King/Drew questions

Your July 10 editorial regarding King/Drew Medical Center advocates a private takeover of the hospital as a solution to its many troubles. Many questions remain, though, about how such an arrangement would work.

For instance, what obligation would a private company have to the uninsured patients who depend on the hospital? Would bottom-line concerns take priority over the service needs of the community? Do we risk closure if a private company determines that the hospital isn’t profitable?

Until these and other important questions are answered, it’s premature to talk about privatizing King/Drew.

Lynn Amores MD

Los Angeles