ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 4, 1996 TAG: 9612040009
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-8 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: LETTERS
I AM appalled that the clear wish of Doris McDaniel (Nov. 22 news article, ``Blood recipient opens eyes'') was ignored by her interfering family and a dithering legal system. What is the use of a living will if well-meaning family members can get a compliant judge to countermand it?
There must be a new definition of ``life,'' one which supersedes the medico-legal beating heart and breathing lungs - and dead everything else.
Real life has some vibrancy, awareness, purpose, movement, comfort and happiness. None of these makes up the existence now being suffered by McDaniel with tubes, machines and foreign liquids assaulting her body.
I believe that a group of ethical doctors, lawyers and humanists should define real life to provide a yardstick for the guidance of those who must make such difficult decisions in the future. Then, perhaps, real life will not be confused with living death.
DAVID WRIGHT
ROANOKE
Mountain is about more than money
I HOPE the Roanoke city's Planning Commission will listen to Betty Field concerning the development of Mill Mountain (Nov. 18 news article, ``Woman fights for Mill Mountain to stay the way it is: a mountain'').
She should be on the Mill Mountain Development Committee. She has a love for God's creation of nature's beauty and the preservation of same.
Money seems to be the name of the game. But since the Lord isn't making any more land, please take heed of Field's suggestion.
It's too bad there are not more Betty Fields.
JANIS D. PERDUE
BLACKSBURG
Hospital staff gave tender, loving care
IN FAIRNESS, it's time to hear the other side of the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital controversy - the side of the patient. I recently spent 12 days in Carilion Roanoke Memorial during the "overflow" period when the media implied that patient care was marginal. I received superb care, but that is only part of the story.
Hospitals can no longer have huge empty facilities and underutilized staff. Neither insurance companies nor the patients will pay the cost. It makes good sense to redirect people to Lewis-Gale Hospital when Carilion Roanoke Memorial is full. Are the media implying that Lewis-Gale is substandard? I think not. It's a fine hospital, too.
The Carillion reorganization has hurt the staff and administration alike in many ways. But something positive has come out of this already. In 12 days, I never once heard anyone say, "This isn't my job." In today's world, this is a significant achievement, and puts Carilion well down the road toward patient-oriented care.
My medical problem was unexpected and a real downer. The staff took special pains to see that I maintained a positive outlook. Tender, loving care is alive and well at Carilion Roanoke Memorial. This is the mark of a truly professional staff.
Everyone has hospital stories. But before you say something negative, ask yourself: Did I say ``thank you'' each time a staff member did something for me? Did I do what I was told to do, even if it hurt, without fussing at the staff? If you cannot honestly say yes, then don't blame staff members if you drive them away. Think about it: Good patients naturally receive better care.
The Roanoke Valley is blessed with quality medical facilities that far exceed those in most areas of similar size. I pray that the media will stop tearing down the good things we have here. The Roanoke Times enjoys no local competition. It should take advantage of this by taking the time to get the story right. You owe it to your readers.
SCOTT McDONALD
ROANOKE
LENGTH: Medium: 73 linesby CNB