Editor,

Like other residents of Whidbey Island on the North End, I have had the equidistant choice of using Island Health in Anacortes or WhidbeyHealth in Coupeville for my hospital needs. Based on the reputation of these hospitals, I have chosen the one in Anacortes for most of those needs.

I recently suffered a severe bleeding episode that required immediate medical attention. Because of my proximity to WhidbeyHealth at the time, I elected to go there for my emergency care. The local emergency medical service was called and was at my side in less than five minutes. Following my arrival at the emergency department, I was quickly and efficiently evaluated and then admitted to the new in-patient wing of the hospital.

Never having been there before, I was impressed with the physical plant – the upscale and spacious design of the patient rooms and the practical layout of the ward. But what truly mattered was the personal and professional attention that I received from every member of the staff. My medical care in a word was excellent.

It is easy to take such care for granted and forget that the hospital has had its financial difficulties. While the new management team is finally seeing a positive cash flow and reserve, that progress could easily be jeopardized by the anticipated federal budget cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and the changes to the Affordable Care Act.

And so, it is up to all of us on Whidbey Island to ensure that our hospital not only survives but thrives. There is an upcoming election for three of the five hospital commissioner positions, and whoever is elected will shepherd the long-term financial health of the institution. Apart from our votes in November, we can also support the hospital by using its services, as appropriate, whenever the need arises.

Marshall F. Goldberg, M.D., M.P.H.

Oak Harbor