In a recent article titled “No nurses” (Jan. 8), the nursing shortage was discussed and reference was made specifically to Maine Medical Center. I agree that a significant registered nurse shortage is looming in the future with the expected retirement of many R.N.s who are of the baby boomer generation.

I fully support the pending legislation L.D. 263 to support new funding to expand educational programs to increase the number of R.N.s in Maine for the predicted shortages.

As to staffing at Maine Medical Center, we have added more than 300 nursing staff positions – a 20 percent increase – since 2001 and today have a less than a 1 percent vacancy rate, compared to the U.S. vacancy rate of around 13 percent. Nurses at Maine Medical Center are committed to delivering the highest quality care. That commitment has helped us achieve recognition as a Top 100 Hospital, a Top 25 Children’s Hospital and most recently the fourth safest hospital in America by Consumers Digest. Maine Medical Center is proud to have an extraordinary nursing staff.

Marjorie S. Wiggins, vice president of nursing/chief nursing officer, Maine Medical Center, Portland