September 25, 2013
Wednesday PM

As a longtime resident of this community, I want to express my support for our local hospital, Ketchikan Medical Center. Over the years, I have had first-hand experience with the doctors, nurses and staff at KMC from routine care in the medical clinics to various surgeries. My family members have always received outstanding medical and surgical care from excellent caregivers. I have always been so thankful to be able to receive high-quality, attentive health care right here in Ketchikan. It's my experience that it is always best to receive care from those who know you best, where you can be supported by your friends and family during your recovery process.

As a member of the hospital's Board, I have come to understand how important this project is for our community. KMC wants our community members to have local access to the same high-quality care we enjoy now well into the future. The new surgery department is critical to accomplishing that goal. For a number of very sound reasons, a remodel of the existing surgery space simply isn't possible.

If our community does not invest in a new surgery space now, KMC will simply not be prepared to continue providing surgeries for the long-term. Moving forward, that would make it harder and harder for our hospital to recruit surgeons. It is a downward spiral from there. Without the current resources received through the surgery department, many other health care services that are currently available at KMC would eventually be reduced or eliminated.

I don't think anyone wants to see less health care services available in our community. I know that I don't want less care available for my family. I will continue to support my local hospital for the peace of mind it provides me. I want to make sure they have what they need to take care of us the best they can now and in the years to come. How about you?

Bess Clark
PHKMC Governing Board Member
Ketchikan, Alaska

About: "A longtime member of the community, I am a member of the KMC Governing Board who works each day with members of our community who need various types of assistance and health services."

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