Dear Editor:

The reality of the closing of 105-year-old St. Andrews really hit home yesterday, while I was picking up my father from the hospital. For years, I’ve been comforted by the notion that St. Andrews was there for him.

In a couple of weeks, that option no longer exists.

St. Andrews will discontinue services that do not fall within “walk-in clinic” criteria, and the 10-hour daily operating time.

It is like the evil Mr. Potter from the film, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” won. There were plenty of “George Baileys” in the community who tried desperately to save the hospital for the community … but the powers that be chose to allow a corporation to take control of a beautiful, rural hospital; loot it, and sell it off.

They tell us that the “services” will continue. The quagmire of rules and definitions that we must all wade through to afford a beloved family member proper healthcare is mind boggling. It is not humane, for any of the players.

George Bailey said, when talking about his father to Potter: “People were human beings to him … but to you — a warped, frustrated old man — they’re cattle.” That is how the citizens of this community and the surrounding areas are being treated by the corporations who have taken hold of the assets and services.

In this day and age, you still want to believe that human beings matter over dollars and cents. You want to believe that the good of the community is paramount in people’s actions and agendas.

They will be gunning for Miles Memorial Hospital next. It is already in their five-year plan. 

I still want to believe that in the 11th hour, someone will rush in with Uncle Billy to help George Bailey save the day … that we aren’t just chattel to be dealt and flipped at the whim of nameless corporate pencil pushers.

Now, please join me in a chorus of “Auld Lang Syne” for our old friend, St. Andrews Hospital.

Margaret Connelly
West Boothbay Harbor