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To Whom it may concern:
I do not live in Hamblen County, but I do work here. In fact, I drive an hour, one way, to work at Lakeway Regional Hospital and have done so for the past 9 years. I don’t drive this far because I like to drive or put miles on my car. I have chosen to drive this far to work for this long because I believe in this hospital and the care we provide. I believe in our Mission; Committed to the Improvement of Human Life through Quality Care. I believe in the people who work here. I believe the patients that choose our hospital over and over again do so because of the caring service we provide and I believe in our excellent medical staff.
I am proud to be a part of a facility in which the staff, through sheer compassion, has “adopted” many individuals and families who have found themselves in dire circumstances. I have witnessed this and been involved with these efforts many times. I am offended that anyone would come up with a slogan called “Patients over Profits” and even consider attaching it to our facility. I feel compelled to say that if anyone believes this, you have been sadly misled; as often happens to us when we are misinformed.
I would encourage anyone to visit our website at www.lakewayregionalhospital.com/BestChoice and become informed.
Best Regards,
T. Redmond
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February 26, 2010
Letter to the Editor,
As a 16 year veteran of Lakeway Regional Hospital I would like to express my views concerning the CHS offer to purchase MHHS. I understand why the employees of MHHS hospital are concerned for the well-being of “our” hospital. It is their livelihood. They have invested a lot of heart and soul into the care they provide to the people of Hamblen County. However, we here at Lakeway Regional Hospital feel the same way about the patient’s and the lives that we encounter. We take pride in the quality of care that we provide. As healthcare providers we all enter the field hoping to be able to make a difference in some way to improve the quality of our patient’s lives. Our mission as well is to put our patient’s first! However by joining forces, the possibilities are endless. We should keep our healthcare and business local, not help support the community of Knoxville.
As a taxpayer and citizen of the community, I feel strongly that the money that CHS is willing to invest in our community and healthcare system is an absolute win win situation. I have children in our school system. I want to make sure that we are able to pay and recruit the best teachers available to educate and inspire our youth. We need safe schools, police officers and fire fighters to protect those things we hold dear to our hearts. If Covenant’s offer is in our community’s best interest then so be it. I just want our leaders to be informed and make the best decision for our community and our future. Let’s work together for the betterment of Morristown, by not duplicating services, but by expanding the already excellent care that is provided in our community. Let’s invest in our future!
Sincerely
Stacey Brock
Director Cardiopulmonary Services
Lakeway Regional Hospital
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Dear Editor:
I am writing to you both as a nurse and a concerned citizen. I have worked in the Morristown community for 30 years. It has been suggested that MHHS should not consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at non-profit hospitals is better than for-profit. I have worked at both facilities and am appalled at the accusations that MHHS has said about the patient care we provide at Lakeway. We both have the same mission, which is quality care. There is no difference in the quality of care either hospital provides.
LRH has a strong commitment to the community of Morristown. We actively participate on many community boards and heavily support the United Way Agency, Relay for Life, American Red Cross, and many more. We have participated in the United Way’s Day of Caring for the last few years, and make charitable donations each year. This is our hospital’s way of giving back to the community we are so proud to be a part of.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe MHHS would benefit as well. I am afraid that by joining with Covenant, multiple services will be outsourced to Knoxville. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS Board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
Sincerely,
Pamela H. Johns
Chief Nursing Officer
Lakeway Regional Hospital
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February 26, 2010
Dear Editor,
I am a nurse at Lakeway Regional Hospital, and have worked at both hospitals in the past. I can honestly say any patient will get compassionate, quality care at both facilities. I urge everyone to be proactive at keeping quality care here in our community. Listen to what CHS has to offer.
Healthcare services for many procedures, if Covenant buys MHHS, will be transferred to Knoxville to the “mother ship” Fort Sanders.
If CHS is allowed to purchase MHHS, they will invest in our community in many ways; by adding more services here and paying taxes here, which will help our local economy through jobs, schools, etc.
We take care of patients regardless of their financial status. No one is turned away.
Sincerely,
Pam Gibson, RN
Director of the Women’s Pavilion at Lakeway Regional Hospital
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February 26, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to show my support for Lakeway Regional Hospital. I have been an employee here for nearly 10 years. I love my job and love the people I work with. We have a true sense of “family” at Lakeway.
