Community Friends,

My wife and I just recently returned from being out of town and I decided to catch-up on some local news. While pouring over the pages, I noticed several
advertisements and articles about St. Rita's Medical Center bringing
healthcare services to the Bluffton community (as if there is not already a
local provider).

I have started this letter several times and as a matter of full disclosure,
which probably does not need mentioned, I was the former president and chief
administrative officer of Bluffton Hospital and Blanchard Valley Medical
Practices. I retired after serving more than 36 years with the two
organizations.

I am truly disappointed in some local services and programs that appear to be
aligning with an out of town healthcare system simply for donations.

Adding more competing healthcare services to the community where health care
has existed for nearly 110 years does not benefit our community. In fact, it
increases the cost of those services where there is already capacity to serve
those in need.

The dollars spent at Bluffton Hospital, Blanchard Valley Health System and at
the area independent and associated physicians and providers remain in the
communities they serve. Investments are made in technology, expanding
services, improving facilities and ensuring local jobs. I know because I was
personally involved in many of these initiatives.

Area residents have recognized and supported Bluffton Hospital over many
years and value having a patient-centered hospital within our midst. Bluffton
Hospital and BVHS have honored the commitment to the people who live here –
our friends, family and neighbors.

Unfortunately, this may not be the case with services purchased from other
health entities…entities with corporate offices elsewhere. These outside
providers are looking at our community merely as market share.

Personally, I was not privy to the needs research that was conducted by St.
Rita’s prior to making the strategic decision to place a presence in our
town. I am also unaware of any conversations where local residents commented
that Bluffton Hospital is not meeting the current needs of our community.

In saying that, I strongly encourage our area citizens to continue to support
and use the healthcare provider who has served you and the community with
award winning national recognition and elite patient satisfaction...a
facility that has served the community 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
every year since 1908.  And that facility is our own, Bluffton Hospital.

Bill Watkins