The article “Medical Workers Disapprove Removal of Inpatient Services” (Pg.6 of The Pioneer Thursday, May 17, 2012) makes some valid points, yet it has forgotten to mention about outpatient services that still remained in this recent Kaiser. According to Kaiser Permanente, outpatient services are still remained in Kaiser Hayward and Fremont without any changes. This will make sure the needs of getting checked up for children.

However, as an auntie, I could see the problem is not mostly about how often that the parents need to ask for day off from work or how long that they have to sit through traffic before getting the help they need for their children because I believe parents will do everything to protect their children. The most concern is the safety of the child in emergency situation. In some cases, such as exacerbation of asthma, toxicity or heart problem, and so on; the longer it takes the child to the hospital, the more dangerous the child will face.

In addition, looking at this matter in a role of student nurse, I could tell how nurses have protested to object the closure of the pediatric inpatient services. They are caring and compassion for the needs of the communities where they live and work. Moreover, they are advocating for their patients because advocator is one of the roles of nurses. As for these reasons, I support these nurses. Also, it’s not just simply about transferring to different department, getting trained and starting to provide care to patients. Transferring to another different specialty as one nurse has used to could affect the care nurses provide to the patients.

With a lot of money people have paid for insurance, this closure is very unfair for them for not being able to get the help they need in the community where they live. While the theme of healthcare system is patient-centered care and family-centered care, this closure has proven differently!