Nov ‘07

Dear Sir/Madame,

The proposed closure of St. Lukes in 2009 and the imminent closure of the emergency services, NICU and pediatric wards is a HUGE mistake!

I had the pleasure of assisting women birthing in St. Lukes hospital, San Francisco over the past few years. I was introduced to St. Lukes early in my doula career. One of the first clients had chosen the Women’s Center at St. Lukes for the birth of her second child. The care during her first labor and birth at CPMC, while technically efficient and safe, left her emotionally fearful and unsatisfied. From that experience, she realized that what she wanted was midwifery care and a down-to-earth community facility. She had a wonderful empowering second labor, which she attributed to St. Lukes hospital.

My initial experience to St. Lukes was repeated time and again through many clients, who sought a childbirth experience which matched their values. Homestyle Midwifery and the midwives is a shining example of quality health care centered on women’s and baby’s best interests.

I am a duel citizen of Ireland and the US. San Francisco is not only a much-loved city by its inhabitants; it is also a well-known city internationally. I first decided to live in the Bay Area while traveling through Australia where fellow back-packers raved about the merits of this west coast city. The neighborhoods are by far the most treasured feature.

The current mission district hospital serves a dynamic and eclectic community. St. Lukes was my local hospital for several years while living in Glen Park. I felt at home in the area along with the Mexican immigrants and other Irish nationals. The model of care at St. Lukes is very similar to the public health care system in Ireland I grew up with. I am saddened and shocked by the prospect of denying local health care services to the neighborhood surrounding St. Lukes. This move to disenfranchise the community reflects poorly on a leading city such as San Francisco.

With hope for a better solution,
Germaine Reidy