Praise for first responders
I am a resident of Naples for 32 years. I am flabbergasted on the wonderful job the Naples city police and Collier sheriffs are doing to protect our fellow residents’ lives from hurricane Milton. It’s so wonderful to live in this beautiful community. Our first responders have been working diligently everywhere I go, warning people politely while being so courteous. I’m so thankful to call this my home for the last 30 years My prayers and thanks to our first responders. Please be safe and God bless you all.
Christopher Barcia, Naples
Oppose Lee Health conversion
I am writing to urge a “NO” vote on the proposed acquisition of Lee Health System by a large “not-for-profit” organization. My concerns stem from a troubling personal experience with Atrium Health, which has acquired Wake Forest Health System in North Carolina.In July, a patient I was helping developed acute diverticulitis. Although he received initial treatment, ongoing symptoms remained but he was still prevented from seeing his gastroenterologist until the end of September. In an effort to assist him, I extended his antibiotic prescription and encouraged him to visit the front desk of his doctor’s office, but his appointment remained unchanged. Frustrated, I wrote an order for a CAT scan, but as I was “out of network,” scheduling it was a challenge, leading only to a blood draw with no results provided.By mid-August, recognizing the urgency of the situation, he went to a local ER, presented my CAT scan order, and was finally diagnosed with an intra-abdominal abscess. This led to hospital admission and drainage procedures. He is now awaiting surgical drainage and is considered a high-risk surgical candidate. Had he waited for his appointment in September, the outcome could have been fatal.This experience highlights a concerning reality: In today’s not-for-profit health care systems, financial considerations often take precedence over patient care. We must prioritize responsive and effective health care over corporate interests. Please consider this when voting on the future of Lee Health System.