To the Editor:

Re: Inner Banks Urgent Care Center

Originally from Long Island NY, we relocated to Washington seven years ago and have never regretted the decision; in fact we embrace the new lifestyle.

Over the past seven years I have had several significant health issues that were successfully treated here in North Carolina. The treatments were: removal of a cancerous prostate via robotic surgery; a small cancerous tumor in my left kidney was ablated; and a lifelong battle with arrhythmia was remedied by the ablation of rogue circuitry within my heart’s electrical system. I only mention these items to establish the fact that I’m not a chronic complainer.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate a Primary Care physician that satisfies our needs. Often appointments are not available for days, the doctors are rushed and rarely take the time to fully listen, questions seem to be an imposition and treatment goals are at best vague.

The Inner Banks Urgent Care center is a godsend. Dr. Cook and her staff are kind, understanding, and take the time to listen.

Dr. Cook’s diagnostic skills are extraordinary and their services are always immediately available. We have recommended Dr. Cook and the facility to several friends and each of them was more than happy with the care provided. Their approach to medicine is old school and frankly, it works!

I understand the Inner Banks Urgent Care center staff will be utilized in other facilities. The staff works so well together and their good attitude is totally consistent. In this case the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

If this facility is closed, the available local medical care will take a huge step backward. As we say up north, “if it ain’t broken, don’t try to fix it.” I can’t think of a more appropriate application of this adage. Please reconsider the decision to close the Inner Banks Urgent Care facility.

RICHARD DIDIO

Washington