Dear Editor,
I read the Great Bend Tribune article of July 5: “HaysMed now sole St. Rose Health Center owner.” My late mother Gloria (Riedl) Marples and her twin-sister Dolores (Riedl) Myers, were both born at the old St. Rose Hospital in Great Bend, way back in the year 1922. A few of their siblings were born there, but a few other siblings were “home births.” My late mom and her twin sister were a “first” in that specific line of the family to be born inside a hospital. Even my late dad Bill Marples was born inside a rural farmhouse near Gretna.
Health care has advanced greatly since they were born. I noticed the article in the Great Bend Tribune said that HaysMed has educational ties to the University of Kansas Health System. That is a positive feature. I had forgotten until I read the recent article that HaysMed was a “co-owner of St. Rose with Centura Health (since) January 1, 2015.” I hope that now as a “sole owner” HaysMed can keep up the high standards of medical care.
Simultaneously, I also pray that patients there will be satisfied with the care they receive. In an ever-changing world: Health Care is vital to an aging demographic. Americas baby boomers (like me) are aging and in need of quality health care. I wish owners and patients of St. Rose Health Center the best for the future.

James A. Marples
Esbon