[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING WESTCARE HEALTH SYSTEM FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND SERVICE TO 
                         WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2008

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to 
all of the employees of WestCare Health System.
  When an unexpected event occurred at a neighboring hospital in 
Western North Carolina, the physicians and staff of WestCare Health 
System, which includes Harris Regional Hospital, recognized the urgency 
of the situation and took action to address a regional health care 
crisis. They made the necessary adjustments to serve both those in need 
of health care, and the professionals responsible for providing vital 
services, such as surgery and emergency care.
  The services and credentialing staff of WestCare worked long hours to 
assist displaced physicians in obtaining the proper clearance needed to 
treat patients and perform surgeries at Harris Regional Hospital. 
Despite the increased patient volume, every member of the staff stepped 
in to do their part to help, ensuring that Harris Regional Hospital 
remained a clean, safe place to receive medical treatment.
  The flexibility that this staff showed through this time is truly 
something to be appreciated and admired. The increased workloads were a 
challenge to both the professional and personal lives of the WestCare 
staff. Projects were put on hold, sleep was lost, and family time 
dwindled. For this, on behalf of the patients that were able to obtain 
care at this facility, who may have otherwise had to do without, I 
would like to say thank you for the sacrifices that you made in order 
to make sure they had the care that they needed.
  I would like to commend and thank all of the staff of WestCare for 
ensuring that every patient that walked through their doors would 
receive the high quality health care that they deserved from staff and 
were treated in a friendly and efficient manner.
  The region has noticed WestCare Health System's efforts. Community 
leaders have recognized the staff's response and dedication. Patients 
have expressed their appreciation through letters to WestCare's CEO 
Mark Leonard. This brand of endurance and care for our neighbors when 
they are in need is not only a characteristic of the WestCare staff, 
but rather of the people of Western North Carolina.
  I am proud to represent an area where I know that we can count on 
those around us to help us in times of trouble. To the staff at 
WestCare, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work and dedication 
to serving those around you in a time of need.

                          ____________________