Editor,

I know I’m late for the hospital name debate but only a week ago I became aware of the name change, oddly in a visit to Whidbey General Hospital.

I’m a retired corporate lawyer and English major, so words are important to me.

On first seeing “WhidbeyHealth” I thought, “What?” Is it a health food store? An exercise facility? Certainly not a hospital. It is a hospital. Will the name on the highway say “WhidbeyHealth?”

Many of our best hospitals retain the word hospital in the name, such as Mass General Hospital or John Hopkins Hospital. So, why WhidbeyHealth?

From my working experience, I call it “the new kid on the block syndrome.” The irresistible impulse to make a change and a mark. Sometimes it’s good, often not. There does not appear to be a budget number for the name change. Why add that to the cost? Is there any connection with better medical services?

The new building program and expansion of Whidbey General Hospital is a valuable contribution to medical services on Whidbey Island and should not be overshadowed by a new name.

We are fortunate to have a first-class medical facility on Whidbey Island. Let’s focus on keeping it that way and forget the name game (but sadly, likely too late).

DAVID C. JOHNSON, J.D.

Clinton