Editor

William Wordsworth wrote:

Men are we, and must grieve

When even the Shade

Of that which once was great

Is passed away.

I've thought of these words often since hearing of Swedish Health Services' plans for Ballard Hospital. Basically, all significant impatient services will be closed, resulting in the hospital operating as an outpatient facility. Patients requiring hospitalization would be transferred downtown. Several reasons for implementing this plan have been presented, including a decline in the number of inpatients, a projected population increase of only 1% over the next four years, and a five million dollar/year net operating loss (I know that's hard to believe after looking at your last hospital bill). Probably most significant is what has been described as the prohibitive cost of upgrading the physical plant.

Fifty-two years ago the current Ballard Hospital was created through the efforts of a few dedicated physicians and most importantly, a committed community. Evidently, there was a perceived need at that time. Perhaps that is no longer true.

After thirty-one years I am nearing the end of my career so I have no personal axe to grind. Indeed, there are many fine hospitals in the Seattle area, and maybe that is good enough for most folks. On the other hand, Ballard is a unique and vibrant community and Ballard Hospital has long been an active participant, and in my opinion, a valuable contributor to it.

If the Ballard community has any opinions on this matter, now is the time to voice them.

James L. Ballo, M.D.