To the editor,
SMDC Essentia Health is in my opinion our only real chance to have a first-class hospital staffed by the very best personnel — the pride of the north on the border, a hospital where doctors and specialists will seek to practice.
When fully operational, it will be know as the facility to where patients will be flown to as opposed to being flow out of town. SMDC hires the very finest of professionals in their field. The best equipment, the best pharmacies, the best connections, Essential has the resources to make it happen if local roadblocks are mutually cleared.
I stood at a fine restaurant telling how I was impressed with the presentation by an officer and spokesman on behalf of Essential, who is also a doctor and a homeowner on Rainy Lake. A friend spoke up and told me that we would lose local control. My goodness folks, it seems to me that local control is the reason for the stalemate we seem to have now. By the way, Essentia Health East Region President and Chief Medical Officer Dan Nikcevich assures us that Essentia is ready and able to provide us with the facility we need soon as obstacles are ironed out.
Imagine my joy at reading Mayor (Tim “Chopper”) McBride’s letter to the editor of Oct. 20 in which he recommends open meetings where the public could participate. I, for one, would love to attend such meetings. Let’s show Essentia that we care for the future of our city and area we love and treasure, let’s put the health and well being of our people at top priority. Speak up for Essentia Health — they won’t let us down.
Geo. F. Konecny Sr.
International Falls, MN
