Hospital meeting proves informational

The informational meeting last week at the Legion Hall explaining the remodel of the hospital convinced me of the necessity of getting involved and convincing our community of its importance.

This is what I learned: that the remodel will cost only half of what it would have cost to build a new facility, that having a helipad on the roof will solve safety problems for the patient, the pilot and nearby streets, that a needed “safe” room for various emergencies will be installed, that my property taxes will go up only $5 per month, that merging with Life Care will benefit by combining specific areas and services (i.e. the kitchen, labs, linens) and that the contractor has recently remodeled the hospital in Colfax and has kept costs below budget.

Our community cannot risk losing its facility, ambulance and helicopter service. With the state pushing safety, electrical repairs, heating and conditioning, compliant bathrooms need upgrading. Gary Bostrom in his presentation said, the hospital is as solid as a bunker; lots of years left, especially with the renovation.

I’m convinced the security is worth it, therefore, I’m voting for the bond.

Marsha Smith, Ritzville