WHAT KIND OF FACILITY MIGHT BEST SERVE ISLANDERS THROUGH THE NEXT 25 YEARS?

After extensive research and consultations with experts in rural healthcare, the Committee has determined that perhaps the most effective way to meet the challenges of medical care on San Juan Island is to utilize an existing Federal and State of Washington program which enables a rural community to create a clinic/outpatient/inpatient facility certified by the state as a “Critical Access Hospital.”

Federal legislation has authorized states to designate small rural hospitals as Critical Access Hospitals to assure the economic viability of these facilities while maintaining a large city hospital standard of care. Facilities, services, and staffing are limited to meet the communities’ greatest needs at costs the community can afford.

To learn more about Critical Access Hospitals, click here.

For a list of possible services that the hospital could offer, click here.