I spoke at the Tuesday, Feb. 5 public hearing held to review proposals for a long-term lease agreement with Albemarle Hospital. I would like to add a few things that I did not say but do feel are very important.

First, I fully understand the feelings expressed by hospital employees. We as humans like our comfort zone. Employees of the hospital, whether long-term or short-term, are having their comfort zone invaded. We do not like that. What you thought in terms of retirement, a secure job, a pleasant workplace has been invaded and now you feel less pleasant, less secure.

We do know that things are going to change at the hospital. As the writer Thomas Wolfe said, “You can’t go home again.” It is also written that the only thing constant is change.

The county commissioners in Pasquotank have an important decision to make. They must weigh two things and do the best they can do to balance the county’s financial interest to the medical well-being of the people in the area.

Not everyone buys Hondas — some people prefer Fords or some other brand. People have different opinions. I stated that the personal care that my wife and I have received at the Sentara facilities has been very good. I would rate the hospital staff and doctors an eight or nine. In comparison I would give Vidant in Greenville only a two. Let me make one thing very clear, I am not comparing Albemarle hospital staff and doctors to Sentara or Vidant, I am comparing apples and apples.

I sincerely hope there is no hidden agenda on the part of anyone about what system they decide on. I have strong feelings that Sentara is the best choice. I am waiting for someone to give me good reasons to go with someone else.

EARL ROUNTREE
Sunbury