Restore hospital's fine reputation

Sherman Hospital has been one of the largest employers in our community for more than 120 years. The medical staff at all levels has worked hard to develop and to excel in every department.

The Sherman Board conducted an extensive search for a partnership that would fit our local needs. Nine years ago, they announced that they would join with Advocate Health Care System. Three years ago, Advocate merged with Aurora. The new title is Advocate, Aurora, Sherman, Elgin. A terrible loss of identity.

My guess is that Aurora was responsible for axing the 30-year contract with our highly skilled United Anesthesia Associates group. I say put pride aside, negotiate to a mid-point and recall U.A.A..

I am outraged that in the two short weeks (from community notification of a contract dispute), Sherman has gone from a highly respected to a sub-standard reputation. The ER was put on bypass, paramedics were rerouted, surgeries were canceled and patients' lives were upended.

Sherman lost its highly regarded Level II Trauma status. A new anesthesia group has been secured but "oh whoops" they are not licensed in Illinois and they do not take certain HMOs. We were warned that problems will continue for a year.

Every former and current patient should pay attention to this problem. The effects will be felt by residents and businesses in the entire Fox Valley.

We can insist on restoring excellent health care. We are the consumers. I say take the year to dump Aurora or Advocate Aurora, tell the Sherman board to find a new partner and bring back our highly regarded Sherman Hospital.

Susan McIntyre

Elgin