For anyone still undecided regarding the hospital vote, I’d like to offer a couple of thoughts. First, a family experience taught me that private rooms are more than a frill. Two years ago, my 94-year-old mother broke her hip.

She was in pain and very confused. By chance, a room was available where she did not need to have a roommate, allowing family members to remain with her around the clock to assist and reassure her and call for help when needed.

The strain on a roommate and hospital staff would have been enormous. We also witnessed the need for infrastructure to more safely move and monitor patients.

Second, the recent disasters in Alabama and Japan serve as a reminder that we need the best local hospital care to be available. We may not have the ability to use hospitals in surrounding counties.

Please join me in voting yes.

Martha Olsen
Coupeville