Editor, Commonwealth:
To the Greenwood-Leflore Hospital Board members:
As reported by the newspaper recently, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has withdrawn its proposal to affiliate with Greenwood-Leflore Hospital (“UMMC pulls affiliation offer,” Aug. 18).
I just have to ask some questions of you. Not that I expect any answers from you. It just would be easier for me to understand your reasoning or thought processes regarding something concerning so many lives, jobs and the very people you serve.
So, my first question to you is: Whom do you serve? (This should be a no brainer, but I’m going to answer for you.) You serve ALL of the citizens of the city of Greenwood, Leflore County, doctors, nurses and hospital staff as well as numerous small communities surrounding Leflore County (including the one in which I reside). Feel like a heavy load? It is! YOUR actions/decisions or lack thereof affect all of those named above. Have you forgotten us?
If you would, please clarify for me what qualifications each of you has to make (or not make) the decisions on running a hospital? I’m going to answer this for you. You are deemed to be educated, intelligent people who take advice from those who can provide valuable input to your decision-making, use sound mind to research options and, lastly but most importantly, reflect the will of the majority you serve.
Next, has the thought occurred to you that the decisions or lack thereof may ultimately cause our community to lose its medical facilities? Should this happen, I sure wouldn’t want this to be my legacy of service to my community.
This leads, of course, to my next question. Have you thought of the economic impact this would have? You may feel secure in your current jobs and not be concerned for others, but it would be felt by everyone, including you.
My final question to you, what are you going to do when you or your families need medical attention? I sincerely pray that you or your families should never need the services of a community hospital. However, life happens, including death.
In the Episcopal Church each Sunday, we say Prayers for the People. There is a section devoted to asking God to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land and that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world. I have offered this prayer to God in your names. I pray you sleep soundly with such a heavy burden tasked to you.
God bless you!
Suzy Johnson
Cruger
