VA hospital superior

A while ago, I underwent treatment in a private-sector hospital, spending four days in intensive care and then three more weeks in the hospital. Afterward, I remained in the care of a number of private-sector specialists and general practitioners.

Recently, I have been under the care of the Spokane Veterans Affairs hospital. With this comparative insight, I can say that without question the care at the VA hospital is much superior to that which I’ve received in the private sector, where doctors are over-scheduled, constrained by insurance companies and other monetary considerations, and so cannot provide the best care.

The staff and doctors at the VA are more careful, capable, thorough and involved than I’ve generally received from private doctors and clinics. Of course, they have to deal with budget constraints and competition for professional talent, and other factors, just like all hospitals.

In my experience, they are doing it very well and certainly prove that socialized medicine works best. Criticisms of the VA system are unfounded and unfair. The Spokane VA hospital is a community treasure, attending to the heroes who have preserved our freedoms and served us all. The staff deserves our support and gratitude.

Dick Hamilton

Chewelah, Wash.