resources, training, and education they need. We are happy to be able to support these efforts through the Center for Nursing Excellence and Innovation.”

Though much has changed since Gail, Ann, Marty, and Barbara received their nursing pins, one thing remains the same—the dedication of Baystate Health nurses to providing high-quality care. After all, nurses were—and still are—the difference.