Dear Mr. (UCMC Administrator Joe) Howell:

I have great praise and thankfulness for Upstate Carolina Medical Center and the highly skilled, professional and dedicated doctors and staff you have to serve the medical and health needs of citizens of Cherokee County and surrounding areas.

During my recent stay at UCMC (which was my first-ever in South Carolina) I discovered that we DO have quality health care right here in Cherokee County — a true blessing for us all!

From the Emergency Room through the labs, the high-tech up-to-date equipment, skilled medical technicians, professional and well-trained nurses, room attendants, food services, and yes, people like Maxine, who works hard to clean the floors, rooms and baths, it is clearly seen you have a well-organized, competent and cheerful staff and workers who do care for their patients with pride and enjoyment.

I could not ask for better professional medical care, facilities, or doctors than you now have at UCMC, and I commend you and the staff for your wonderful accomplishments and dedication of this organization.

Your chief of staff, Dr. Koser, is an outstanding physician, possessing immense medical knowledge and experience capped by his highly personable and caring treatment of patients.

Please accept this as my letter of commendation to you and your smooth-running and dedicated organization for which I thank God and each member. Please convey this heartfelt gratitude to everyone at UCMC. Most sincerely, Joe Buice Gaffney, S.C.