How Four MDI Nurses Earned The 2025 Nursing Excellence Award

4 MDI Hospital nurses were recognized for going above and beyond for their patients and families receiving the 2025 Ursula E.J. Lee and Dr. Leung Lee Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence.

Photo MDI Hospital

The 2025 recipients include Patrick Ainsworth, Carolyn Barry, Tonya Brown and Essie Simmons.

They were recognized for always listening and advocating, so that anyone who comes to MDI Hospital and Heal Centers is treated with dignity and respect.

Patrick, a palliative care nurse, provides compassionate and thoughtful care to patients living with serious and chronic illnesses. He takes the time to listen deeply, educate thoroughly, and guide patients and their families through complex medical decisions with empathy and clarity.

Carolyn, a health center nurse, is described as a trusted leader and resource. Her expert triage skills and compassionate approach ensure that patients always receive timely, appropriate care, taking into account both clinical and social factors.

Tonya, an emergency department nurse, is known for taking on the most challenging and complex cases without hesitation. She is a leader and fierce patient advocate.

Tonya cares for behavioral health holds and ICU-level patients and everyone in between, and treats them all with the same level of high-quality care and compassion.

Essie, a health center nurse, is always willing to step in wherever she is needed, even if it is outside of her usual role and responsibilities. Essie brings a warmth and calming presence to her work and exemplifies the best qualities you would want in a member of your care team.

Established in 2019 by Dr. Leung Lee in memory of his wife, the Ursula E.J. Lee & Dr. Leung Lee Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence honors the compassionate, loving care Ursula received from her nurses at MDI Hospital. The award is given to four nurses each year who demonstrate clinical excellence and a commitment to compassionate care in their nursing practice.

Get our free mobile app

10 Maine Snacks You Can Only Buy Locally

Check out the Maine snacks that you can only buy locally, from Needhams to Whoopies and everything in between.

Gallery Credit: Lizzy Snyder

Categories: Health

4 MDI Hospital Nurses Recognized with 2025 Ursula E.J. Lee and Dr. Leung Lee Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence

10 Maine Snacks You Can Only Buy Locally