MALVERN, Pa.-- April 20, 2006--Gail E. Latimer, MSN, RN, vice president and chief nursing officer, Siemens Medical Solutions, has been named a recipient of the Shirley Novosel Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award from the Pennsylvania (Penn) State University Nursing Alumni Society in recognition of the positive impact she has had on the nursing profession for more than 30 years. Established in 1996, the award is presented annually by the Penn State Nursing Alumni Society to an alumnus or alumna who exemplifies the spirit of nursing and the Penn State School of Nursing's ideals and philosophy.

"Gail is deserving of this award on so many levels," said Karen Macauley, president, Penn State Nursing Alumni Society. "While her professional and academic accomplishments speak for themselves, Gail was also chosen for the qualities that can't be listed on a resume - her care and compassion that go back to her days on the floor as a clinical nurse, and her commitment to the nursing profession. These qualities never left her, but rather became more apparent as she progressed in her career, particularly in her work to help develop future nursing leaders, bring technological advancements to nursing and help healthcare facilities deliver truly patient-centric care. We at Penn State are proud that she is one of our own."

As chief nursing officer at Siemens, Latimer is responsible for reviewing and approving the company's clinical information technology (IT) research and development and helping ensure that Siemens' solutions incorporate the needs of the nurses and clinical care providers who use the technology.
By actively engaging with nursing leaders and nursing professionals across the country, she helps Siemens' customers leverage these solutions to support safer care delivery and collaboration among the care team to help improve clinical outcomes. Latimer also is responsible for the strategic planning and operations of Siemens Medical Solutions Office of Government and Industry Affairs, providing thought leadership and technology solutions to support the President's plan for an electronic health record for all Americans.

Latimer has held numerous executive nursing positions, including senior vice president and chief nursing executive of Holy Redeemer Health System and senior vice president/chief operating officer at Holy Redeemer Hospital and Medical Center in Meadowbrook, Pa.; vice president of patient care services at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago; and executive director, surgical services and program director of orthopedic and neuroscience services at Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Latimer is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives; the Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Executives; Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing; and the Penn State University Nursing Alumni Society. She is a past Board member of the Southeastern Organization of Nurse Executives, and past president, vice president and director of the American Board of Neuroscience Nurses. She also has mentored nursing students from various universities, and in collaboration with the American Organization of Nurse Executives, she co-developed a Nursing Executive Leadership workshop focusing on developing future nurse leaders. Her community involvement has included participation in the Rotary Foundation International, the Philadelphia Protestant Home, the Women's Fund Advisory Council for the Venice Foundation, and the Health Ministry Cabinet.

A published author, Latimer has written articles on a variety of healthcare topics. She has co-authored a chapter for a soon-to-be published book by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) titled "Nursing within Wall Street: A Close Look at the Corporate Chief Nurse Officer Role." A sought-after speaker, she has presented around the globe and lectured at workshops and panel discussions on topics including quality and safety in healthcare, technology in healthcare, robotic physician care, and current domestic healthcare issues.

Latimer is a Johnson & Johnson Fellow from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She received her master's degree in nursing administration from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Penn State in 1983.

"Seeing Gail in action is such a pleasure," said Janet Dillione, chief operating officer, IT Division, Siemens Medical Solutions. "I am filled with a sense of pride when I look at her accomplishments and how she is touching the lives of so many. She is empowering nursing leadership and driving initiatives that will positively impact many future generations. I consider myself lucky to work with her and see her contributions in effect."

Siemens Medical Solutions of Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) with headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Erlangen, Germany, is one of the largest suppliers to the healthcare industry in the world. The company is known for bringing together innovative medical technologies, healthcare information systems, management consulting, and support services, to help customers achieve tangible, sustainable, clinical and financial outcomes. Employing approximately 33,000 people worldwide and operating in more than 120 countries, Siemens Medical Solutions reported sales of 7.6 billion EUR, orders of 8.6 billion EUR and group profit of 976 million EUR for fiscal 2005. More information can be obtained by visiting www.usa.siemens.com/medical-pressroom.