There is a new District Nurse in the Boothbay region but to many patients and medical providers she is already a familiar face.

Lauri Andrews, who replaced Callie Aldrich who retired this summer, has been a RN for 23 years and for most of her career she has been providing care to Boothbay region residents.

Andrews, who is originally from Pennsylvania, moved to Maine in 1993 and makes her home in Woolwich. She began her nursing career working with the developmentally disabled and with geriatric patients.

Seventeen years ago, she took a nursing position at St. Andrews Hospital. A year later, she switched to the Home Health program and found her niche caring for patients in their homes.

“I like the freedom of the job and the autonomy of it,” Andrews said. “I love to be out and about and I love to help people stay in their homes as long as they can. I have met a lot of wonderful people over the years.”

Since Andrews has been working as a home health nurse in the area for years and has filled in for Aldrich while she was on vacation, her transition to district nurse has been smooth.

“I knew many of Callie’s patients; some have gone back and forth between Home Health and the District Nurse,” Andrews said. “For a lot of the long-term patients, the transition has been easy.”

District Nursing Association Board member Susan Endicott said the board is thrilled to have Andrews take over as District Nurse.

“I could not be more pleased that Lauri has taken on the job of the District Nurse. She is a  lovely person and a terrific nurse,” Endicott said. “Years ago when she was working for St. Andrews Home Health she used to visit my Uncle Bud to help with a wound that wouldn't heal. She was so patient and kind. He adored her. We are very lucky to have Lauri.”

The Boothbay Region District Nursing Association was established in 1952 to provide in-home nursing care and instruction, support and assistance to the region’s residents. Nursing services are provided to those in need of them regardless of income. The District Nursing Association is a nonprofit organization, supported by the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport.

“For those who have the financial ability to pay, we ask for a $10 donation per visit,” Andrews said. “But if they can’t, that’s fine.”

If you are in need of nursing care, you can call the District Nurse for assistance at 207-633-5533.