FLU: Hospital policy is wrong

This letter is in reference to the editorial about Kootenai Health firing staff if they refuse the flu shot. First of all, when did people working for a health care facility lose their personal rights? The hospital cannot control the patients or visitors. Do they get a flu shot? Staff members are not going to come to work if they have the flu. Visitors and patients will.

I worked for Kootenai Medical Center for 30 years, maybe took 2-3 flu shots, never got the flu. I did, however, have a co-worker who took the flu shot and developed Guillain-Barre. Not only did she almost die, but it destroyed her career!

Statistics do not show the flu shot to be very effective, yet they are destroying seasoned nurses’ careers over it. Getting a flu shot is a personal decision. Kootenai Health is way out of line on this issue. If I had not retired, I would fill a class action suit.

I am appalled over the “Big Brother” abuse of power. I spent most of my career at Kootenai Medical Center; I was an Army nurse and proud of both. I don’t recognize my hospital anymore, and that makes me sad.

DAPHNE GOODSON, RN

Coeur d’Alene