Dear Editor,
I recently read the Oliver Wyman report cover to cover and wonder if the consultants have ever had to drive in a blinding snowstorm for health care services. The idea of gutting North Country Hospital and requiring the residents of Newport and the Northeast Kingdom to drive 45 miles to St. Johnsbury and even farther for health care services is ludicrous.
It is one thing if we had a robust transportation system but most here must rely on their own transportation or their friends to bring them to and from appointments. This does not take into account emergency services. Why would anyone want to travel in an ambulance 45 miles or more for emergency services when they should be able to receive them at their local hospital? I am sure the consultant does not have to worry about it, but we certainly do up here in rural northern Vermont. How does this save money? To me it is just a cost shift to the residents who may not have the resources.
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Here is a little history for those who may not know. On July 1, 1924, Orleans County Hospital, a 24-bed hospital, opened in Newport allowing physicians and nurses to start caring for ailing community members. This was the only hospital along the Vermont-Quebec border. We have had a robust hospital serving Newport and northern Vermont for just over 100 years and now is not the time to destroy our local health care.
North Country hospital is an economic driver for Newport and the NEK. I certainly do not believe the consultant took this into account. During my tenure as mayor, we promoted the area as a wonderful place to live, play and work. People, when looking to relocate, factor four things into their search criteria: education, health care services, housing and recreational opportunities. Newport and the NEK have continually struggled to grow and destroying our hospital will be just one more nail in the coffin.
I hope the legislature will take a hard look at this before rubber-stamping the consultant’s recommendations. The legislature must make additional reforms to allow for more housing opportunities instead of destroying our local health care and hospital.
Sincerely,
Paul Monette
Former Newport City mayor, 2009-2023
Read the story on VTDigger here: Paul Monette: Don’t gut North Country Hospital.