Board needs to take action to keep doctors

Dear editor:

I've just come from a hospital board meeting.

My husband and I, along with many of Dr. Baldridge's patients and supporters, were there to voice our concerns about the non-renewal of the contracts of doctors Baldridge and Jeffrey.

The board very patiently listened to all who wished to speak about the virtues and high professional and personal qualities of these doctors and why they should fight to keep them practicing here in our community.

It soon became clear that the board felt it was not their concern as the conflict was between the four doctors at Trinity Mountain and doctors Baldridge and Jeffrey. What became even clearer is that these four doctors are in effect holding the medical community hostage.

For reasons unknown, the board seems not to want to upset the apple cart even though they have a contract with Trinity Mountain to work together and could set up a meeting between the people involved with a neutral party as arbitrator to try to resolve this disagreement.

The board, however, did announce that Dr. Baldridge was just named Chief of Staff at the hospital. Now what kind of mixed signal does that send. By the way "congratulations" Dr. Baldridge. You'll be great.

Seems to me these four doctors have got a big green monster riding on their shoulders and they feel threatened. They have been here for years and have not achieved anywhere near the status and rapport doctors Baldridge and Jeffrey have with their patients and the community.

So our infamous four are going to flex their muscles and try to get rid of anyone who will stand up to them.

Bet you four doctors never dreamed there would be such a mudslide with you caught in the middle of it when you threw your tantrum.

Lila Appleton