Consolidation should be considered

November 5, 2015

Washington, Iowa

To the Editor:

Refer ?Voters deny bond,? 4 Nov. issue [of The Washington Evening Journal]. Voters denied bond to construct a building for the Washington County Public Health.

? ? Can go back for another vote in six months? and ?We will have to go back to the drawing table? are quoted.

In months past I was forced to return to University Hospitals Emergency for a clogged catheter resulting from recent surgery. Public Health had refused to come to my home, and emergency care at the hospital was not available to free this clog. So I ask? What service does Washington County Public Health perform; what is so important they must have a new building? Office in the Courthouse or 1230 South Iowa?

I count 17-plus medical facilities in the Washington city area [list is available at The Journal]. This does not consider eye or dental facilities.

It would seem that consolidation must be considered. That in creating medical facilities the planning was seriously lacking for the future? Medical offices are spread throughout the area that could have been contained in one large hospital. Some counties have the county nurse in the courthouse, with visits to the home when required.

L.D. Oliver