Just wondering if someone would be kind enough to explain the situation of the new hospital to an ex-resident. Is there a need for a new hospital or can upgrades be made to the current one that would meet the needs of the community?
I'll admitt that I'm somewhat shocked and surprised to read that you the current citizens are dealing with some issues (water, roads, hospital) that I assumed would have been managed correctly by now.
Curious, what do you see as the biggest issues facing the city?
It breaks my heart to see that after almost 40 years, the biggest ecomonic advancement might be adding a Lowels. I'm not banging on you the people or even the elected ones, but seriously.
Since the Europeans have figured out that if you maintain a building it can be used for centuries and we haven't, the old hospital has been allowed to decay to the point where it needs to be replaced. I don't have nearly as much of a problem with a new hospital as I do with where it's going to be built. I certainly hope none of you living on the South end of town has a stroke or heart attack where seconds count because it's going to take a lot more of them to get to the new hospital out in the county.
A new hospital should be built where it best serves the health needs of the citizens, not two miles out of town.
I would be asking how close you are to an Ambulance. The EMT's on the ambulance are the ones that will make a difference for someone having a heart attack!
I am so upset with our local hospital. As for them building a new hospital 2 miles north of town I am against it. I voted NO. Here is one example behind my reasoning... this very evening I called the hospital to ask a question. My daughter stepped on a rusty nail I was not sure about tinnitus shots so I needed to know does she need to be brought in for a shot? The answer I received was a RUDE as can be response... of NO you can not talk to a nurse THEY are way too busy to answer a question... then before I could say anything the hospital employee said that she could page a doctor..... she continued on to ask if I had a current doctor... I responded No I currently dont have a doctor.... She cut me off and said well then there was nothing she could do to help. I said to her well I guess I will call a hospital out of town. (I get that they are busy, I understand, worked in hospitals for 8 years. Never have I felt so unwelcomed in community as this one.) I called Wellington Hospital and was treated like a concerned parent. The hospital employee was nice and asked me if I would hold for a few seconds. Actually, in less then 5 , I had a friendly voice talking to me. She asked me a few questions and in less then 2 mins I knew my child was ok. I have lived in Arkansas City for almost 2 years. This is the 2nd time this similar thing has happened to me. I am perfectly ok with them by passing the Arkansas City hospital altogether now. I would rather take my chances on a near by town or a not so near hospital. I am sorry for a long response but I am just really in disbelief as to what has happened yet again.
Zeke, have you seen them using cell phones or just a general question? I am new to this forum,but am enjoying it. I guess the cell phone question would have to be answered by the driver.Don't they usually have 2 people in the ambulance? Sunflower
Cisco Kid, the hospital was remodeled many years ago and the thought was that would do for ever. But they have added a lot services and there are several Doctors that come in from other towns few days in the month. The area is at the park and homes all around it and the parking is very limited. They want to add where they are,but there is no room and it is really a bad spot anymore. There is a helicopter pad,but it is very dangerous with all the power lines and homes around. I have had my Mother there 3 times in the last 3 years and the care was great. She is excited for a new hospital and I am glad also. The employees are really wanting this. The ambulance folks did a test run from the south part of town and it took 3 minutes. This will also bring more business to the north.It may not be Lowes,but we do ok without them. It may also bring in more specialists to stay. And also what A.C. people don't realize that people come from out of town to the hospital that have 20 or more miles to see Dr. not 2. The Drs. we have are really overfull with patients and we are losing one that is moving and there is interest from some new Drs. once the hospital is opened.So that is the reason for the hospital. sunflower
New Hospital is under way. heavy equipment is on the move at the site. Moving dirt and doing what ever they do to start a new building. Looking good. YEH!!!!!!!! sunflower
I know exactly how you feel about the current Arkansas City Hospital. We have lived here 8 years and I have to agree the care at this hospital is something else, and that also includes some of the nursing staff. We do not doctor here once was enough for us!
Ah, come on, this sucked for that particular guy but this can't be the case for every single patient. I would also bet that with the improved resources at the new hospital the Augusta part will no longer be a problem.
