Heart patient Joe Voisine’s letter of July 29 stated “My doctor didn’t want anything to do with CMMC.”

How appalling that a professional would say such a thing.

Of greater concern, this patient was coerced into a potentially unsafe situation!

I’m glad to know he is recovering well.

The “golden hour” in a medical emergency requires prompt action! Common sense dictates that the nearest facility capable of providing needed care is the logical choice.

You and I, and every patient in Maine, are protected by patients’ rights laws. It is our privilege to have the final say on our health care issues. No doctor can go beyond providing information, options and medical expertise.

In May, my own husband had a cardiac event. After a speedy ambulance ride from Auburn to Lewiston, he got life-saving care. At CMMC’s Heart and Vascular Institute, skilled and caring professionals took control. The outcome was excellent. In fact, he is playing golf as I write this letter.

Mr. Voisine is right – the patient should make his own choice based on the information at hand.

Anne S. Ceplikas, Auburn