Mercy for Mercy

What a tragic mistake for the 23-year-old woman exposed to AIDS through a used syringe at Mercy. (“Used Needle Exposes Patient to AIDS,” Nov. 15). I am so sorry that she is living the worst nightmare.

However, I am also sorry for the men and women at Mercy who day after day go unpraised for their heroic work and devotion to their patients. I am in no way professionally affiliated with this fine hospital, but I speak from personal experience.

If mercy is “kindness in excess of what may be expected or demanded by fairness,” then Mercy Hospital fits the definition. This does not make good copy for the press. How dull to hear about state-of-the-art medicine, tireless workers or the dignity given to a dying patient by an overworked nurse.

Over the years I have visited many patients at Mercy. I have heard only praise for the care and compassion there. How sad that one mistake, albeit a tragic one, tends to erode the good associated with the fine people at Mercy.

There is another definition for mercy, “the power to forgive.” And, as we keep this young woman in our prayers, let us keep this terrible incident in perspective.

I imagine that morale at the hospital must be low. I invite people who have experienced good care at Mercy to write a postcard to that department and let those good people know that we value Mercy for all the good it has done over the years.

SANDY LIPPE

University City