Dear Editor:

I have read the Register’s reports of the recent DHHS hearings regarding the 24/7 operation of the Urgent Care Center. I attended the morning portion of the hearings and picked up the balance on Channel 7. I have also read Jeff Curtis’ letter to the editor in the 8/21 issue of the Register. The arguments presented by the officials representing Lincoln County Healthcare are all concerned with the cost of keeping the urgent care center in operation beyond business hours. Not one of them bothered to mention concern for healthcare for the individual, which is what I used to think was their reason for being.

Lincoln Health’s attitude seems to be: “Let people of the region go elsewhere for healthcare during the night time hours.” They estimate that an average of only two persons per night would avail themselves of the service during the night hours, making it less than cost effective. Should this be the measure? If only one life were saved as a result of service during the night operation of the center, doesn’t that make it worthwhile?

I am a resident in an Independent Living apartment at St. Andrews Village, which is owned and managed by Lincoln County Healthcare. More than half of these apartments are vacant. Do you suppose that the uncertainty over dependable healthcare in the region has a bearing on this lack of occupancy? If these apartments were fully occupied, wouldn’t the increased revenue help offset some of the cost burden of providing an urgent care center open 24/7?

Daniel P. Jameson

Boothbay Harbor