By Ron Wolfe

My columns on the Medical Malpractice Insurance Crisis continue to draw a substantial response from readers. Let's hear from a reader who took the time to write.

Sun City Center resident D.E. writes: "I strongly disagree with those that want to cap malpractice damages. Until my recent experience in dealing with the medical profession, I may have not taken such a firm and definite stance."

"About a month ago, my 80-year- old father had to be taken to the emergency room at a Hillsborough County hospital and then transferred to another facility where he stayed for one week before being transferred to a rehab center. At each of these medical facilities, I experienced first hand what may very well be the reason for such high costs for medical malpractice insurance. The care at each has been so sloppy and careless that I know my father would not be alive today if I had not been there at his side. Everything from incomplete diagnostic assessments, administration of incorrect drugs, apathy and generally poor attention to detail, leading to the lack of proper medical care."

"To give you one example, my father was admitted to the ER with what we thought was a stroke. I made it clear that he was a diabetic and was on insulin. While my dad lie on a bed, unable to speak, with his face all drawn up, they drew some blood and then asked what I wanted them to do for him. Naturally, I strongly suggested that they take some steps to minimize the damage of the stroke. At this point they had still not taken his blood sugar and they informed me that they were waiting for the lab results. I forced them to take it with a hand instrument. It turns out that he was critically low and on the verge of a coma or possible brain damage."

"The place then came alive as they treated him. Just seconds after the administration of sugar, he came back to life. He was as normal as can be and asking what had happened. More than two hours later, his lab report came back confirming the low blood sugar. I was told in the ER that if we had waited on the lab report my father would have died."

"If my father had died, no amount of money could have made up for all the neglect. If we cap damages, care will not get any better and it may get worse. If they don't care today and provide the lack of care that I experienced, what do you think will happen if they cap damages?"

"Medical care professionals and facilities need to get their act together. Doctors need to be kicked out of the profession when they are careless and ignore protocol. Perhaps a limit should be set to take away a doctors license when they have a certain number of malpractice suits. If the competent doctors would help to clean up their profession, the incidence of malpractice suits would decrease and so would the insurance rates."

"A final word of caution to everyone - do not trust the medical system as it is today. Take an active role and closely monitor your loved ones care. Ask questions and don't let anyone intimidate you or ignore you."

Response to D.E.: "Thanks for contacting me and sharing your experiences. This is the side of the issue that must be told if we are to bring about meaningful reform. To date, the hospital and doctors have had the stage. Shortly, we will be hearing from the legal, insurance and most importantly - the patients and their family members. Because of the keen interest in this topic, I plan to stay with it and to publish some of the response I have received."

The Florida Legislature is in session and hotly engaged in the Tort Reform Battle. The powerful Florida Insurance Council and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers both recognize that Florida is one of the most contentious states when it comes to medical malpractice. In some medical specialties, Florida has the highest malpractice rates in the country.

Send letters to: THE VOICE of SouthShore, P.O. Box 476, Ruskin, FL 33575-0476. Or, e-mail: arjaywolfe@earthlink.net Or, phone: 813-273-8976