GOUVERNEUR -- Registered Nurse Deborah Bates has retired from St. Lawrence Health System’s Gouverneur Hospital after 42 years of service.

Over the past four decades, Bates has been a familiar and reassuring presence for patients and visitors. She ensured seamless transition of high-quality care during the closure of EJ Noble Hospital and the formal establishment of Gouverneur Hospital in 2014.

“Deb has been our constant," said Gouverneur Hospital CEO Eric Burch. “She is well-respected and appreciated by everyone, including medical staff and the Board of Directors alike. She is regarded as a mentor by new members of the clinical team and a source of historical knowledge for her colleagues across the organization. She is the essence of the nurse you want caring for your family; her attentiveness and thorough patient communication were paramount,” Burch said.

“Kindness and compassion are the personal characteristics Deb possesses. Deb has been a positive mentor to help guide and support our newer nurses here at GH,” said Julie Smithers, VP of Nursing.

Photo from Gouverneur Hospital.