Hospital helps the community

Since Joan only included Craig’s phone number in her letter and not her own, I am having to respond to her letter about North Valley Hospital’s sign via the newspaper.

In my opinion, comparing North Valley Hospital with anyone other than the fire department is ludicrous, and even that is not a good example because they come to you for service when you place a 911 call.

NVH’s doors are open 24 hours a day, and when entering the hospital through the emergency room, you are not denied treatment due to your ability to pay, even if you already owe the hospital several hundred thousand dollars.

Is there a store in the mall that offers such a service? Last time I was at the mall, I believe I saw a sign on a store requiring that I wore a shirt and shoes or no service. I know other businesses in town that also state that they “reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.”

Throughout my employment at NVH, I have cared for people who have become violent, demanding, rude and/or have been carriers of highly infectious diseases. None of these people were denied care, and all were treated with the same care and compassion as any other patient.

As a nurse, I never know who pays their bills or who does not, but with health care in the United States being a major problem, you can imagine that the majority fall into the later category.

I am sure, Joan, you are aware of this due to your political involvement. For a business that provides such a service to the community to be classified in the same category as the coffee shop or local gas station is ridiculous.

I think it is about time the city showed some appreciation for this facility, and I applaud the Whitefish City Council’s recent decision.

Linda Costain

Whitefish