Hospital’s Policy Is Not Exclusionary

This is to reassure Dr. (Martin) Colman (Letters, Feb. 21), acting chair of the department of radiation oncology at UCI Medical Center, that Western Medical Center-Santa Ana is utilizing its radiosurgical unit specifically for expansion of existing services, not only at our hospital but for patients throughout Orange County.

Inasmuch as the procedure is an outpatient one, it is not a question of hospital but a matter of patient care. There is no doubt that Hoag Hospital has a similar philosophy.

The medical community has regard and respect for UCI. As a former assistant professor and voluntary staff member for 15 years, I can personally attest to that. At Western Medical Center, the radiosurgical service is purposely open to all neurosurgeons who can qualify. That certainly includes the excellent staff at UCI.

For this reason, patients needing radiosurgery have the opportunity to remain under the care of their original team. Economically and psychologically, this is very desirable. I do not believe that there is any question about the need for radiosurgery in Orange County or that there is any concern about “uncontrolled proliferation” of the equipment.

We began our investigation of and preparation for radiosurgery five years ago. The expertise is now present; the technology is here. All that translates into remarkable benefits for all of our patients. This is not a question of hospital; it is the availability and provision of a proven outpatient method of therapy for a number of serious diseases.

MICHAEL H. SUKOFF, MD

Santa Ana