Tired of being on a first-name basis

RE "ON sly, workers rate hospital service" (Page A1, June 13). While hospitals such as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center continue to investigate how their patients are being treated, I suggest they consider the appalling practice of doctors, nurses, technicians, receptionists, and virtually everyone else in the hospital calling patients by their first name. Unless the patient is a child, or the patient has asked to be called by his or her first name, this is inappropriate and patronizing . It immediately establishes a power relationship in which the patient is placed in the inferior position. What kind of conversation flows from this setup?

Speaking from many experiences as a patient, in hospitals and medical offices, I can say that it is hard enough to present yourself to the doctor and other clinicians for examination and treatment without having to deal with this disrespect and lack of courtesy. My response to this problem of late has been, "We can go by first names or last names. What do you prefer?"

MAUREEN A. DEVINE
Hingham