Last weekend, at the Republican Convention in Raleigh, my wife was struck with appendicitis. I took her to the hospital at 7PM Saturday evening, before noon on Sunday, she had an appendectomy. By Wednesday, she was back at work, with only minor aggravation, so all is well.

During the day on Saturday, I had a growing suspicion of her problem, and with the input of a retired physician friend in attendance, had fairly well diagnosed the condition. I had also inquired of another friend the best hospital in which to take her.

Upon arrival at the hospital, I was shocked, and even wondered if I had reached the right place. This was the hospital of my childhood. The landscaping was nice, but average. Parking was convenient and free. The building was not new. There was no marble. Surely Wake County offered a hospital similar to the ultra-modern local version of Carolina’s Regional Medical Center…

The real shock came in the Emergency Room when we were quickly seen (on a Saturday night in a big city)- by a doctor. A doctor who took time with us and a nurse that was obviously one of the most qualified and experienced I have seen. Granted, the bureaucracy was evident, but the care was exceptional.

Upon admission, the care only improved. The surprise of the weekend came when the surgeon came to her room Sunday morning- and sat down. He spent nearly 20 minutes with us discussing the tests of the previous evening, her medical history, and what to expect during the day- the surgery schedule, potential risks, and likely recovery time. This was followed several hours later with a visit to the room to tell me the details of her surgery, and what to expect in the next few hours. Meanwhile, the nurse came by the room to offer me a bowl of ice cream.

My point being, this hospital was not recommended to me because of the marble- or the lack thereof. It was recommended for the care it gave- because of the people, and their commitment to their clients. I’ve been in enough hospitals to know that the exceptional care given at this one came at far less cost than the adequate but average care given at the marble “non-profit” hospital seemingly around every corner and on every billboard. This hospital could compete in the market place with any, even with the old building and lack of marble and landscaping. In fact, I remarked to a friend this week, that I would be tempted to drive three hours Raleigh to have surgery in that facility.

Instead of Obama-care (or even the current version of medical care), which will provide a lot of taxpayer money to buy marble floors, maybe we should consider competition and the market-place. A private, high-end hotel-like hospital suite is comfortable, but I’d rather have a nurse respond when the button is pushed; I’d rather get home and still be able to afford a night out. That is a health-care choice that I’d like.

A good related article in The New Yorker…