Laughter is the best medicine

On behalf of the staff at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, I want to thank you for your excellent editorial of Jan. 18, "Unless you're dying to get in, expect to wait at the ER." Your message was loud and clear: those with life-threatening illnesses and injuries will be treated first, taking precedent over those with the flu, sore throat or even a broken bone.

You're right when you state, "Doctors and nurses are compelled to treat life-and-death emergencies first. Others must wait." But this is no laughing matter as your editorial cartoon would have the public believe.

Our Emergency Room team is comprised of highly trained, caring individuals who are deeply dedicated to their profession of saving peoples' lives. To have your cartoon suggest that the people who wait to be treated are neglected by the ER staff is an insult to these extraordinary healthcare professionals.

I commend you for helping to educate the public on the appropriate way to utilize Emergency Room services. I am extremely disappointed by the insensitivity of your cartoon. Caring for and improving human life is no laughing matter.
Jim Sherman, President and CEO Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center