Your Viewpoint Letters to the Editor
DMH here to serve this community

By LARRY WEDEKIND CEO, Dickerson Memorial Hospital

As the owner of Dickerson Memorial Hospital, I want to express my appreciation to the people of Jasper County and the surrounding communities for their support for this hospital during of our time of financial challenge. Due to Medicare and Medicaid legislative cut backs last year, all hospitals are experiencing a shortage of cash, which effects employee payroll.

Every effort is being made to ensure that this issue is addressed promptly. The Houston corporate office of Dickerson Memorial Hospital has provided financial support for the seven years it has been open and will continue to stand behind the hospital in the future.

I also want to express my appreciation to the doctors who support the hospital, especially Dr. Dickerson, Dr. Brown, Dr. Gutierrez and Dr. Chun, who have admitted patients to this facility over these many years.

Their commitment and the commitment of our employees to provide excellent patient care are commendable. I also am delighted that Dr. Boyles has joined the Jasper community and is an active member of our Medical Staff. He is a great physician and is very committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality care at the hospital.

This hospital contributes substantially to the tax base of the Jasper area as one of the larger employers. We are proud to contribute to the school system as well as the other tax based organizations.

Our employees and physician staff are here to serve you and invite you to utilize our Emergency facilities when you are in need. We strive hard to treat you in a timely manner without the long waits that you may typically experience at other hospitals.

This hospital is here to serve you and your family with excellent health care.

Letters to editor criteria announced

The Jasper Newsboy would like to publish your thoughts and concerns about issues that are important to you.

All Letters to the Editor should be accompanied with the writer's name and daytime telephone number for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published, but the author's name will be. Under no circumstances will the author's name be withheld.

"Thank You" letters will not be published and will be transferred the the advertising department for an advertisement. All letters are subject to editing for newspaper style and clarity, without changing the meaning of the content. Letters should be limited to 300 words. Letters endorsing or opposing political candidates are considered political advertising and will be forwarded to the advertising department. Deadline for letters is 10 a.m. Monday to be published in the following Wednesday's publication.

Mail letters to: The Jasper Newsboy P.O. Box 1419 Jasper, Texas 75951-1419 or e-mail to: jgalvan@jaspernewsboy.com