Why We Should All Support Outer Cape Health Services

Above, a shot of the garden in June for Alice, a blog reader who stopped by to say hello Sunday afternoon. I wonder if she has had the occasion, over the past 20 summers, to avail herself of the services of Outer Cape Health, as a non-resident? Last week I went in for a flu shot and was again amazed by how the local health center has evolved since our arrival on Cape Cod in 1997. While in the building, I was able to appreciate the level of professionalism and efficiency. Everyone is scurrying around, attending to patients. Waiting time has been considerably diminished. The administrative staff is friendly and zealous. The doctors are excellent. The skilled nurses go about their jobs with smiles. Angelo, the lab technician, is fabulous, hitting the bull's-eye with each prick of his needle. We are fortunate to have such competent medical staff here in Wellfleet, available for both residents and summer visitors alike.

In June, when my granddaughter bumped into the barbecue grill, burning her arm, I called OCHS and was told my son should bring her in immediately. My son and his wife were quite impressed with the care Juliette received. (By the time this photo was taken, she had fully recovered from the accident and was eagerly awaiting dinner at Moby's.)

Doctor Millhofer actually saved Sven's life two years ago with a diagnosis after a blood test, calling on Thanksgiving afternoon to tell me to get Sven to the emergency room and fast.

Outer Cape Health is seeking to add three new services at the Wellfleet location: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), cardiology consultations, and orthopedic consultations, limited to orthopedic issues of the hand, arm, elbow and shoulder. This is most impressive, don't you think? OCHS also operates a new branch in Harwich and recently renovated the Provincetown facility. Finally, Wellfleetians have the convenience of shopping at Outer Cape Pharmacy, tucked into the middle of Doc. Callis's Courtyard, minutes away from Chez Sven.

OCHS began receiving patients in 1966. The building has served us well, but it's time for a new Care Campus. OCHS is busy raising funds for future expansion. If you would like to support our local medical center, consider tickets for the Cypress String Quartet at the Congregational Church three weeks from now, Dec. 7, at 7 pm, with a post-concert reception at Preservation Hall. Or, reserve today for the tribute to Bernard Greenhouse, February 1, 7:30 to 9:30, featuring Yo-Yo Ma. (This benefit concert is almost sold out, so hurry!)

While praising OCHS, I must include another regular blog reader, Attorney Bruce Bierhans, who is President of the Board. Congratulations on all that has been accomplished, on behalf of the Chezsven Blog community.

I cannot say enough good things about Outer Cape Health Services. The medical staff is there in our time of need. We should return the favor. Please consider a donation as 2011 draws to a close.