Dear editor,

For 24 years I had the same doctor and then he retired. It took me four years to find another medical facility that I was happy with and that was Martin’s Point. I finally settled on a Dr. Bartlett, who was excellent. Two years later there was a mass exodus of doctors and assistants from there.

Once again, I had to find a care provider and go through the process of building up confidence and trust in her. Fortunately for me she worked at Martin’s Point. Now I find that they are closing the Windham office. I am so furious. They are leaving 3000 patients in the lurch! Their excuse is that they can’t find another doctor to replace Dr. Nemeroff. I think it goes deeper than that. I think it has to do with the salary they pay their medical help. My health care provider is a wonderful woman and very caring.

It also means that I would have to commute to Martin’s Point in Portland to see my diabetes educator. Does Martin’s Point care at all about the inconvenience they are causing their clients?

People who live in Casco, Naples, Raymond, Baldwin, Standish, Sebago and Windham now must drive into the Portland facility. For me, that would mean 30 miles one way. I take a lot of medication and I’m not as alert as I used to be. And driving in to Portland is very unsettling with all the traffic. I also have severe neuropathy of the legs and feet due to diabetes, which makes it difficult for me to drive. I limit myself to Standish, Windham and Gorham.

I feel abandoned twice. Once by Dr. Bartlett and now by Martin’s Point. I have a lengthy medical history due to diabetes, bipolar disorder, degenerative disc disease and heart problems. Now, I am faced with breaking in another health care provider and it’s discouraging, to say the least.

It seems as if Martin’s Point doesn’t care about their patients. The bottom line is the almighty dollar. They shouldn’t be in the medical business if corporate concerns outweigh the welfare of their patients. I still haven’t made up my mind as to what I am going to do. I’m sure all of their patients at the Windham office are up in arms due to this dilemma. Bottom line: it’s irresponsible and they should be ashamed of themselves.

Alicia Merrifield

Standish