Sell St. Mark’s to the V.A.

To the Editor:

We all have read of the windfall that the new owners of St. Mark’s Medical Center are going to make, having bought the hospital at an unreasonably low price. Good for them: right place, right time. That said, now would be the time to make money and also show their sense of community by selling SMMC to the V.A. hospital system.

The V.A. health system could benefit from using SMMC as part of their overall health care system for our wounded and disabled veterans.

Clinics are fine for the most part and closer to our community. A community with thousands of veterans who need V.A. care. Having a hospital of SMMC’s size would offer better care, far easier to get to for most. Otherwise, they have to be taken by ambulances or cars all the way to Temple, or elsewhere in the state. This also causes great hardships on the vets families and caretakers. Let’s face it, most veterans are short of money and can little afford frequent trips to Temple, nor can their families.

The new owners of SMMC could reap a generous profit, the VA could get a good, ready to open hospital. Besides, hotels and motels, as well as other businesses would also benefit. The VA could be open in instead of the months or years that it may take others. The VA’s permitting would be less involved and streamlined in comparison.

Wouldn’t that be wonderful for our heroes? No more days long travel out of town for a doctor’s treatment or service. Think of the beneficial results for all in the community. Big profits, big benefits and hope for our veterans. Lots of new jobs too.

J. Moerbe Nelsonville