Local healthcare: Islanders enjoy great hospital

I am responding to a July 19 letter by David Medley.

He said “I do not like driving through Coupeville and seeing the octopus-like expansion of a hospital that is growing in every way physically, but at the same time is unable to provide the quality of medical care that is needed for this community.”

I would like him to know that I am alive today because of the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists and other staff members at Whidbey General Hospital.

Dr. Erika Norris diagnosed my colon cancer in 1999 and prayed with me in her office.

Dr. Kenny Koo successfully removed the tumor.

The Medical Ambulatory Care unit conducted six months of chemotherapy with compassion.

Dr. Mark Coughenouer monitors me for colon cancer quarterly.

Dr. James Livermore did successful total hip replacement surgery in 2000 and 2001, alleviating sever epain from arthritis.

In 1996, Dr. Benjamin Hu successfully removed a testicle.

In 1998, the emergency unit diagnosed Bell’s Palsy.

In 2001, an emergency physician did a wonderful job in internal and external suturing of my wife Barbara’s eyebrow after a home accident.

We have attended workshops on cancer and nutrition conducted by staff in an expert matter.

I am comparing this service with service I received at two California hospitals where I was a number. Here I have been Burt. They even asked me to serve on the architectural committee for the “octopus-like” building expansion. I was most appreciative and glad to give patient input for the MAC unit.

So please don’t bad-mouth Whidbey General Hospital. It is by far the best hospital I have ever experienced during 11 surgeries in my life. Don’t talk to me about California or Seattle hospitals.

If I ever need hospital care again, Whidbey General is my choice. It should be yours too, Mr. Medley.

Burt Barrett,

Coupeville

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