To the editor:

I am not one to make my views known in the local paper but this is very important to me.

Recently the Rutherford Hospice and Hospice of the Carolinas merged. I will admit, I am not very knowledgeable about the business aspect of the merger. But one thing I am knowledgeable about is the quality of care patients get during home care and in our hospice.

There have been many negative rumors and assumptions about the merger. These rumors often times come from uninformed people.

I speak from experience. My husband was a hospice patient for about one year and spent his last days at the Hospice House. The care that the staff gave him and me in those last days was absolutely outstanding. It has not changed since then.

I became a volunteer for Hospice shortly after my husband’s death and I can testify to the fact that the care is still the same, if not better, if that’s possible. I wish people would not simply listen to and repeat rumors they hear.

Instead, they should get the facts and get involved to ensure the future of our Hospice care.

~ Elsbeth Luedi, Tryon, N.C.