Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

Watch out. It did happen here.

Several years ago I filled out carefully all the documents I was told would direct those in medical care to know how to meet my wishes in case of a medical emergency. I felt secure in the assurance that these legal directives would be followed. Because of several times when my daughter had not been advised that I was hospitalized we also had a special directive that she was to be called by the hospital of any occurrence putting me in their care.

However, I had such an emergency on Seward’s Day and was taken to emergency by our able town crew. It was quickly recognized that with the ball completely out on my hip I needed to be medivaced. A friend coming through recognizing me checked in and I asked him to notify my daughter I was to be medivaced. He left her a text. As she was out, we proceeded with the process preparing Providence Hospital in Anchorage to receive me. A friend was able to accompany me and the small plane took off.

The hospital never called my daughter. When she received the short message my friend had sent she immediately sought information from the hospital. They replied they could not tell her where I was or why. Nothing… She returned with our legal documents and again requested information. She is my soul survivor and has accompanied me on several blue code heart attacks in recent years. Again she was adamantly refused and accused, in her becoming adjective with distress, of being threatening. She took her legal documents to the police who told her it would need to be settled in court. The notary signature also held no weight.

It was almost two days before I was able to call out to her and let her know where I was and why. I had arrived at the hospital in the evening, prepared for surgery first thing in the morning, and another many hours before awaking in recovery. Then I was able to call my frantic daughter who came immediately to Anchorage.

The hospital has apologized to me but not to her. All papers were in proper order but ignored apparently due to fear of government regulations or fines. I feel a warning is needed to my neighbors. The hospital has written new directives they feel will solve the problem. The new directives are much longer, very detailed and contain no notice to consider them as priority. So I fail to see real correction.

Jacquelyn Dozier

To the Editor:

One high spot of voting in Wrangell is the plate of cookies that awaits you as you complete your civic duty. I love cookies, even if I’m not always crazy about elections.

Who pays for them, I asked. I saw no news coverage of people eating cookies in other venues during our recent vote-fest. Is Wrangell unique?  

It turns out that our city/borough pays for cookies given out during local elections. But Sarah Whittlesey-Merritt has personally paid for the cookies for Wrangell’s state/federal elections for many years. I don’t know if Wrangell is unique in providing cookies, but I do know that it’s one of the things that makes this such a great place to live. And vote.

Special thanks to Sarah.

Alice Rooney