New hospital creates promising future for Ritzville

To paraphrase an old proverb, “We sit in the shade of trees others have planted.”

Many years ago, those before us recognized a need and as residents we have benefited from their forethought.

We need a new hospital in Ritzville! I spent two days recently at the hospital and realized how important a new facility is needed. The need for an overnight stay kept me from having to go to Spokane for care. At first, it seemed rather useless to have beds and care available, but there were two of us at the time. The emergency rooms were crowded and they had to call in extra help on Saturday evening. As I left on Sunday evening, I could hardly get checked out because more emergencies were handled.

With so much traffic on Highway 395 and I-90 it is doubly important to have a facility close to the highway with easy access. Please consider the advantages of a new hospital when you cast your vote. It would cost as much or more to update the old building and it would not be nearly as efficient. I think more people would use this new facility and it could help immensely to bring in another full-time doctor.

Neighbors, please vote for the hospital bond and let’s plant another tree so that our children and grandchildren can sit in it’s shade.

Iva Kuster, Ritzville