KOOTENAI HEALTH: What’s the rush?

I read about a potential conversion of our community hospital to a nonprofit in the Coeur d’Alene Press. Therefore, I was looking forward to perusing the White Paper, just published online on Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. I have observed that this attempt to convert the hospital is being rushed without giving the community time to adequately study the White Paper and ask questions in a public forum.

Per the website, questions may only be submitted until Dec. 2 and public comment at the Dec. 8 meeting is limited to five minutes — in total — not per person. And…there is no commitment to answer the questions that have been thoughtfully submitted. This is an insult to our community. This hospital has been a community hospital for more than 60 years. Our neighbors and friends have a right and responsibility to stay informed and educated about their hospital.

WENDY SMITH

Coeur d’Alene