Diagnosing the Problems at King/Drew

As one who participated in a recent racially mixed demonstration at Martin Luther King Jr./Drew Medical Center organized by the local clergy, I take exception to the Oct. 12 commentary, “ ‘Killer King’ and Its Defenders,” written by Joe R. Hicks and David A. Lehrer. The two authors cautioned opponents of the closure of the King/Drew trauma center not to raise the issue of race in the context of their protests.

The reason that some African Americans, Latinos and whites have complained of racism in this case is because of the selective outrage manifested by many, especially the media, who have attacked King/Drew. For years, distinguished medical doctors and scientists have blown the whistle on egregious practices within the healthcare system that deprive Americans of the best treatment without concern for profit or opposition from an intransigent political hierarchy. The complaints have largely fallen on deaf ears. It appears that the negligence and mistakes of inner-city bureaucrats are easy prey for a media too timid to expose the glaring deficiencies of an overarching medical establishment. This double standard is viewed by many as racist. In short, the entire medical system should be subject to the same investigation and scrutiny that King/Drew has undergone.

Legrand H. Clegg II

Compton

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Re “Latest King/Drew Lapse Blamed in Patient’s Death,” Oct. 12: This type of behavior from a licensed and registered nurse is criminal and should be treated as such. Such an individual is a danger to any patient, particularly those in intensive care. Her ability to practice nursing should be revoked for life, considering the fact that she attempted to cover up her actions, and she should be arrested and tried for manslaughter.

That someone in the nursing profession would be so cavalier toward a patient’s well-being and turn down the volume of his monitor is unbelievable. Such an individual lacks the compassion necessary in the nursing profession.

Margaux Shaw

Long Beach

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Hicks and Lehrer ask: “Why have the county supervisors ... allowed these conditions to fester for years?” But my question, as a member of the minority community so dependent on the services provided by the facility, is this: Why did King/Drew’s administrators and supervisors, in charge of day-to-day patient care and operational standards, allow a dream to turn to dust? It is time, as Bill Cosby has said, to stand up and take responsibility for our shortcomings rather than blame everything on others.

Olu Karib

Inglewood