As I read the newspapers and the scathing letters from the public regarding the dismissal of hospital CEO Joe Woodin, I was dismayed at the witch-hunt tone. We Vineyarders love a cause and plunge in to help those we perceive in need; that is one of our community’s many virtues. In this case, we are hearing only one side of the story, and we may be plunging in too soon. I feel it is long past time to hear something in support of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital board of directors. The board consists of 17 intelligent men and women who dedicate many thankless hours without pay to the hospital. I have not always agreed with their decisions, but I have always respected them for the work they do and know that they have never done anything to merit the derisive censure they have recently received.

I have worked at the hospital for 30 years and have witnessed several people let go, for various reasons. Administration has never once released information as to why that person was fired. They kept silent because they are protecting the employee; it is not their job to destroy reputations. It is not my right to demand to know what that person did and expose their humiliation.

Historically it has been the practice to privately and discreetly offer an employee at the CEO level an opportunity to leave gracefully by signing a mutual agreement of resignation. Only Mr. Woodin knows why he chose not to sign. I applaud the board’s integrity for keeping silent during this onslaught of criticism when it would be so much easier and in their best interest to give us reasons, but it wouldn’t be the right thing to do. The decision to terminate Mr. Woodin’s contract must not have been an easy one to make. Yet it has been questioned as to why the board took so long to make it, implying some devious subterfuge, when instead it demonstrates that they explored the alternatives and acted with deliberation and reflection.

Finally, I have heard people saying that what they are reading and hearing must be true because everyone is saying it. Over the years I have heard many stories that we all thought were true, but when you trace the source of the rumors and innuendo the truth is far from the gossip. Remembering the game telephone makes me wonder how this all started and where all the drama, finger-pointing and toxic outrage is coming from. This witch hunt is destructive and divisive to the hospital and our Island community. It is time to move on and celebrate that we still have a hospital and exceptional employees still serving our community.

This is my personal opinion.

Susan Madeiras
Oak Bluffs