When I started practice in Florence in 1953, Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital was fairly new. One emergency room was present. I recall seeing some pediatric patients in the business office. It became obvious that more emergency room rooms as well as in-patient rooms were needed.

A sizeable wing was built that had three floors. Guess what? In the winter we had several patient beds in the hallways. This phenomenon repeated itself for, I believe, three more additions. The work could be done, but it was difficult for families and visitors.

They reached their limit at six floors and a seventh for landing emergency aircraft.

ECM needs to be larger with more spacious rooms plus all the work areas.

I can promise that in short order, both Helen Keller and Florence hospitals will be plenty busy. With quality physicians and specialists, there will be no need to send patients anywhere else. We can keep good doctors because this is a fabulous place to work and live along our beloved Tennessee River.

When I started practice, a physician could put his ad in the paper three times at monthly intervals and his name on the door or sign in front of his office could have two-inch letters. Good work is spread by word of mouth.

All these full page ads by the two local hospitals is childish and petty. It's like two little boys arguing over whose daddy is the strongest.

Jim Middleton, MD

Florence