I have been a patient at both MHHS and LRH and have been treated with great care. I am very disappointed in the negative way that LRH has been portrayed in our local paper.
As a Hamblen County taxpayer, I feel that our community has the right to hear proposals from the local CHS and the non local Covenant in a non-biased article. CHS has been presented in a negative light due to the fact that they have a “for profit” corporation. Our community deserves to understand the difference between for profit and non profit hospital. As taxpayers, we should consider that the added revenue from a for profit hospital could greatly improve many things in Hamblen County including our schools. LRH provides exceptional service to all that enters their doors. No one is turned away due to their ability to pay or type of insurance.
Please for the sake of improving our community, at least consider CHS’s proposal.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Sandstrom
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Dear Editor,
It has been suggested that MHHS shouldn’t consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at not-profit hospitals is better than for-profit.
As a nurse who has had the opportunity to work at both MHHS and LRH, I can tell you that this is simply untrue and quite honestly, I’m floored at these accusations. As a caregiver, my job is to care for my patients to the best of my ability, regardless of the tax-status of the facility in which that care is provided.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe MHHS would benefit as well. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS Board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
Sincerely,
Tony Abad, RN
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Dear editor,
At Lakeway Regional Hospital, our medical staff, nurses, and other healthcare
professionals are highly skilled, compassionate caregivers. Patient care is always
our first priority. We are here to help people, save lives, and improve the quality
of life for our patients. And yes, we are an investor-owned for-profit hospital.
People need to understand that all hospitals, non-profit and for-profit alike, actually
must make a profit in order to stay in business. The only difference between the two is that the for–profit hospital pays state and local taxes, which helps fund needed services in the community.
Lakeway has been a member of this community for many years and has an excellent
record of providing affordable, high-quality patient care. But in addition to that care,
they have invested millions in the community. I think it’s only right that the MHHS
Board members consider the proposal to partner with Lakeway to create a strong,
regional system of care for Morristown.
Sincerely,
Tammy Greene
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Dear Friends of Morristown Hamblen Hospital,
I had the pleasure of working at your facility many years ago. I made alot of friends there that will remain my friends for a lifetime.
I currently work at Lakeway Regional Hospital as a Case Manager. I love our patients and this hospital as well.
I know there are some employees or citizens concerned about selling their hospital. At Lakeway our Mission Statement says we are committed to provide quality healthcare for improving the quality of life for our patients that will set the standard of excellence for our community.
Patients are our business and the only reason that we have a job in this community. I would like to encourage your facility; Board of Directors and anyone involved to at least give us an opportunity to explain our offer.
We love our physicians in our community and appreciate each and every one of them in their efforts to provide excellent patient care.
This is a very serious matter that will affect our community and patients for the next decade.
All I am saying is please evaluate the proposal presented by CHS.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Bristo
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February 24, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
It has been suggested that MHHS shouldn’t consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at a not-profit hospitals is better than for-profit.
As a nurse who works at both MHHS and LRH, I can tell you that as a caregiver, my job is to care for my patients to the best of my ability, regardless of the tax-status of the facility in which that care is provided.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe that MHHS would benefit as well. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
Sincerely,
Jessica Collins
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Letter to the Editor:
As a lifetime resident of the Morristown community, I strongly feel that the leaders of our community need to beyond doubt consider the proposal Community Health Systems has offered MHHS. Community Health Systems has much to offer the community of Morristown. We, as a community needs to work together on this and need to think ahead of the benefits that these additional taxes will bring here.
I have been employed by LRH for 30 years, and I feel that our facility and corporation has numerous things to better our community. I have witnessed numerous times how our nurses have provided excellent care and compassion to our patients. Our mission here at Lakeway Regional Hospital is patient care and I feel that MHHS board should give us an opportunity to discuss this very important matter in our community.
Sincerely,
Sandy Akers
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Dear Editor,
It has been suggested that MHHS shouldn’t consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at not-profit hospitals is better than for-profit.
