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.

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