You’ve seen the bumper stickers. You’ve read the letters to the editor right here in this newspaper.
The community was asked to weigh in on Parkview’s joining Central Maine Healthcare in late October, and the community responded.
The community told Department of Health and Human Services officials they want Parkview to stay right where it is, open for business, offering the full array of services it currently provides.
Let it be underscored: The community has spoken!
It is not an understatement to say that we were all disappointed — again — by the Times Record editorial last week (“State must reject bid to ‘save’ Parkview,” p. A6, Jan. 30.)
As a faith-based hospital, our approach to medicine and health care is centered around our patients: mind, body and spirit. We truly embrace those three values with each patient.
Parkview is a very special hospital. The folks who work here — from our doctors, to our nurses and staff — all know what a treasure Parkview is. That’s why they work here. That’s why so many of them wrote letters. That is why so many came to testify in October before DHHS on their day off. That is why they are fiercely protective of Parkview. They have worked at other hospitals and they see what passionate care Parkview patients receive. And they value that intimate one-on-one approach.
The editorial printed last week hurt our employees. They are hard-working, caring community members who contribute to stores up and down Maine Street, Pleasant Street, Topsham, Bath, Freeport and Harpswell. Many are or were subscribers to the Times Record.
Yes, we all learned the children’s rhyme, “Sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can never hurt you.” Regrettably, I have to disagree.
We are tired of the negative campaign launched by Mid Coast Hospital and in last week’s editorial, continued by meanspirited individuals who clearly need to visit Parkview Adventist Medical Center to experience what true caring is. It is time to put this struggle, this battle, to rest.
Parkview has a long history of service to the Brunswick community. We are leaders in “holistic medicine.” We have been since 1959, when a group of Seventh day Adventist physicians broke ground here on Maine Street, founding Parkview on the principals of wellness.
We are not asking for Mid Coast Hospital to be shut down. We recognize the value of having two first-class hospitals in this region.
Don’t the people deserve to have a choice when it comes to health care? I think so!
Parkview isn’t going away. It’s staying put right here at 329 Maine St.
Our employees will continue to deliver the high level care that is a hallmark of Parkview Adventist Medical Center.
Parkview is here for life.
Now let’s get this negativity behind us. We have patients to care for!
RANDEE R. REYNOLDS is president of Parkview Adventist Medical Center in Brunswick.
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