Dear Editor:

I lived in Barnwell all my life until 2004 when my family and I relocated. I recently made a trip back to Barnwell and during my travels my youngest daughter, who is 11 years old, began complaining of a sore throat and headache. Once we arrived at my parents' home in Barnwell Dec. 18, it was approximately 1 a.m. so I gave her some over-the-counter medication to hold her over until I could get her to a doctor. As time went on, she developed a fever of 102 degrees and continued to worsen.

I telephoned a local medical practice in Barnwell and spoke with the receptionist and explained to her the situation in regards to my daughter together with the fact we were previous residents and former patients of their office. The receptionist then placed me on hold and when she returned to the phone, she stated to me that she had spoken with someone who is in charge of the "scheduling" and that since we did not live in Barnwell nor did we plan to transfer my daughter's records to their office, that their office could not provide her with medical attention.

I then took my daughter to the Barnwell County Hospital emergency room to seek medical attention. Once at the ER, I explained to them the situation where the local medical practice refused to see my daughter together with their explanation for not doing so.

My daughter was seen and treated and after about four hours of returning to my parents' home, I had to take my daughter back to the ER because I was unable to lower her fever from 102 degrees. Barnwell ER personnel really took great care of my daughter and the CNP, Jennifer Bell, and the nurse on duty in the Fast Track Department really showed great concern in helping my daughter feel better.

I could not have asked for any better service for an "out of town" patient. During our two trips to the ER for medical services, we came in contact with the admissions receptionist, Jennifer Bell, CNP, and the two nurses who also assisted us.

Thank you all for the great medical attention and compassion that you gave to my daughter.

It should not matter whether we had medical insurance or not, however, we are covered in full by U.S. military health insurance. I am appalled that my daughter was actually refused medical attention by a local medical practice.

Sincerely,
Alyson C. Kirkland