Just a thought. Since Moccasin Bend Hospital must actually move to a new site, because it will be a national park, why not use Hutcheson Hospital since it is already a hospital, instead of building a new one for Moccasin Bend?
I am sure it would cost much less to retrofit Hutcheson instead of building a whole new facility.
Julia Buckner
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While the idea of consolidating Hutcheson Medical Center with the closing facilities on Moccasin Bend may seem a good idea, you will need to explain to me why Tennessee taxpayer dollars will be going to a Georgia facility; how Tennessee Insurance companies will be able to operate in Georgia; and why the city of Chattanooga would wish to get involved with an historically insolvent facility like Hutcheson.
Just because it seems convenient, this needs to be thoroughly thought out.
David Fihn
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Regarding Julia Buckner's idea of utilizing Hutcheson Medical Center as a replacement for Moccasin Bend Mental Hospital, I applaud her for thinking 'outside of the box'.
Sometimes solutions can be found by exploring options not traditionally considered.
To Mr. Fihn, instead of immediately responding negatively with a bunch of 'but what' questions, how about researching your own questions and giving an informed response as to whether this might or might not make sense.
Otherwise, you just present yourself as another person who prefers to disagree with people who are looking for ways to solve problems for all of us, and yes, even if it crosses state lines.
Rick Hartline
Cleveland, Tn.