Editor,

We need everyone’s support to continue to improve Whidbey General Hospital.

That means we need to understand exactly what Whidbey General means to us.

It means ambulances, EMTs, emergency department — the only one on the island for both Navy and civilians alike — clinics, doctors, nurses, technicians, labs, diagnostic imaging, education programs, birthing center, surgery, cardiac rehab, cancer care, physical therapy, hospice — pretty much all medical care on Whidbey Island is provided by your public hospital district.

When we talk about a bond for a new wing, we must recognize that it is a vital part of this island’s healthcare system.

The bond provides for an updated inpatient wing, as mandated by the federal government because of infection and privacy issues, and surgical center upgrades, both key parts of our medical system.

We can’t look at this bond as something we can do or not do — we have to update these facilities or the hospital loses its viability. If we can’t make these required improvements, we jeopardize the whole system.

WGH is an award-winning facility with award-winning personnel. Let’s keep it that way.

Please vote “yes” on the bond.

Trish Rose

Coupeville

■ Trish Rose is public relations director for Whidbey General Hospital. Rose said she wrote the letter as a citizen, on personal time, on her own computer.