Medical Center’s Care Is Appreciated

I know from newspaper articles that there is a controversy over the future of Ventura County Medical Center and Community Memorial Hospital. I can claim no expertise in understanding the legal and financial issues involved in this dispute. However, I do claim expertise in one area: receiving health care for my family at VCMC.

In May 1993, all three of my children were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. They have been under the care of VCMC, the Pediatric Diagnostic Center and Dr. Chris Landon since their diagnosis. The care we have received has been first-rate, and we have been helped immeasurably in dealing emotionally and financially with a very serious health situation.

I earnestly believe that it would be a setback to quality, accessible and affordable health care in our county if VCMC were to be lost through this current battle. My hopes and prayers are that this would not be the case.

REV. MICHAEL GREGG

Santa Paula

The Rev. Michael Gregg is pastor of Citrus Valley Christian Center.

* The arrogance of Ventura Community Memorial Hospital is beyond belief. To think that it believes that it has a right to muzzle elected public officials--whose duty is to guard and oversee public facilities--is incredible. Community Memorial’s use of tactics and threats are not in harmony with the American way.

It is the responsibility of the supervisors to meet the needs of the county population at large, in a cost-effective way. It is to be noted that Community Memorial is only concerned it may lose private-pay patients. If Community Memorial’s care is so superior, its officials need have no qualms about letting the marketplace make the decision.

If Community Memorial is sure of its ground, why not debate the issue in a public forum?

CLAIRE MOEBIUS

Camarillo