Both UCLA and Los Robles are excellent hospitals

In response to the letter from Mr. Buckley of Malibu in the Sept. 27 Thousand Oaks Acorn, ("Los Robles better than UCLA hospital in his experience"), we're blessed to have both.

How sad that Mr. Buckley had such a miserable experience at UCLA Medical Center Hospital. How wonderful that he's alive to express his opinions.

In many ways I agree with him. It's a long drive to UCLA. I have made it every Wednesday as both a patient and a volunteer for the last 11 years. Handicapped parking is difficult to procure, but any parking is free if you have a disabled placard. The food and decor leave much to be desired but hopefully this will change with opening of the new medical center in March 2008.

Los Robles, having undergone some miserable growing pains, is a remarkable local facility, one that T.O. can be proud of. In the past two years I've undergone two outpatient surgeries that were flawless and my surgeons excellent.

It's a private facility and answers only to its owners. UCLA, on the other hand, is a public facility and answers to the University of California Regents.

Eleven years ago I suffered fulminant liver failure and was moved from Los Robles to UCLA by my trusted local physician. His choice saved my life as within a week I received a liver transplant.

If you're seriously ill and need the best of diagnostics and follow-up care, then UCLA is the place to be. It's far from glamorous but I've rarely found it unfriendly. It's a teaching hospital and yes, you will see many young doctors who frequently have differing opinions. However, the attending physician who actually directs your care is world class, and as a university employee is continually involved in research.

Transplant patients of any variety are given a UCLA nurse coordinator who can be reached 24 hours a day for life. UCLA has an outstanding resident chaplaincy program so spiritual care is offered and available to all.

Patient issues are addressed promptly by patient relations when all else fails. Suffering in silence helps no one.

Be very thankful that at least for the next year you have a choice as to where you will go for treatment. You could soon be enjoying government health care. Jackie Colleran Thousand Oaks