LETTERS: PERSONNEL MAKE HEALTH CARE GREAT

To the editor:

In March 1991 I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. I have received numerous surgeries, some of which were extremely long and difficult, as my friends and relatives know. I have always been very outspoken about the great quality of care I received, beginning with Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, and St. John's Mercy Medical Center and St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis.

Two weeks ago I needed another fairly minor surgery, and I elected to have this done at the Same-Day Surgery Center at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Some people may think you need nice landscaping, a pretty building and fancy rooms to make a hospital, but I don't believe so. Without the quality of the personnel in those institutions, what good are they?

This is why I would like to let everyone know that all the personnel I came into contact with at St. Francis Medical Center were great. To the staff, and especially the nurses who took care of me, for demonstrating good professionalism, being compassionate and having a friendly attitude, thank you for a job well done.

TERRY HUCKSTEP

Jackson