I am troubled by Dr. Maletz's letter, “Don’t forget patients in hospital’s success,” (Sept 19). Backus Hospital has made a decision to close Crossroad Orthopaedic. They say it is strictly a business decision. As the greedy get greedier, will we see more of these decisions that impact patient care?

I have been a patient of Dr. Maletz for many years and have trusted him with a very complex back surgery. Our history goes back to when he was a naval officer. His staff, especially Physician Assistant Alyson, have helped me tremendously over the years. I am now cast out into trying to find a treater who doesn't know me and might or might not take my insurance.

Thousands are in the same boat as a result of this reckless affiliation decision. Do the decision makers even think about the patients? They wished me good luck and sent me a list of treaters who might take me under the right circumstances. I, for one, would be willing to pay more for continued care by Crossroad Orthopaedic. I wonder if the suits would be willing to take a little less.

And I too believe that patient care was the last thing looked at in this decision. 

Wayne Meyers

Montville