CPR?

Experienced nurses have left Danville Regional
To the editor:
In the beginning, I deferred to the “experts” and thought the sale of Danville Regional Medical was a good move. We were told that within five years, we would have to sell the hospital, and by then, it would be nearly worthless (financially). Why not sell it now, so we can at least return the money to the community?
Well, as I now sit by and watch nurse after nurse (who have dedicated their careers to this hospital and community) move to other communities, I have to wonder - would we have been better off if we had waited five years and then donated the hospital to an organization such as Duke Medical?
Of course, that is ludicrous, but at least the community would have maintained quality health care. As the Danville Regional Foundation disburses the $200 million from the sale of the hospital, I hope its members realize the real disbursement is the health care professionals from our hospital. The true benefactors of the sale of our hospital appear to be the many health care facilities throughout Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina that are hiring the staff from Danville Regional (it seems health care professionals with 20-plus years of experience are a true asset to some hospitals).
Remember, as the staff from the hospital moves, they take with them spouses and families. As professionals leave Danville and our hospital’s image continues to suffer, how much harder will it be to attract new businesses and industries? The $200 million the foundation has will be a drop in the bucket compared to the loss of a few new industries.
I have to think that the recipients of this money will look back in a few years and wish they could give the money back if it would gain them quality health care and a vibrant community.
All health care providers are taught the ABC’s of life support (airway, breathing, circulation). Our hospital is still breathing, but it’s “bleeding” professional staff at an alarming rate. I like the idea of using the $200 million to buy back our hospital, but it’s high time someone stepped up and stops the bleeding before we have to start CPR.
STEVE
Ringgold