In response to the editorial by Dolph Tillotson, “World must hear how Galveston’s hurting” (The Daily News, Oct. 26): First, thank you for the coverage you’ve provided on Galveston. I just moved from Galveston in January of this year, and it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve been reading all the news I can on the Web about Hurricane Ike and its effects.
Secondly, I am writing because I’m very concerned about the future of the University of Texas Medical Branch, and especially concerned that the hospital may be reduced to a 200-bed hospital. I believe it’s vital for Galveston that UTMB be brought back.
As you know, the economy of Galveston cannot depend on tourism alone (and casinos certainly are not the answer). The year-round business UTMB generates is crucial to restaurants, hotels/motels, bed-and-breakfasts, apartments, shops, and I would say, even this newspaper.
I don’t think people realize all that UTMB does for the state and how vital of a role it has played. Many think it’s small because it’s located in a relatively small place. But it isn’t small at all. At one time, I know UTMB was second only to UT Austin in number of employees at a UT institution. That is a huge number of people.
UTMB has educated thousands of doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, in its long history. Reducing the size of the hospital will most definitely adversely affect the education abilities of the schools at UTMB.
I believe UTMB is one of only three Level 1 trauma centers in the Houston area. Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States. I think the Houston area needs more than two Level 1 trauma centers.
UTMB plays an important role in providing health care for many in Texas who wouldn’t otherwise have it.
And UTMB is a major research institute and attracts researchers from around the world. The Galveston National Laboratory was just completed and is about to be dedicated Tuesday.
I keep hearing about how costly the damage was that the hospital sustained, but I have read little in the news on all the benefits that UTMB brings to Galveston, to Texas, and beyond. I think the overall benefits it brings outweigh the cost of repairs.
