LETTERS: HOSPITALS BACK DOCTORS' COMPETENCY

To the editor:

On behalf of St. Francis Medical Center, we would like to voice our support for the clinical practices of the physicians serving St. Francis Medical Center. We are distressed to read and hear responses to the surgery center debate focusing on quality. We feel that the investors named by the Southeast Missourian are all high-quality, competent and capable physicians and are proud to have them as members of our medical staff and community.

The issue of additional surgery-center beds is a business matter. While we may have disagreements over need and utilization, we certainly do not feel that quality of care has been or is an issue in this discussion.

We remain as partners together in health-care services to our community.

HARRY E. REDIGER, Chair, Board of Directors

JAMES J. SEXTON, President and CEO

St. Francis Medical Center

Cape Girardeau