Oconomowoc Enterprise

Patients hope for hospital compromise (letter to the editor)

Oconomowoc Enterprise, July 6, 2006

My husband and I were married in Oconomowoc 66 years ago and have been patients at the Wilkinson Clinic ever since. We have known and been patients of the original doctors, Dr. M.R., Dr. Francis, Dr. John, Dr. Donald and Dr. Phil.

We have had wonderful health care from all the doctors there including the present time. You grow to know and trust people over time. Are we now to turn against them because they belong to Aurora?

Dr. John delivered out four children at Summit Hospital, and when one of our children needed surgery years ago, we had to travel back and fourth to Watertown Hospital. We were all so happy to help build and maintain Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital finally. I was one of the first volunteers, helped with reception, The Gift Box, and chaired fund-raising as a member of the auxiliary board for many years. My family and I have been patients at Memorial many times and have always received excellent care. My husband was at St. Lukes for heart surgery, and I was once a patient at Waukesha Memorial.

As I listen to conversation around town, it seems that some people are against Wilkinson Clinic because it belongs to Aurora. As a patient there, I can see that they need more room, and I am confused. This rift has caused hard feelings and caused people to choose sides. Sad!

Since we laypeople cannot know all the facts, guess all we can do is to pray that a satisfactory compromise will come about soon.

Nancy Rentmeester
Oconomowoc