As a nurse who works at LRH, I can tell you that this is simply untrue and quite honestly, I’m floored at these accusations. As a caregiver, my job is to care for my patients to the best of my ability, regardless of the tax-status of the facility in which that care is provided.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe MHHS would benefit as well. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS Board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
To add further, I have worked under the same CNO currently at MHHS. I do not believe that she would expect more from the nursing staff at MHHS than she would have at LRH. And I certainly would not expect less of myself than the best I could give regardless of where I am employed.
Sincerely,
Sharon Wells, RN
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Letter to the editor:
I have no knowledge of the hospital business or the current controversy between the local hospitals. However, knowing the economy and the many needs in this community, it seems that the offer from CHS should certainly be carefully considered. There are many desperately needed projects that could be funded with this money.
The most important issue is the quality of care for the people in our community. Maybe consolidation could offer one better equipped facility rather than two places purchasing the same or similar medical equipment. I hope the best decision is made for the entire community.
Sincerely,
Judy Brasher
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Dear Editor,
It has been suggested that MHHS shouldn’t consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at not-profit hospitals is better than for-profit.
As a nurse who works at LRH, I can tell you that this is simply untrue and quite honestly, I’m floored at these accusations. As a caregiver, my job is to care for my patients to the best of my ability, regardless of the tax-status of the facility in which that care is provided. I have been called to nursing and my patient is always first and foremost in my thoughts. I go into a patient’s room and deliver the kind of care that I think my family members would want to receive.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe MHHS would benefit as well. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS Board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
Sincerely,
Evelyn Fultz, RN, BSN
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February 26, 2010
Letter to the editor,
It has been suggested that MHHS shouldn’t consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at not-profit hospitals is better than for-profit.
As a nurse who works at LRH, I can tell you that this is simply untrue and quite honestly, I’m floored at these accusations. As a caregiver, my job is to care for my patients to the best of my ability, regardless of the tax-status of the facility in which that care is provided.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe MHHS would benefit as well. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS Board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
Sincerely,
Karen Coffey, RN
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To Whom It May Concern:
It has been suggested that MHHS shouldn’t consider a proposal from Community Health Systems, the company that owns Lakeway Regional Hospital, because the quality of care at not-profit hospitals is better than for-profit.
As a nurse who has worked in the community for 17 years, I can tell you that this is simply untrue and quite honestly, I’m concerned at these accusations. As a caregiver, my job is to care for my patients to the best of my ability, regardless of the tax-status of the facility in which that care is provided.
I have seen the benefits of LRH’s affiliation with CHS and I believe MHHS would benefit as well. By joining together these two hospitals, the patients would gain a stronger provider of care. If the MHHS Board wants to consider what is best for the patients of this community, they should consider all the options and fairly evaluate the proposal presented to them by CHS.
I have personally received care at both of these facilities and both experiences were excellent. Nursing is from the heart, as it should be. It is not a matter of social/economic status or personal gain.
Sincerely,
Julie Wilder,
Registered Nurse
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February 26, 2010
To whom it may concern:
I am an employee of Lakeway Regional Hospital, and have worked in Morristown for four years.
It is my opinion that Lakeway is being portrayed negatively in our local paper of late. LRH gives excellent, friendly care to our patients and their families. Our services and our doors are open to all, regardless of their ability to pay. No one is ever turned away.
LRH deserves non-bias articles in future publications and would appreciate your service to the community in this regard in all future articles.
Sincerely,
Terri Bermudez
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Dear Editor,
As an employee at Lakeway Regional Hospital, I can see the good care that we take of our patients. I have had personal experiences as an employee and with my own family members as patients. There was never a time that I saw or heard of “profits before patients”. The hospital’s main focus is patient care. With CHS wanting to purchase MHHS, that focus on care will be extended to more patients and to the community.
Thank You,
Candy Lamb
Materials Manager
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I was recently a patient in the ER at Lakeway Regional Hospital. I was sent directly into the ER without any waiting time. Everyone was very friendly in Admissions and in the ER. Dr. Wojtanowski was the doctor that day. He was very nice & caring. All of the nurses that were involved had a great bedside manner. They assured me that I would be very well taken care of and they made me as comfortable as possible. I was very impressed with how clean everything was. I was not asked about my insurance or even if I would be able to pay. Everyone was only focused on making sure that I was okay. I have since been back for another test in Radiology and had the same great experience there. I have recommended Lakeway Hospital to my friends and family.
Thank you,
Robin Walker
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