Jun 18, 2016 2 min read

This is in reply to Chuck Miele’s misguided June 7 letter about the Washington County Health Care Center.

I find it fascinating that discussions about the solvency of the Health Center tend to only arise around the time when contracts are being negotiated. That being said, here are some things which may not have been considered:

• Licensed practical nurses are not the only ones employed by the center. There are registered nurses as well, not to mention the people who work in the laundry room, kitchen, maintenance, restorative and activity departments.

• There are some managers who have assistants. Naturally, they get paid for their services. A licensed practical nurse working 10 years for the Washington County Health Center makes $45,000 a year, not the $50,000 that Miele assumes. They are also responsible for paying to be recertified as required.

• Money is also needed for medical supplies, medications, laundry soap, food and tools. Keeping these things in mind, let us remember that the health center’s employees work hard to provide care for other people’s loved ones. Instead of complaining about costs, how about thanking them for their hard work.

Jennifer Pratt

Washington