News Releases
SRNA Applauds Outstanding Achievements in Nursing and Health Care
Saskatoon, (May 5, 2004) - The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) paid tribute to the outstanding achievements of eleven members and Roy Romanow at an awards ceremony this evening. The SRNA Millennium Awards and Life and Honorary Memberships were presented. "The SRNA is proud to showcase the remarkable contribution the recipients have made to the health, the nursing profession and the public we serve" said Candace Skrapek, RN, President of the SRNA. "Their accomplishments have made a significant contribution in the lives of individuals, families and communities."
Betty Hailstone was the recipient of a Life Membership. Saskatchewan nurse leader Hailstone is a strong supporter of the SRNA and committed advocate for professional nursing practice and quality patient care. Many nurse managers have emulated her management style and she was known for her attentiveness to nursing students. She was active in many associations and organizations throughout her career. Of note, during her long nursing career she has been on SRNA Council and served a term as President. She is known for treating each person with respect, integrity and undivided attention. She is a believer in the nursing process and in the future of nursing.
Joanne Felstrom was the recipient of a Life Membership. Felstrom served on the SRNA Council and was a key advocate for Baccalaureate degree as entry to practice in the early 1980's, which became a reality in 2000. She has made a significant contribution to nursing in Saskatchewan through her practice as a registered nurse in the four domains of nursing: practice, administration, education and research. Felstrom was one of the leaders that made the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS), a nationally recognized program, possible.
Roy Romanow was the recipient of an Honorary Membership. Romanow was the Chair of the Royal Commission on Health Care. He consulted and collaborated with the Canadian public and health professionals on recommendations for the future of Canadian health care reform. Recently he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the Canadian health care system He uses every opportunity to champion health care and to call for long term, sustainable investment into the future of a publicly funded, universally accessible system of health care that is the envy of nations everywhere. On numerous occasions, he has encouraged nurses to take leadership roles in the fight to continue to provide exceptional health care to the people of Saskatchewan.
The Millennium Awards were established in 2000 by the SRNA to recognize nurses and/or members of the public who have made an outstanding impact in nursing practice and/or in the health environment. "The purpose of the awards is to acknowledge individuals or groups who have made a difference," Skrapek said.
The 2004 recipients of the Millennium Awards, named after SRNA founding members are:
Jean Browne Award for Leadership in Nursing Practice
Dr. Marlene Smadu, RN (Regina)
Nora Armstrong Award for Health Advocacy
Laurie Pilkey, RN (Swift Current)
Jean Wilson Award for Employer of the Year
Darlene Onslow, RN (Yorkton)
Granger Campbell Award for Clinical Excellence
Penny Schafer, RN (Saskatoon)
Ruth Hicks Award for Student Leadership
Sarah Gill (Saskatoon)
Effie Feeny Award for Nursing Research
Dr. Donna Rennie, RN and Dr. Norma Stewart, RN (Saskatoon)
Helen Walker Award for Innovation in Nursing
Anne Unsworth, RN (Prince Albert)
Elizabeth Van Valkenburg Award for Leadership in Nursing Education
Diana Davidson Dick, RN (Saskatoon)
The awards were presented at the banquet following the SRNA Annual Meeting, today at the Radisson Hotel in Saskatoon.
The SRNA is the professional regulatory body for registered nurses in the province. Founded in 1917, the SRNA represents the largest group of health professionals in the province with almost 9,000 practising members. The SRNA speaks out on health care issues on behalf of registered nurses and the public.
Photos are available on request.
For more information, contact:
Maureen Belanger
Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
(306) 359-4243
Last Updated: May 4, 2008