LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJC Public Hospital District August 2024

Executive Director Jack Estrada gave the semiannual Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC) subsidy report for January-June 2024. Expanded service appointments are available for increased GI services; outpatient physical therapy Monday-Friday; diagnostic imaging, including mammography, MRI, and echocardiography. Interpreter services are available for phone and clinic encounters. Staffing improved with the addition of Lauren Kreiger MD to family medicine and full staffing of reception and lab. PIMC patients are 91% San Juan Island, 5% other SJC islands, and 4% outside SJ county. The Commission approved the half yearly contractual subsidy to PIMC.

PHD Superintendent Nathan Butler’s reported that the financial services transition is complete, with a bimonthly payroll schedule, a timely change given the County’s impending termination of financial services to junior taxing districts. Collaboration between Community Paramedicine and Village Home Care is ongoing, with the loss of a few participating EMS personnel. Talks continue with PIMC for health care housing. In the near term, the PHD is looking at temporary solutions to employee housing. The routine state audit is coming up. Mount Baker Planned Parenthood hopes to stabilize local services soon. EMS call volumes are consistent with past levels. Assistant Chief Bishop conducted multiple trainings. EMS has new intubation equipment. EMS won a national award for its stroke/cardiac care. They have begun to update the capital improvement plan.

The Commissioners passed a resolution for emergency roof repair for the Village at the Harbor of extensive water damage due from heavy rains on August 26. They passed resolutions with 2024 budget amendments for the PHD, Village at Harbor and EMS Services.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization encourages informed participation in government. The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to expand public understanding of public policy and decisions. The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.