Letter to the Editor

Your View

Monday, November 19, 2001

For the past 15 years I have been a member of the board of directors of Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston. These have been very rewarding years for me in terms of understanding the health care system in the United States. Often I am asked questions concerning the quality of care at MDMC and whether or not health care should be sought elsewhere.

I believe that health care at Missouri Delta Medical Center is provided by competent physicians, an experienced and friendly nursing staff, a dedicated administrative group and a host of qualified employees. These individuals are not strangers because many Mississippi County residents fill each of the above categories.

In a time when jobs are the number one priority to our county and city officials, it should be realized that Missouri Delta Medical Center provides approximately $3 million in salaries per year to employees that are residents of Mississippi County. This does not include physicians who are not employees.

As a service to Mississippi County, Missouri Delta Medical Center operates a rural health clinic in Charleston which is a break-even proposition at best, as in many years revenues do not exceed costs. This is a much needed service. Also, MDMC maintains a physical therapy clinic in Charleston which is of the highest quality.

I wholeheartedly support the right of each family to make their own health care decisions. In our country, the opportunity to do just that is the reason we have a quality system.

If loyalties lie with other institutions in Cape, St. Louis or anywhere else, I am in agreement with these decisions. But please keep in mind and fully appreciate the health care, the services and the jobs provided by Missouri Delta Medical Center.

Wayne Corse,

Snow's Corner,

Mississippi County