SEARCHING FOR A SOLUTION

In 2006, a group of concerned Islanders began exploring ways to meet the financial and space challenges of the IIMC. The group formed a tax-exempt organization called the San Juan Community Hospital Committee and, using private funds only, hired consultants to survey the community's needs and desires, and to explore the possibility of creating an expanded medical facility in Friday Harbor.

In 2007, the San Juan County Public Hospital District#1 (SJCPHD#1) Commissioners chose The Health Collaborative Group to undertake an engineering study which reported on the current IIMC building. The consultants found that the IIMC could not be easily or economically upgraded. The recommendation was to investigate alternative sites on which to create a new medical center.

Research into healthcare models that would best suit the Island community was undertaken. It was determined that financial and operational needs might best be met through establishment of a Critical Access Hospital (CAH), a federal designation for certified small rural healthcare providers offering primary care and some outpatient services as well as a highly limited inpatient care. Critical Access Hospitals are eligible for cost-based reimbursement for services to Medicare patients, an important financial consideration for our community.

Developing a relationship with a well-established mainland healthcare provider would offer the Island many advantages. Exploratory discussions were undertaken with UW Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, Providence Health & Services, and PeaceHealth. PeaceHealth's mission, vision, and values seemed to be particularly appropriate for the Island, and SJCPHD#1 Commissioners and the Board of PeaceHealth approved a detailed feasibility study.

The lengthy study involved an analysis of financial, facility, personnel, services, operations, and other aspects of potential long-term relationship leading to development of a new integrated medical center designated as a CAH. Based on the findings of the study, the Boards authorized development of a possible contract specifying the terms of a potential long-term agreement. After many months of discussion, community input, and development, a contract was approved by the Hospital District Board and PeachHealth Board, in March, 2009.

To learn more about the engineering study, click here.

To learn more about the feasibility assessment with PeaceHealth, click here.

To learn more about the Feasibility Assessment Team, click here.

To learn more about Critical Access Hospitals, click here.