The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Janet Story Remembered for Contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Janet Story, a visionary and leader who dedicated her life to the nursing profession, preservation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history and giving back for the betterment of our province.

Ms. Story, who passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, December 3, made many contributions to health care throughout her life. She is recognized as one of the founding members of the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, helped establish Memorial University’s nursing program, and was the Director of Nursing at the General Hospital in St. John’s for 20 years.

During her time as a nurse she was instrumental in leading the way to many firsts in the nursing profession in our province including self-regulation; improving the standards of nursing education; carrying out nurse utilization reviews; ensuring there was an adequate nursing complement through overseas recruitment efforts; and, implementing the modern nursing unit workplace.

Having played such a pivotal role in the history of nursing in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is fitting that she also led the way in preserving the history of nursing. Ms. Story helped found two nursing archives in the province, the professional archives and the Lillian Stevenson Archives.

Ms. Story received much recognition for the work she did throughout her life and was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, Canadian Red Cross Long Service Award and Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. She was also an honorary member in a number of associations including the ARNNL. Her ongoing influence and impact will continue to be felt throughout the many organizations she gave her skills and passion to wholeheartedly.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government passes on our deepest sympathies to Ms. Story’s family and friends and we thank her for her valuable contributions to our province.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2013 12 10                                     1:50 p.m.