Our hospital is in serious difficulty.
News in the past several weeks includes Medicare deficiencies identified by auditors, financial losses, the sudden departure of the CEO as well as the wish that someone from the outside will solve all our problems.
All of these events speak of desperation.
Management and the commissioners have been well-intentioned but perhaps not up to the task.
A summary of the commission’s mission is to provide excellence in health care, act as a public steward, oversee operations and policy, ensure community access, and ensure transparency and accountability.
The abrupt resignation of management suggests that an earlier change may have been called for.
Both nationally and locally, our medical system is very complex.
It has been battered by COVID, rapid changes in technology and uncertain government funding.
The challenges are huge, and transparency and openness are critical.
It is time for new faces on the board of commissioners.
We need experience, accountability to the voters and community, and most of all those who are forthright and willing to deal with financial reality.
Gerald Stephanz is the candidate I support for Hospital District No. 2, Position 1. He is accessible and straightforward.
His impressive medical background, management experience and sincere commitment to the entire community are well documented.
Please join me in supporting Stephanz. It’s the best way I know to help Olympic Medical Center in this struggle.
Doug Holst
Port Angeles