On the drive home Monday afternoon, April 14, I heard that there had been a really bad collision near the hospital and that Exit 27 was closed. What seemed most peculiar to me was that a helicopter had been dispatched to fly the victims into Seattle. For me, this does not give me any renewed confidence in the capabilities of our hospital. Fine, so the hospital cannot deal with trauma.

Upon our last visit, our son was having difficulty breathing. After discussing the situation with the overnight nurse for a while, we were finally forwarded along to Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Fine, so the hospital cannot handle pediatrics, or was it asthma? I forget which; please remind me if you know. At the time I was more concerned about my son’s face turning blue.

I am sure that the people that run the place have good intentions to provide a valuable service. In the end, it is just a business and we are not at a loss without it. We have a number of the best medical facilities in the country less than an hour from home. My recommendation is to dissolve the hospital tax district and let the institution survive on its own merit. Our property tax money is better spent elsewhere.

David Willson

North Bend