Healthcare: Have it done at Whidbey General

Have it done at Whidbey General

I am the MRI tech at Whidbey General Hospital. I would like to make a public comment about the necessary reduction of hospital staff due to lack of funds.

I came here from a 600-bed hospital in Florida two years ago. I was amazed at the quality of equipment, fine facility, the positive attitude of the staff and the range of services offered in such a provincial setting, particularly the emergency room services. More remarkable, this is from a community owned facility.

But it appears to me that this community has failed to appreciate what they have. Every time one of us utilizes our hospital, for any reason — X-rays, physical therapy, lab work — the money we or our insurance pays goes to support the whole facility. If we go off-island for these procedures, our hospital loses that revenue that is used to support things like the operating room and the emergency room. So when your doctor prescribes a procedure off island, you can and should ask "can I have this done at Whidbey General?" We have the best equipment money can buy, top notch staff, and great doctors. There is no reason not to come here.

If you should a get in an accident or your kid gets hurt on the playground, or your parent has a heart attack, think about the extended wait your might have due to short staff because you went to Everett or Mount Vernon or Anacortes for your lab test or X-ray or physical therapy. Or drive them over to Everett and see how long you wait. We need your support.

Jay C. Nehf, M.R.R.T.

Coupeville

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