To the Editor:

I share the Altamont Enterprise’s dismay over the sudden firing of Dr. Hedy Migden by St. Peter’s Health Care Partners. Dr. Migden’s reputation in Guilderland and the Hilltowns is well established.

My constituents know she is a compassionate and effective doctor who has earned the trust of thousands of patients. Her abrupt dismissal, without any real explanation, left those patients unable to fill badly-needed prescriptions and without access to the right kind of medical attention needed for a broad range of serious ailments.

Many of you have asked, “Why can’t Hedy just start her own practice?”

Sadly, high costs and tons of red tape make that option very difficult for a sole practitioner today. Dr. Migden’s best hope is joining another health-care provider who appreciates her quality care. I will do whatever I can to help Hedy find another opportunity to serve her patients as soon as possible.

As of this writing, St. Peter’s has not made anyone available to me to discuss my concerns. I will push St. Peter’s to stop attacking Dr. Migden’s reputation and act quickly to meet the immediate needs of their distraught patients.

Much more needs to be uncovered about St. Peter’s operations. Other competent doctors let go by St. Peter’s have told me their treatment there was similar to Dr. Migden’s. This apparent move to squeeze out good doctors requires closer scrutiny.

I urge you to contact St. Peter’s Health Care Partners to make your voice heard and contact me if you can shed additional light on these troubling developments.

Mark Grimm

Albany County Legislator

Editor’s note: Mark Grimm represents District 29, Guilderland, in the Albany County Legislature.