Special to Hawaii 24/7 by Elena Cabatu | Community Relations Manager

Jeanne Abe, Hale Hoola Hamakua’s Director of Nursing, was honored recently at a retirement celebration. Abe’s career spanned 43 years as a nurse, including 39 years in public health for the state on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

Sen. Dwight Takamine and State Rep. Mark Nakashima presented Jeanne Abe with a Certificate of Recognition for her service to the State during her retirement celebration. (Special to Hawaii 24/7)

“I am proud and honored to have worked with such a dedicated staff who serve the community and its needs,” Abe said. “Accomplishing all that we did throughout the year – such as earthquake FEMA repairs, hospital expansion, and quality patient care – happened because of teamwork and genuine caring from our physicians, nurses, ancillary departments, staff and a multitude of volunteers.”

“As the Director of Nursing at Hale Ho’ola Hamakua, Jeanne has lead by example in caring for patients and mentoring other nurses,” said Howard N. Ainsley, East Hawaii Regional CEO of Hawaii Health Systems Corporation. “On behalf of the region, we thank her for her service and wish her the very best.”

“Many people join me in appreciation of Jeanne’s contributions to our hospital and commitment to our community,” said Cathy Meyer-Uyehara, Administrator at Hale Hoola Hamakua. “During her retirement celebration organized by our staff, the love for her was absolutely tangible.”

Abe’s most recent accomplishments include overseeing patient care for residents after HHH sustained considerable damage from the 2006 earthquake that required all patients to be evacuated from the facility.

In June 2009, FEMA had completed all repairs that resulted from the earthquake.

In December 2009, HHH’s expansion began and was completed in May 2010, bringing the total number of beds in the facility from 50 up to 77. The expansion wing is scheduled for occupancy in July 2010.

Abe also said the June 1 transfer of the hospital’s Wastewater Treatment plant to the county was a huge milestone for her to witness after years of negotiations, community hearings, and awaiting county approval.

She earned a Bachelors of Science in Nursing and Masters Degree in Public health from University of Hawaii at Manoa. She first started as a staff nurse at Kapiolani Women and Children’s Hospital on Oahu in 1967. She continued her nursing career on Maui for 30 years.

In 2002, she became HHH’s Director of Nursing for Hale Hoola Hamakua and served as Interim Administrator from February 2007 through October 2009 before returning to her post.