Templeton psychiatric hospital plan should be smaller or elsewhere

I am a registered nurse with 35 years of experience, including at outpatient facilities. “Proposed psychiatric hospital in Templeton is a beacon of hope,” Feb. 27, is not my style. I do have a “caring, open heart” and worry for all the residents of Templeton, as well as you, if you are here and need help.

In my real-life work experience, we have called 911 many times in an outpatient environment. It is my understanding that the center planned for Templeton includes an assisted-living facility. Guess what? Those patients will need community support, as well.

A former fire official did not bat an eyelash when I suggested that my husband and I should drive each other to the hospital in an emergency since the one ambulance in our town may be in use.

I was told that a house downtown completely burned while the fire department was on a medical call. We have no police department, as well.

You may need to fact check this, Mr. Fulks; that is your job. Please do it.

Build it, but please, build it smaller or build it where — should you, I or anyone need it — emergency responders would be available to come to our aid.

This story was originally published March 13, 2016 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Templeton psychiatric hospital plan should be smaller or elsewhere."