A scientist is speaking out about an issue that’s affecting a Washington neighborhood that has many up in arms. According to her, a Washington HOA is making it difficult for critically ill children to receive care at a local hospital. Why? They don’t want helicopters noisily landing in their HOA neighborhood.
Maddy (@roombafightclub) says that the Laurelhurst Beach Club HOA in Seattle, Washington is being accused of a horrible act. According to her, Seattle Children’s Hospital now has to go out of their way to get critically ill children to the hospital. The HOA demanded the helicopters en route to the hospital land a mile away from their HOA, making it difficult for children to get fast-acting care. The children are brought in by helicopter a mile away from the hospital and then transferred to an ambulance.
Maddy says “the only reason for this is because the incredibly affluent Laurelhurst neighborhood has lobbied the hospital to give their neighborhood council members spots on decision making boards.” This means that neighborhood members (who aren’t doctors) are now making decisions for the hospital. And they want the helicopters far away from their neighborhood. She says it all boils down to the people deciding they “don’t wanna hear helicopters.”
Because Seattle Children’s Hospital is the “most specialized pediatric care unit in four states,” many children rely on its services. Now, this HOA community gets to make decisions that can put these children at risk. They won’t receive crucial care in the same amount of time. Maddy says to the community, “If you don’t like helicopters saving the lives of infants and children, buy a $3 million house anywhere else.”
Since Maddy’s posting, hundreds of thousands of concerned people have visited her video to share their opinions. The situation, which is alarming to most of them, has commenters up in arms about the HOA’s decision. One commenter questioned, “It’s bad regardless, but a PEDIATRIC hospital??” Another pointed out, “Probably adds $10k to the bill for the ambulance ride too.”
Commenters were especially furious because of the delay of care that children will now receive. One commenter experienced it firsthand. She mentioned, “My daughter was flown to Seattle and transferred via ambulance to the hospital. Definitely wondered why they didn’t have a landing pad with how big the hospital is.” Commenters continue to share their disbelief and outrage, criticizing the neighborhood and hospital for this oversight.
