Hospital’s generosity has earned community’s trust, forgiveness

Published 1:30 am Friday, February 19, 2021

Like all people, citizens and institutions have all made mistakes and poor decisions at one time or another. I would like to respond to a recent letter to the editor, in which the writer responds to an article (“Providence gave special vaccine access to donors, volunteers,” The Herald, Jan. 29)

I do agree that what the hospital did was inappropriate. I do not agree that the apology made to the community “is not enough.” The apology reveals humility, acceptance of wrong doing and a acknowledgment to right the wrong. A sign of growth, with the ambition to live up to its “oath to do no harm.” Consider that Providence is a nonprofit institution, which gives millions of dollars of free medical care every year. They do not turn anyone away whether they can pay or have no insurance.

In 2019 Providence Hospital gave to the Northwest region $62.9 million dollars. $1.3 million to community health, $2.9 for education and research, $2.2 million for subsidized health services, $15.9 free/discount care, and $46.9 million for unpaid cost and other government programs.

Yes, a apology was and is necessary, but in light of their financial commitment and their commitment to care for the most vulnerable in our community as well to the average citizens who need medical care, I for one will trust Providence to do the right thing.

It is said that when someone has a bad experience they will most likely tell somebody, than if they had a good experience. Human nature, we all make mistake, it’s refreshing when people or institutions own it, instead of covering is up.

When I drive across the U.S. 2 trestle in the early mornings and the sun is waking up, Providence Hospital beams like a “city on the hill,” beckoning all who are burdened, heavy laden and in need of medical care.

Sam Shumaker

Snohomish