This once again brings to mind the folly of locating this new hospital in the west end of St. Catharines, rather than to build it at a more central location, such as near Brock University, or somewhere near Highway 406. Even rebuilding on the old Hotel Dieu site would have been a better option. What happened to "Smart Growth" cities, where building density in the city's core is increased? The devastation in St. Catharines' downtown if the two existing hospitals close down can only be imagined. And at today's price of gas, who wants, or can afford to drive 40 minutes to reach the outskirts of St. Kitts?

This location really makes no sense, and never did in the first place. It is my understanding that the land for the new location was donated. The cost of building the necessary infrastructure which is non-existing for this site will more than negate this freebie.

There is no doubt that the existing hospitals in St. Catharines have gone way beyond their useful life, are old and decrepit and need to be replaced. As have all the hospitals in the region. Yes, we need a new hospital, a new cardiac centre and a cancer treatment centre, as well as more beds for mentally ill patients. And it would be exciting to have a brand new, state-of-the-art hospital for the people of Niagara. But if you ask any person on the street in Niagara, just about anyone would prefer a more central location. Moreover, the majority of the doctors, who will end up working in the new hospital, would agree.

I was a governor on the board of Greater Niagara General Hospital for nine years, the last two years as chair of the board, before amalgamation of the Niagara regional hospitals into the NHS. From that experience, I know that health care and hospitals have a very emotional component to them and that common sense often has to make way for political expediency.

Many other people with a stake in this (as we all do) and who do not agree with the west end location, have spoken out on this subject, but unfortunately to no avail.

The province is committing millions of dollars to building a new hospital for the people of Niagara. Please let's make sure that we spend our scarce health care dollars wisely!

As your columnist Doug Draper said in this paper a few weeks ago: It's not too late to stop this madness and to make sure that our new hospital will be located at a site that serves the best interest of all Niagara residents.

Elisabeth Teunis, Niagara Falls