Feels honored to have served at Lodi Memorial

I am writing this letter with the utmost of respect for the leadership, medical staff, care providers and support staff of Lodi Memorial Hospital.

I have worked for Lodi Memorial Hospital for the past 10 1/2 years with my final position being vice-president, chief operations officer. My resignation from the facility will allow me to return to the Sacramento area where my family lives as our last child enters into high school.

I wanted to share with you and your readers what I have seen on a day to day basis within the operations of this community-based hospital. Many of you are not aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes and the countless number of people who dedicate their time, their hearts and their souls to ensure quality care in this community.

It is not often that you see care providers as well as the leadership team personally sacrifice to ensure community health and services reach far beyond the hospital walls as is done at Lodi Memorial Hospital. Lodi Memorial Hospital staff is dedicated, compassionate and committed to each patient they serve. I have seen staff hold the hand of a dying patient, and comfort the parents of an ill child. I have seen personnel taking time to sit at the bedside to answer the questions of a confused patient, and I have seen honor, pride and integrity beyond all imagination.

If you ask any employee who works at Lodi Memorial Hospital, they will tell you they work there because they "love the work" they do.

Lodi Memorial Hospital repeatedly has demonstrated its ability to remain in the health care industry as a community-based hospital. The organization's mission to "improve community health, quality and timely health care services while expanding community access to care" is what fundamentally differentials this hospital system above all others.

It has been an honor to serve Lodi Memorial Hospital and this community, and it is with the greatest respect that I submit this letter to you and the community with my sincerest thanks.

Debbie Aspling
Vice-president, chief operations officer
Lodi Memorial Hospital
Lodi