I am a new resident to Coupeville and have been researching local physicians in hopes to establish a relationship with a primary doctor and other specialists for my needs.

I have been in the healthcare field since the early 1970’s. I am a nurse with experience in mental health and oncology research. I have the longest history in ophthalmic nursing from 1981 to present.

I have been somewhat disappointed with all the information I have gained from the Whidbey News-Times in regards to Whidbey General Hospital.

1. First of all, the lay-offs of many of WGH “front line” employees, i.e. nurses and specialized technicians. The cutting back of these staff members reduces the quality of care and increases liability for mistakes.

Before moving to Coupeville, I was employed by the College of Medicine at a large university. Like so many other health care facilities, they too were having financial setbacks, but instead of laying off personnel they asked the nurses, technicians and even the physicians along with administrators to take a temporary reduction in salaries so everyone could keep their jobs.

From what I have read in the newspaper, it appears “the people” making the decisions at WGH are doing so for their own self-preservation at the cost of others. This is not only reflective upon staff, but in patient care as stated before.

2. Secondly, who is this Peter Borden? It sounds as if he needs a lesson in professional decorum! All that I have read about Dr. Zaveruha has been completely positive and in his favor, and the fact that most of the praise has been made by healthcare professionals tells the whole story!

Unfortunately, with all the bad press WGH received has made me seriously consider physicians outside of the area — ones not affiliated with WGH. I feel the risk too high, should I need hospitalization. Perhaps there are some local physicians with privileges elsewhere — these are the ones I will most likely seek.

Linda Morey

Coupeville