DIANE MUEGGLER, Kennewick

I would like to clarify an issue that I consider to be a simple error in Kadlec Medical Center's promotional material. While it is wonderful that Kadlec has upgraded to the DaVinci unit for certain gynecologic procedures, Dr. Thomas Farney in Hermiston at Good Shepherd Medical Center has been using a DaVinci Robotic Surgical Unit for several months. He has completed extensive training and is using it for general surgery procedures, as are the gynecologic surgeons.

Kadlec states that it is the only hospital in the area to have this technology. Either Kadlec officials are unaware that Good Shepherd has been using it for some time or they don't consider Hermiston to be in the area.

For additional information, contact Good Shepherd in Hermiston.