Save Our Hospital: Degrading Our City

With all the money that Lakewood gets, with the pride that Lakewood claims to have in this city, with all the desired growth in our neighborhoods; and, of course, with all the higher taxes, the community should never lose its main touchstone of progress: its full-service hospital!

It is the mark of a caring city, in touch with its people. This decision affects every part of our community, including our all-important school system, since it directly impacts the health and well-being of Lakewood children!

Some decision makers want to force away our hospital, an institution as solid as the dedicated staff which serves it. It is devastating to hear this downsizing proposal: ambulances have to travel three times as far for emergencies, risking lives.

A smaller staff must cope with the same full-sized population which still depends on it for help. Good quality care requiring overnight testing will be virtually eliminated  -- places like the “Gold Coast,” Clifton Blvd, Lakewood High School will especially suffer – and, worst of all, potential residents to our city will think twice before settling here, turning a growing city into a “quaint, backwater village.” In time, we will lose residents.

It is a sad commentary on our leadership. Is this what higher property taxes bring us? This is usually a portent of worse trouble to come, like city cutbacks. We deserve a hospital, not a diminished service center. Now the words, “We can’t do that here,” will be heard much more often!