If you are thinking of having a knee, hip or shoulder replaced, look no further than our own superb, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Of course, before I made the decision I heard a lot of “Why aren’t you going to Boston to have it done?”

Well, because I was on the committee to raise funds from Islanders to build the hospital, the theory being if we built a better hospital it would attract better doctors and we could stay on-Island for many procedures and have our families close by. Well, it worked ! My excellent surgeon, Dr Kevin Mabie, did an informational seminar about replacement a few weeks before my procedure which was attended by a hearty crowd and gave us a lot of good information. He was a consummate professional and gave me a grand new knee. His nurse, Patty French prepared me mentally and physically for every twist and turn that could occur during the process.

The hospital itself is a magnificent facility (also the finest art gallery on the Island, thank you Monina Von Opel). I was treated to the finest nursing care ever, experienced, kind, competent and all around excellent, thank you Nina, Bea, Ann, Sandy, Chessly and all the many terrific caregivers on the acute care floor. And I can’t forget Peter, the Physical Terrorist (oh, I mean therapist) who arrives at your bed of pain after the surgery and commands you to “Walk !” and walk you do under his watchful and encouraging eye — loved our walks on the fabulous roof garden. So, due to all of your generosity the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has emerged as a world class facility — shedding it’s old reputation as a triage center and into the 21st century well prepared to care for all Islanders for many years to come. Heartfelt thanks to all.

V. Jaime Hamlin
Vineyard Haven