William Lee Noel: How Duke patients profit

I read the Dec. 2 letter “Profits up, care down” regarding Duke Hospital with amazement. The letter-writer was responding to the news that Duke (and UNC) hospitals had posted record revenues. She concluded that Duke was cutting back on time for the health care providers, resulting in a decline in patient services and satisfaction.

I have volunteered at Duke Hospital for nearly 20 years. I push the book and magazine cart to the patient floors every Monday and am on four or five floors each week and knock on most every door. I wish the writer could accompany me as I make my rounds and speak to patients and loved ones.

We have patients from all over North Carolina and neighboring states and, indeed, from all over the world. They are enthusiastic in their praise for the quality of the care they receive and especially the loving, supportive attention paid them by the caregivers. It surely isn’t the place she described.

I’m pleased that Duke Hospital makes a good profit. Has she ever dealt with institutions that make little or no profit? They don’t provide good training for the employees or loving care for the patients.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 4:47 PM with the headline "William Lee Noel: How Duke patients profit."