Organ transplant scandal breaches trust

Re “Hospital Halts Organ Program,” Sept. 27

The improper allocation of a donor liver to a patient at St. Vincent Medical Center and the subsequent coverup will have negative consequences throughout the transplant community. The vast majority of transplant professionals labor sincerely and tirelessly on behalf of their patients.

For the transplant team to maintain a long-term relationship with patients as they sicken while waiting for a transplant, sometimes for years -- that relationship must be based on trust.

As a transplant social worker, I know that normally the trust of patients and donor families in the medical team is well placed. But will they trust us now?

Those who participated in this shameful enterprise must answer not only to their own patients but to the entire community for this unconscionable breach of trust.

HEIDI RECHTEGER

Santa Monica

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Re “Hospital Skipped Its Own Patients,” Sept. 28

I just got my new driver’s license in the mail and first saw the red dot that you attach thereon to be an organ donor. I started seeing red because in front of me was an article about St. Vincent Hospital bypassing nine of its patients for a rich Saudi national. Undisclosed fees to the doctors! Now I know why rich people get moved up.

I’m not putting my pink dot on my driver’s license until they clean up their act.

TED PEARSON

Valencia

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Bribery comes to mind. Foreigners before Americans -- unthinkable. A criminal investigation is required before the organ donor auctions begin.

BILL GOURLAY

Westlake Village