To the editor:

I have been a nurse at the LMH emergency room off and on since 2009, and I have worked closely with the physicians that make up Lawrence Emergency Medicine Associates. Many of the LEMA doctors have personally taken care of my own family members. I trust them and I respect them. They have homes here. They have kids they are raising here. They attend local churches here. They are “invested” in our community.

LMH ER is a “primary care” for many. LEMA has built relationships with the community and its people. We are a “community” hospital and LEMA is the “head” of that community. Sadly, there will be a mass exodus of good people come October when LEMA is sent packing. This will not just be doctors. Seasoned nurses and other staff will likely head out with them.

I encourage the powers that be to look at the comments posted on the web article by the Lawrence Journal-World. The community is not on board with the loss of LEMA. As a nurse, I am not on board with the loss of LEMA. These are good people, great doctors, valued friends, and they are the heart of our trusted community hospital! LEMA deserves to exist as it is, and they need to remain as the vital entity they are at LMH. I hope you will let the board of trustees know how much they mean to our community.

Amy Gabriel,

Eudora