Dear Editor:

It’s time to set the record straight regarding my abrupt departure from the Boothbay Region Health Center. When I sold the practice, I signed a one-year contract with option to renew. I intended to stay with the BRHC indefinitely. When people asked me if I was planning to retire, I told them the truth – no. So I was very surprised when the BRHC elected not to renew the contract. I tried to persuade them to reverse their decision, or at least give me six months to allow for a smooth departure. They wouldn’t agree.

An article about my departure appeared in the Nov. 29 Register, and a letter was sent to patients. Neither mentioned that the BRHC did not renew my contract. In the days following, many people congratulated me on my retirement. I told them the truth – I was leaving because my contract had not been renewed. Some of them were quite upset. I assured them that I’d be at the BRHC until Dec. 31 and made plans to continue their care until then.

Upon returning from a conference at Mid Coast Hospital on Nov. 29, I was informed that I was no longer welcome at the BRHC. I was given no warning whatsoever. The contents of my office were packed into boxes by office staff, locks were changed, and I was escorted from the premises like a criminal. My credit card, bank account and other personal information were left on a table where anyone could access it for several days.

During my last days at the BRHC, I promised several patients that I would take care of certain matters for them. You know who you are. Please accept my heartfelt apologies for my failure to keep my promises. Thank you for your understanding.

Nancy J. Oliphant MD

Boothbay