Editor,

I am a pathologist and have been the medical director of the laboratory at Whidbey General Hospital for 11 years. I have served as chairman of the cancer committee for the last 6 years.

I thoroughly enjoy my association with fine medical staff, support staff and administration of WGH. Pathology is one of many medical specialties which will likely always be served by providers living in larger population centers. For the hospital to attract and retain such specialists, the environment and culture must be vibrant and collaborative.

Although not perfect, WGH is making steady progress in establishing such a culture.

The publicly elected Hospital Board of Commissioners plays a major role in establishing this culture. Commissioners must be chosen wisely and be very supportive of the hospital’s mission and staff. Medical care brings enough trouble and adversity on its own without any need to go looking for more.

I speak out in support of Georgia Gardner and in opposition to Rob Born to serve as commissioner.

The Board needs a cooperative and positive spirit to deal efficiently with the many challenges faced by a small community hospital. It is my considered opinion that Mr. Born would bring a spirit of contention rather than collaboration to the board. This could have dire consequences for the Whidbey community at a critical time in the hospital’s journey.

John Hoyt

Ferndale