It saddens me to read all of the negative comments regarding issues surrounding Whidbey General Hospital.  Not for one moment should one believe that the complexities of health care delivery are trivial. Observe  the never-ending debates in Washington, D.C. There is no doubt that the road ahead for our nation’s health care will be filled with obstacles that will touch each and every one of us. There will be many that are unhappy.  Locally, our only hope to meet these challenges is through a united community that is informed and is able to brush aside rumor and rhetoric.

History is littered with armchair generals — we always have an opinion on how to do something better. In fact, we are often astonished … no one listened to me … if only they would have…? I think that it would be more appropriate to be astonished at the seemingly infinite facets that undermine the simplest of decisions in health care administration.

I propose that we continually support Tom Tomasino and his administrative team. I know that he is an admirable and capable proponent for the development, maintenance, and delivery of health care on Whidbey Island.  I have trust and faith in his voice.

And let’s keep the decisions for our future firmly in the hands of our community and not in the reins of corporate America.

Terry J. Lee, MD
Coupeville